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Course Outline

The following are the requirements to carry the Boating Safety Education ID Card in Florida.

  • Vessel operators who are required to have completed a boating education course or exam must carry on board:
    • Their Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card (plastic or electronic) issued by the FWC and...
    • A photographic identification card.
  • These persons are exempt from carrying a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card on board:
    • Operators who have their course completion certificate showing successful completion of an FWC– and NASBLA–approved boating safety course and a photographic identification card. The certificate must give the operator’s first and last names, date of birth, and the date they passed the course. The course completion certificate:
      • Is valid for 90 days from the date the certificate was issued and…
      • Is not a permanent replacement for the Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card.
    • Persons licensed by the USCG as a master of a vessel.
    • Persons operating on a private lake or pond.
    • A non-resident who has in his or her possession proof that he or she has completed a NASBLA–approved boater safety course or equivalency examination from another state.
    • Operators who are accompanied on board by a person who is exempt from the education requirement or by a person who is at least 18 years old, possesses the required identification card, and is attendant to the operation of the vessel and responsible for any violation that occurs.
    • Persons operating a vessel within 90 days after purchase who have a bill of sale on board and available for inspection.
  • Operators who have passed an FWC–approved temporary certification exam must carry the Florida Boater Education Temporary Certificate and a photographic identification card. The temporary certificate:
    • Is valid for 12 months from the date it is issued and...
    • Is non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for the Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card.
    Florida Boating Safety ID Card

    Operators required to have a Boating Safety ID Card must carry it and a photographic identification card on board.

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