The State of Florida doesn't have classic “boating licenses,” but offers Boating Safety Education Identification Cards. These are absolutely mandatory for anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 who wants to rent a boat of 10 horsepower or more.
To rent a boat in Florida, you need to complete an approved Boating Safety Course. The FWC website links to approved courses for this. If you were born before January 1, 1988 you are exempt from needing this certificate.
To rent a boat in Florida, you need to complete an approved Boating Safety Course. The FWC website links to approved courses for this. If you were born before January 1, 1988 you are exempt from needing this certificate.
To boat recreationally in Florida, all you need is a simple safe boater's course. If you want to take on paying customers, however, the U.S. Coast Guard requires you to have an official captain's license.
Comparison of State Boating Certificate Requirements Florida: Individuals born on or after January 1, 1988, must complete an approved boater safety course accredited by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) or possess a valid captain's license.
In some cases, you can also operate a boat under the supervision of a qualified person, and you won't need a license, either. However, the safest thing you can do to make sure you can rent a boat when you want to is get your Boating Safety Education Identification Card.
But unlike many boating questions, this one has a refreshingly straightforward answer: It's not about size. The U.S. Coast Guard doesn't require a captain's license based on the size of the boat, but based on what the boat is used for.
Virtually all commercial ships have captains who are credentialed by their nation's maritime agencies.
No, you are no required to hire a captain if the vessel is registered as a pleasure craft. That said after about 40 feet you will most Likely need crew to safely run it.