With over 8,000 miles of shoreline and 7,000 lakes calling the state home, boating in Florida is one of the most enjoyable things you can do. From splashing around in the ocean waves to air boating around the Everglades, the Sunshine State has some of the most stunning waterways you’ll ever see.
Boating in Florida will give you some of the best water, fishing, and views in the world. From the Emerald Coast to the Atlantic Ocean to the abundance of inland lakes and rivers, we’re taking you on a tour around the state to share some of our favorite boating and fishing spots!
How to Start Boating in Florida
In Florida, you’ll need to make sure you’re properly licensed and that your boat is properly registered before you take it out on the water. The State of Florida requires all boaters born on or after January 1st, 1988, to acquire a Florida Boater Education Card to operate a motorized boat legally.
You’ll also have to register your boat with the state. To do so, you’ll need to submit the following information via mail or in person at a Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles office or your local tax office:
- Proof of boat ownership (an executed bill of sale, a builder’s contract, a manufacturer’s statement of origin, a federal marine document, or another document acceptable to the FLHSMV)
- An issued title (required prior to registration)
- The proper registration fee
The Best 6 Spots for Fishing and Boating in Florida
Where should you boat? Here are our six favorite spots for boating in Florida.
1. Florida State Parks
Florida has 174 award-winning state parks, historic sites, and state trails for outdoor enthusiasts to check out. These beautiful parks are there for you to use… So get out there and enjoy them! Go for a hike, drop a fishing line, or head out on a kayak trip. Or just kick back on a white sand beach and relax in the sun.
Before heading out with your boat and trailer in tow, find out which Florida’s State Parks are equipped with boat launch ramps. Oh, and if you’re an angler, several of Florida’s State Parks offer great fishing opportunities. Don’t forget to pack your fishing gear!
2. Lake Okeechobee
Lake Okeechobee, ‘Florida’s inland sea,’ is the second-largest freshwater lake entirely within the USA. It is contained by the Herbert Hoover Dike, which was built in 1928.
The lake is part of a 150-mile boating passageway called the Okeechobee Waterway, which runs through the middle of the state and is known for its boating and watersports. Check out our guide to boating on Lake Okeechobee!
3. Citrus County
Nestled on the central west coast of Florida, Citrus County is a great place to visit for a fresh or saltwater adventure! With two coastal cities on the Gulf of Mexico, three freshwater springs, and a 19,000-acre chain of inland lakes, this gem is an angler’s paradise.
Plan an offshore day catching cobia, amberjack, gag grouper, and red grouper, or an inland day hunting catfish, stump knockers, and bluegill. You can even get a great combination of fresh and saltwater species by fishing in one of the well-known rivers — Chassahowitzka, Halls, Crystal, or Homosassa. Citrus County is also home to two of only a handful of places in Florida that allow the recreational harvest of scallops! Yum!
Great fishing is not the only thing you’ll find in Citrus County. The freshwater springs offer an amazing snorkeling experience, and paddlers will love exploring Orzello and Kings Bay.
If you’re looking for variety in your next adventure, Citrus County, Florida, just might be for you!
4. St. Johns River
St. Johns is one of the few north-flowing rivers in North America, running from the wetlands near Vero Beach to its mouth at Mayport. The river has a very slow current with a total drop of around 30 feet making it idyllic for boaters.
St Johns offers an excellent opportunity for river cruising with three different sections.
First, there is the five-mile trip past Mayport (which offers a huge amount of maritime history). Second is the lower St Johns (often busier with commercial and fishing traffic). Third is the Jacksonville end channel (which offers a beautiful riverfront and Riverwalk).
5. St. Augustine
If nautical history is your pleasure, look no further than St. Augustine.
This boater’s paradise is full of rich history, culture, and adventure. Take one of the many historic sightseeing boat tours, book a fishing charter, or even a marine life eco-adventure.
There is something for everyone in this charming Atlantic Coast location.
As America’s oldest city and the first seaport, boating in St. Augustine feels like going back in time with its many historic buildings, bridges, and waterways. When thinking about boating in Florida, this is one trip we definitely think you should put on the list!
6. The Florida Everglades
People come from afar to take in the “glades” by airboat and discover a new world of reptiles. From American alligators to birds and plant life, marine life is absolutely everywhere in the Everglades. Your Fort Lauderdale airboat rides will introduce you to many native creatures who call the Florida Everglades home.
The Everglades National Park is a one-of-a-kind wetland ecosystem in southern Florida. Over thousands of years, it was formed from the overflow of heavy rainfall into Lake Okeechobee. The Everglades extend southwest from Lake Okeechobee to the Florida Bay and Gulf of Mexico shores. Its 5,000 square miles of slow-flowing water support grasslands, including prairies of sawgrass. They rise 3 to 10 feet above the surface of the water. The Everglades are known as the “River of Grass” and are classified as one of the largest rivers in the world.
Stay Safe and Enjoy Boating in Florida
As the USA’s fishing capital, it is no surprise that there are hundreds of great boating and fishing locations across the state. Boating in Florida is a real treat for locals and visitors alike. Next time you plan to visit the Sunshine State, add one of our top five locations to your itinerary. Whether you’re heading to the Gulf Coast, the Atlantic Coast, or somewhere in between, boating in Florida truly does offer something for everyone!
Are you ready to start boating in Florida? Prepare to head out on the water by signing up for an engaging, entertaining boating education course through BOATsmart!
This post was originally published in November 2018. Content most recently updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness August 22, 2024.
