Florida Boat Course
All boat operators in Florida who were born on or after January 1st, 1988, must have a Florida Boater Education I.D. Card to operate any motorized watercraft of 10 HP or more.
RENTING A BOAT or JETSKI? Take the Florida Temporary Boating Certificate Test HERE [$9.99].
Approved by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
The ID card is issued by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission upon successful completion of the course, and must be onboard when operating on state waters. Get certified today! If you are renting a boat, get your temporary boating certificate here!
Three steps to become a Licensed Boater
1
Complete Course
State-accredited online course for all ages
2
Pass The Online Exam
Unlimited re-tries
3
Go Boating
Print temporary license and start boating!
About Florida
The sunshine state is by far one of the most beautiful states to enjoy the sunshine, beaches, and lakes. If you are into watersports, then you will find that Florida is a paradise. With over 1,200 miles of coastlines, over 30,000 lakes, and an average temperature of 79° F, it will, sooner than later, tempt you to get on a boat and head to the water.
While we always want to have the best of times while recreating, there are a few things to keep in mind when taking a boat out in the water. First, safety is a number one priority and should be given the importance it deserves. Secondly, basic navigation rules can help you have a more enjoyable trip without endangering property or human lives. Statistical reports show that 70% of boating accidents can be prevented by following good boating practices while operating a boat. These and other topics are covered in our NSBLA approved boating course.
Do you need a boating license in Florida?
Florida legislation requires that all recreational boat operators, born on or after January 1st of 1988, have a Boater Safety Education ID Card, commonly known as a "Florida boating license." Taking a boating safety course should not be a matter of being compliant with the state’s requirements, but it should a demonstration of responsibility and good interest to other boat users.
Are you planning to rent a boat in Florida?
If you are renting a boat, you are required to get a temporary boating certificate. Get your temporary boating certificate here!
Get Two Weeks Free
- Navigate with Ease
- Avoid Shallow Areas
- Find the Best Spots
Frequently Asked Questions
Course
Is it mandatory to complete a boat course in Florida to drive a boat?
If you were born on or after January 1, 1988 and you plan to drive a motorboat with greater than 10 horsepower, you must take an approved boating safety course.
You will also then need to get a safety identification card from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
If you will be renting a boat, you are required to get a temporary boating certificate. Get your temporary boating certificate here!
Are there any age or operator restrictions for driving a boat in Florida?
Persons under age of 14 years are prohibited in operating a personal watercraft on Florida water at any time, regardless whether he/she has a boating safety identification card.
Nobody under age of 18 years is allowed to rent or lease a personal watercraft.
It is also considered illegal for any owner of a personal watercraft to knowingly allow any person under age of 14 years to operate it.
Are senior citizens exempt from obtaining their boater education card?
If they were born before January 1, 1988 then they are not required to take any boat safety course as this only applies to people who were born on or after January 1, 1988.
What is the minimum age to take this course?
No, there is no minimum age to take this course
How long will it take to complete the Florida boater education course?
The course takes a minimum of 3 hours
Do I have to complete the course in one sitting?
No, you can do it over one sitting or as many sittings as you would like
Do I need to be a resident of Florida to take this course?
No, you do not need to be a resident of Florida to take this course
I failed a chapter quiz. Did I fail the Florida boater education course?
No, you did not fail the course and need to try again
What score do I need to pass chapter quizzes?
You need to score 80.00% to pass chapter quizzes
How many questions are there on the exam?
The final exam has 60 questions.
What score do I need to pass the final online exam?
You need to score 80.00% to pass the final online exam
Do you have practice questions before taking the official exam?
There are quizzes at the end of each chapter in the boater education course
Is it an open book exam?
No, it is not an open book exam
Do I have take the course before I write the exam?
Yes, you must pass the course before taking the exam
Do you have a soft copy of the materials so I can review it offline?
No, we do not the materials available offline
Is there a practical exam before I can start driving a boat or I just need the boater's education card?
Yes, you must pass (the course and) the exam before you can drive a boat
Does passing the boater education course give me a foundation to take other boating courses?
Yes, the boater education course provides a foundation for other boating courses
Certification
Is it a boating safety license?
Florida does not have a boating license but must pass boating safety course and be certifified.
How do I get my Florida boater card after completing the course?
You can get your Florida Boater's Education Card online in 3 hours or less.
Once you have taken the online course and official test you can right away print a temporary card and operate immediately.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will mail your permanent card within 4 to 6 weeks.
How do I get my temporary certificate of completion?
You can print your temporary certificate from your dashboard after logging in
What is the proof of online course completion?
Once you pass and pay for the Florida boater course, you will be able to immediately print out the Certificate of Completion. This is your proof of online course completion. You can print the Certificate of Completion right then, and/or request that a PDF be emailed to you.
How long is the validity of my Florida boater education card?
The Florida boater education card is good for your lifetime
Will boaters who have previously taken a boating safety course be required to take another course or test?
No, if you took a boater education course in another state or in Canada, it will be recognized in Florida
Will I ever have to renew my Florida education card?
No, you do not need to renew your boater education card. It is good for life
Does my temporary certificate allow me to operate any boat?
You can use your temporary certificate for [60 days] to operate a personal watercraft, after which you are required to have your Florida boater education card
When do I need a boater education card?
If you were born on or after January 1, 1988 and you plan to drive a motorboat with greater than 10 horsepower, you must take an approved boating safety course.
You will also then need to get a safety identification card from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and must carry it on board while operating.
Do I need proof of competency to operate a non-powered watercraft?
No, you do not need a proof of competency to operate a non-powered watercraft
What is acceptable proof of competency for non-residents?
Your boater education from another state or Canada is proof of competency
Is my boater education card revokable or suspendable?
Yes, your boater education card can be revokable and suspendable if laws are broken
What if I still have not received my boater education card after the expected date of delivery?
Please email [email protected] with your name to follow-up your permanent card.
Will there be a penalty for those who have a Florida boater education card, but do not carry it while boating?
Yes, there is a penalty for not carrying your Florida boater education card while boating
Are you planning to rent a boat?
If you are planning to rent a boat, you are required to complete a temporary boating certificate course. Get your temporary boating certificate here!
Course Accreditation
Is your Florida boater education course approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission?
Yes, our Florida boater education course is approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Is your Florida boater education course approved by NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators)?
Yes, our Florida boater education course is approved by NASBLA
Is the Florida boater card accepted outside of the state?
For visting boaters, all US states, US territories, Canadian provinces, and Canadian territories will recognize boater eduation cards that meet NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) and Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards that meet Transport Canada's requirements
How do I contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission?
The phone # is 850.488.5600 and the mailing address is 620 S Meridian St, , Tallahasssee, Florida 32399
Price & Billing
What does the Florida boater education course cost?
The Florida boater education course costs $29.99
Is it safe to enter my credit card information?
Yes, our website is secure and it is safe to enter your credit card information
What other payment options do you have aside from debit/credit card?
Customers can using debit and credit. We do not accept Bitcoin or other digital currencies at this time
Is there an annual cost for the card?
No, there is no annual cost
How does the automatic time extension feature work?
The Florida boater course is valid for your lifetime from the time of registration and payment
What is your refund policy?
Please email us your issue or concern and we will review on a customer-by-customer basis.
Do you have an affiliate network program?
Yes, we have an affiliate program where we reward referrals. Below is the link for more information and to sign up: https://www.shareasale.com/shareasale.cfm?merchantID=57099
Do you offer referrals or any promotions?
We offer referrals through our affiliate program (https://www.shareasale.com/shareasale.cfm?merchantID=57099). We may do promotions from time to time
Replacement Documents
How do I replace my temporary Florida online course completion document if I lost or damaged it?
You can re-print your temporary card after logging into your account, assuming you passed the course and exam
How do I replace my Florida boater card if I lost or damaged it?
You can request to replace your lost or damaged Florida Boating Safety Education ID card through Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Division of Law enforcement at no cost.
Account
How do I sign up?
Select a course and click the "Sign Up!" button
What if I forget my password?
On the Login screen, click "Lost Password?" and follow the steps
How can I change my user information?
Please email [email protected] or call 1.888.885.8830
If I log out, do I lose my progress?
No, you will not lose your progress
How many times can I log in and out of the course?
You can login as many times as you would like
IT
Can I access the course on my mobile device?
Yes, you can access the course on a mobile phone
Can I do part of the course on desktop and part on mobile?
Yes, you can access the course from a desktop, mobile phone or tablet
What happens if I lose my internet connection while taking the exam?
If you lose your internet connection, it will take you back to the point in the course you were currently at
Will this course run on any web browser?
Yes, the course will run on any web browser
What are the system requirements in order to take the exam online?
You can take the exam on any computer that has an internet connection and a browser
What is required to play the videos in the course?
There are no videos in the course
Moving to Florida
Do I need to pass a boating course when moving to Florida from another state?
Once you have successfully completed your official boating safety course then you can use your card in Florida.
I have a boater card from another state. Will it be accepted in Florida?
Once you have successfully completed your official boating safety course then you can use your license in Florida.
How long can I drive a boat in Florida with my out of state boater card?
No restriction on how long you can drive a boat in Florida with your out of state boater's card.
Where can I get more boating related information for moving to Florida?
You can check Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for more information about boating in Florida.
General
I have a question that is not answered above. What do I do?
If you cannot find the answer to your question, please contact us directly at [email protected] or by phone @ 1.888.885.8830
What are your hours of operation?
Our hours of operation are 9am-midnight EST
Why should I choose BoatTests101.com?
We offer an official online boat course to get your boater card, which is accredited by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Can I help to teach the boater education course?
Please email [email protected]
How can I apply to work at your company?
Please check out our job postings or email [email protected]