Did you know that in 2019 there were almost a million vessels registered in Florida?
It’s not really surprising when you consider that only Alaska has a longer coastline than Florida, and we boast much better weather down here!
If you’d like to get out on the water, then renting a boat is a great option. The question is: Do you need a license to rent a boat in Florida?
Read on to find out.
Short Answer? Yes and No
Confused? You won’t be for long.
You don’t need a boat license as such when renting a boat in Florida. For many people, however, you will need a Boating Safety Education Identification Card.
This isn’t a license, but rather proof that you have taken an approved Boating Safety Course. It may be a requirement if you want to rent a boat in Florida, and meet the criteria.
Who Needs a Boating Education ID Card?
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, will need a Boating Safety Education ID Card if they want to rent a boat that is 10 horsepower or more. However, as long as at least one member of your party was born before 1988, then you’ll be able to rent a boat without needing a Boating Safety Education ID Card. As long as at least one person on the boat was born before 1988 and is willing to “oversee operations”, you’re good to go without a Boating Safety Card.
If you’re all under 18, however, then you’re out of luck; it’s illegal for anyone to rent a boat to you in Florida.
ONLY a group of people over the age of 18 but without anyone born before 1988 will need a boater safety card to rent a boat.
Are There Exemptions?
You may also not need a Boating Safety Education ID Card if:
- you’re licensed by the US Coast Guard as a master of a vessel
- you’re accompanied by a person who is exempt from the educational requirements, and that person is responsible for the safe operation of the boat
- you’re using the boat on a private lake or pond
- you have proof that you’ve completed an equivalent course in another state
As you can see, there are many exceptions to the rules.
How Do I Get One?
If you do need a Boating Safety Education ID Card to rent a boat, the good news is that they’re not hard to get.
You’ll usually need to complete an approved Boating Safety Course. The courses can cost up to $50, with some offered free of charge. The course should only take a few hours, and there’s no limit to the number of times you can take the final test.
Your card can take up to 90 days to come. But as soon as you’ve passed the course, you can use your printed course completion certificate to rent a boat immediately, even before your card has arrived.
However, there’s another option! We can also help you get a temporary safety certificate immediately when you arrive at 321 Boat! This will temporarily certify you to safely rent a boat in lieu of the traditional Boating Safety Card and can all be taken care of in-house.
Are You Looking to Rent a Boat in Melbourne, FL?
If you’re looking to rent a boat in Melbourne then you’re in the right place.
We have a wide range of boats available to rent, including Center Console boats, Deck boats, Pontoon boats, Prestige boats, and more.
With a photo ID and any necessary safety certification, you’re ready to rent. We’ll walk you through each step of the process. Reserve your boat today!