Carefree Boat Club of Clermont

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)

From Clermont, boat the Clermont Chain of Lakes, starting on Lake Minneola or entering near Lake Louisa. Launch at the Clermont Boat Ramp for Lake Minneola’s broad open water, then follow the marked Palatlakaha Run toward Lake Minnehaha, another of the chain’s larger lakes. The route continues through smaller Lake Susan and the narrower, wetland-lined Crooked River before reaching Lake Louisa and the state park shoreline. The county map warns that the route crosses busy powerboat channels. For Lake Louisa, use Palatlakaha River Park and Boat Ramp; the state park has no public boat ramp.

Source: City of Clermont (clermontfl.gov)

From Clermont, boaters can follow the connected Clermont Chain of Lakes to Waterfront Park, Crooked River Preserve and Palatlakaha River Park. Waterfront Park on Lake Minneola offers a beachfront swim area, picnic space and fishing piers near downtown. Crooked River Preserve protects natural waterfront on Lake Louisa and the Palatlakaha River, drawing visitors for fishing and paddling. Palatlakaha River Park makes a convenient stop along the river with a courtesy dock, fishing pier, nature trail, pavilion and picnic tables.

Source: Lake County Government (cdn.lakecountyfl.gov)