The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office encourages all ages to know and understand current boating regulations. Regulations are updated and subject to change every year. To see this updated information, please visit: https://myfwc.com/boating/regulations/
There is no minimum age to operate a boat. However the personal watercraft regulations and boating safety requirements below are age specific and would apply.
The following is a summary of Florida’s boating laws, found in Ch. 327 and Ch. 328, Florida Statutes. This information is included in all certified boating safety courses taught in Florida.
Note: This information is accurate as of February 2022 and is subject to change in May of each year. Please call the FWC’s Boating Safety Section at 850-488-5600 for annual updates to this information or questions regarding boating safety course requirements.
