Barefoot Boat Club

Florida law requires you to be at least 18 to rent a livery vessel other than a human-powered vessel. Florida sets no general minimum age to operate a boat, but a personal watercraft operator must be at least 14.

Under section 327.395, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, operating a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or more must carry the required boating safety credentials. An exemption applies when accompanied by a credentialed or exempt person age 18 or older who is attendant to the operation and responsible for safe operation and violations. The rental operator sets its own booking minimum subject to state law, so confirm it when booking.

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (myfwc.com)

Florida does not issue a boating license, but operators born on or after January 1, 1988, must carry photo ID and a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission boating education card when running a vessel with a motor of 10 horsepower or more. This includes personal watercraft. There is no general minimum age for boats; personal watercraft operators must be at least 14, and no one under 18 may rent any vessel other than a human powered one. Exemptions include Coast Guard licensed masters, private lake or pond operators, operators accompanied aboard by someone 18 or older who holds the card or is exempt and is responsible for the vessel, and nonresidents with proof of a NASBLA-approved out of state course. Any non exempt operator may instead pass an FWC approved temporary certificate exam and carry that certificate with photo ID for 90 days.

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (myfwc.com)

You can boat from Bonita Springs along the Imperial River into Estero Bay, explore the protected estuary at Lovers Key, or head into open Gulf waters. Start on the Imperial River for an inland run; the Lee County facility has two boat ramps plus a paddlecraft launch. Estero Bay is a shallow lagoon where most vessels are smaller, while larger boats use its main channels. The state park ramp at Lovers Key gives direct access to both Estero Bay and the Gulf.

Source: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (floridadep.gov)

Boaters from Bonita Springs can explore Estero Bay at Mound Key, Lovers Key State Park and Dog Beach by New Pass. Mound Key is accessible only by watercraft and offers Calusa shell mounds and an interpretive trail across the island. Lovers Key draws paddlers and boaters to mangrove canals, lagoons and its Gulf beach. Dog Beach gives paddlers an off leash beach stop for crews bringing a dog.

Source: Florida State Parks (floridastateparks.org)