Who is Responsible for Regulating Boating Laws in Florida?

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Law Enforcement is responsible for regulating and enforcing boating laws in the state.

Florida boating law enforcement

Law enforcement officers of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, county sheriff’s deputies, municipal police officers and all other law enforcement officers have the authority to enforce Florida’s boating laws, perform vessel inspections and order the removal or relocation of any vessels that are causing navigation and/or safety hazards.

Law enforcement officers are authorized to stop any vessel to check for required boating safety equipment and vessel registration in Florida.

Mandatory education for boating infractions and violations

Anyone convicted of two non-criminal boating infractions within the space of 12 months is required to successfully complete a NASBLA or State-approved boating safety course.

Anyone convicted of a criminal boating violation or a non-criminal boating infraction that results in an accident is required to successfully complete both a NASBLA or State-approved safety course and a specific course for violators.

Proof of completion of the NASBLA or State-approved course must be sent to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission within 90 days.

Take Drive a Boat USA’s boating safety course!

Drive a Boat USA offers an approved Florida boating safety course for violators, boaters born on or after Jan. 1 1988, and anyone who would like to learn more about boating regulations and safety measures. Complete our course online to obtain your Boating Safety Education Identification Card!