Destin Yacht Broker – Chris Sailors

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 Destin, you can cruise Destin Harbor and Old Pass Lagoon, Crab Island, Choctawhatchee Bay, East Pass into Gulf waters, or the Intracoastal route through The Narrows to Santa Rosa Sound. The harbor and lagoon offer marina access and anchorage; Crab Island is a submerged sandbar gathering spot; and the bay offers broader water. East Pass is marked, but the channel changes and shoals rapidly, and NOAA advises against passage in rough weather. The Narrows and sound include dredged Intracoastal channel sections. Public launch choices include Joe’s Bayou in Destin and Ross Marler Park on Okaloosa Island.

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

Common day trips from Destin include Crab Island, Norriego Point, Spectre Island and the Okaloosa Area of Gulf Islands National Seashore. Crab Island is a submerged sandbar in Choctawhatchee Bay where boaters gather in shallow water. Norriego Point draws families to protected tide pools for swimming and snorkeling beside East Pass. Spectre Island in Santa Rosa Sound offers a quieter stop for anchoring, swimming and fishing. The Okaloosa Area provides a bayfront outing with beach access, picnic facilities and opportunities to see native wildlife.

Source: Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism (nps.gov)