Traveling to Florida? Here’s What You Need to Know About Boating Requirements

If you’re planning a trip to Florida any time in the future, then we’re excited to host you! Our state has some of the most beautiful scenery and activities in America, including theme parks, botanical gardens, spring baseball and sandy beaches. Our beaches and our waterways are actually among of our most prized features, so it naturally follows that a lot of visitors to the Sunshine State want to look into renting a boat.

This is a very popular option, and it’s never been easier to do so, but if you’re in the market for a boat rental in Venice, FL, there are some laws that you’ll want to understand before you come down to visit us. The team from Cool Breeze Boats and Jet Ski Rentals is happy to give you some pointers below.

When you were born affects your boating license

If you travel to Florida and are in the market for a boat rental, one thing you need to keep in mind is that boat rentals in Venice, FL can be affected by when you were born. Florida regulations state that if you were born on or after January 1, 1988, then you need to complete an approved boating safety course. Passing this course means you’ll receive a Boating Safety Education Identification Card, which entitles you to operate a boat of 10 horsepower or more.

This is our equivalent of a “boating license,” which the state does not actually offer, and customers will be pleased to learn that it’s a lifetime certification, so the next time you come down to see us, your certification will be waiting for you!

Exceptions to the identification card requirements

The requirements listed above do have some exceptions to them, so it’s good to read up on requirements for boat rentals in Venice, FL before visiting with the intent of operating a boat—as a matter of fact, you might not even need to take the course after all!

If you’re licensed by the Coast Guard as a master of a vessel, you do not need to take the aforementioned course, and the same goes if you’re planning to boat on a private pond or lake. You also don’t need one if you’re a non-resident and have completed a similar course in your home state, but be careful, because you need to be able to produce proof of this fact. There are other exceptions to consider that can be found on the state website, but this gives you an idea that they indeed exist.

Temporary solutions exist

If you’re at least 26 years of age and are visiting but are not exempt from safety requirements, some vendors can give you a temporary certificate to rent a boat. It is not a replacement for the Identification Card, but it can ensure that you can still rent.

If you want to enjoy a boat rental in Venice, FL there are a lot of ways to make sure you’ve satisfied the proper regulations. The best way is to get in touch with Cool Breeze Boats and Jet Ski Rentals anytime—our team knows these rules and can walk you through precisely what you need to know to get out on the water and start having fun.

Categorised in: Boat Rental

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