On The Beach Watersports

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 Pompano Beach, you can cruise the inshore Intracoastal Waterway, turn into Lake Santa Barbara, pass through Hillsboro Inlet to the open Atlantic, or continue along the Intracoastal to Fort Lauderdale’s New River. Lake Santa Barbara is a local marina and boatyard area, while Hillsboro Inlet is the gateway between the Intracoastal and ocean. The New River is a scenic urban cruise through downtown Fort Lauderdale, contrasting with the Atlantic’s open water. Boats can launch at Alsdorf Park on NE 14th Street Causeway, where the city provides boat and personal watercraft access beside the Intracoastal.

Source: City of Pompano Beach (parks.pompanobeachfl.gov)

From Pompano Beach, good day-trip choices include Hillsboro Inlet, Shipwreck Park, Fort Lauderdale’s New River waterfront and Whiskey Creek. Hillsboro Inlet is a departure point for fishing trips to Sailfish Alley, while Shipwreck Park draws divers to wrecks and underwater art installations. On the New River, downtown public dockage puts crews within walking distance of Las Olas Boulevard shops and sidewalk cafés. At Whiskey Creek in Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, boaters can beach on a sheltered sandy bottom, picnic and visit the beach.

Source: Visit Lauderdale (visitlauderdale.com)