Do you have the right safety equipment on board your vessel? Florida has requirements for the equipment you need on your boat, based on the vessel’s size and other factors. 

Not only is this equipment a requirement before hitting the water, but having it could save a life! So, keep reading to learn about the boat safety equipment you need before hitting Florida’s waterways.

Graphic highlighting Florida boat safety.

Laws regarding boat safety equipment requirements vary depending on the size of the boat or motorized vessel you operating. So, before hitting the water on a boat or personal watercraft (PWC), make sure you understand the safety equipment you should have on board. 

What Are the Minimum Florida Boat Safety Equipment Requirements?

 
In Florida, the following boat safety equipment is required on all Class A recreational boats less than 16 feet in length, canoes, and kayaks:

  • One U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)-approved Type I, II, or III Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each person on board or being towed on water skis, etc.
  • Fire extinguisher (or multiple extinguishers) of the appropriate size and type for your boat
  • A sound-producing device (horn, bell, or whistle)
  • Visual Distress Signals (when on high sea and coastal waters)
  • Boat lighting equipment
  • Backfire flame control
  • A Ventilation system 

Note that equipment requirements vary depending on the size of your boat. Requirements can also change depending on where you enjoy the vessel on the water and when it was manufactured.

For more information on specific equipment requirements in Florida, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website. 

A boater holds up a throwable personal flotation device, boat safety equipment concept.

Have Fun and Learn About Florida Boat Safety

Knowing the boat safety equipment you should have on board is only part of understanding how to stay safe and avoid accidents on the water. 

Before you head out on your vessel, make sure you’ve taken a boating education course. BOATsmart! makes it easy to do that with our fun and interactive online course specifically for Florida boaters. All boaters in Florida must pass a state-approved safety course and have a boating card (or license). With BOATsmart!, it’s easy to learn, take your exam, and get your card!

Then, hit the water, knowing how to have a safe and enjoyable time. 

First published in February 2019. Content most recently reviewed and updated for accuracy and relevancy October 29, 2024. 

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