Freedom Boat Club – Englewood Cape Haze

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 Englewood, you can explore Lemon Bay, Stump Pass and Gulf waters, Placida Harbor, and Gasparilla Sound. Lemon Bay is a shallow lagoon behind the barrier beach, making it the protected-water choice. Stump Pass connects Lemon Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway with the open Gulf, but NOAA says its channel changes frequently and requires local knowledge. Follow the Intracoastal through the narrow, shallow Cutoff to Placida Harbor, where small boats can anchor between Little Gasparilla Island and Bird Key, then continue into Gasparilla Sound. Local launch options include Ainger Creek Park and Lemon Bay Sunrise Rotary Park.

Source: NOAA Office of Coast Survey (nauticalcharts.noaa.gov)

From Englewood’s Lemon Bay, boaters head to the Stump Pass sandbar area, Don Pedro Island and Boca Grande. Stump Pass is a popular shallow-water gathering spot, with sandy edges where boats moor or pull ashore. Don Pedro offers a boat-only barrier-island beach for swimming, snorkeling and shelling; its dock and facilities are periodically out of service, so check Florida State Parks before counting on them. Boca Grande suits a boating lunch outing, with marina access to waterfront dining in the island community.

Source: Florida State Parks (floridastateparks.org)