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Boating safety resources

A starting point for staying safe and legal on Florida waters. This page lists the official boating safety organizations that cover Florida, what each one does, and where to begin with the boater education requirement.

Boat care & safety videos

Official organizations

Boating safety organizations covering Florida

These are the official, authoritative organizations for boating safety and boater education in Florida. Each link goes to the organization's own website.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary The volunteer arm of the U.S. Coast Guard. It teaches boating safety courses, offers free vessel safety checks, and its 7th District covers South Florida. Visit site America's Boating Club Formerly the United States Power Squadrons, a national nonprofit boating education organization with squadrons across Florida. It offers the boating safety course and free vessel safety checks. Visit site Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) The state agency that enforces Florida boating safety laws and administers the mandatory boater education requirement. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 must complete an approved course to operate a vessel in Florida. Visit site BoatUS Foundation A nonprofit offering a free online boating safety course that is accepted by Florida for the boater education requirement. Visit site National Safe Boating Council The nonprofit behind National Safe Boating Week and life jacket awareness campaigns. Visit site

Getting started

Where to start

Different organizations handle different parts of boating safety. Here is how to pick the right one for what you need.

The legal requirement

For the mandatory boater education requirement, go to the FWC. It administers the rule that anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 must complete an approved course to operate a vessel in Florida.

Local classes and checks

For in-person classes and free vessel safety checks near you, contact the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or America's Boating Club. Both have local presence across Florida.

The free online option

For a free course you can take online, the BoatUS Foundation offers a boating safety course accepted by Florida for the boater education requirement.

Conditions and requirements can change. Before you plan a course or a check, confirm the current offerings and rules directly with the official organizations listed on this page.

Call (561) 299-1323