Florida young-uns now need certification to play on the water. All boaters born on or after January 1, 1988 must pass a boaters education course to operate a boat.
The rule went into effect on January 1st, and covers anyone in this age bracket operating a power boat of 10-hp or more.
Here’s a list of approved boating safety courses.
The map says it all. Look at all that coastline. Look at how close it is to the Bahamas. Having grown up in Florida, I have the biased opinion that it’s the greatest state in the Union. At the very least, it’s the boating capital of the universe. Don’t believe me? Read this article pointing out how Florida boaters spend $8.5 Billion annually to pursue their passion. That’s right, billion. That’s more than the entire GDP of some sovereign nations. (Some really small sovereign nations, but the point still stands.)
