USA Coastal Marine

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 Hudson, you can boat through Hudson Creek to Gulf waters, explore Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park or stop at Durney Key. Hudson Creek is the city’s direct outlet to the Gulf, and its entrance channel is marked; Robert J. Strickland Memorial Park provides the county boat launch. Outside the creek, Gulf waters are open, with rocks and shoals along this stretch of coast, so approach carefully. For calmer water, Werner-Boyce has salt marsh, mangrove tunnels and open park waters, plus a canoe and kayak launch. Durney Key is a small-island stop where paddlers swim and snorkel.

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

From Hudson, popular day trips include Durney Key, the Pasco County stilt houses, Anclote Key Preserve State Park and Tarpon Springs on the Anclote River. Durney Key is a small island where boaters gather for a break; the nearby stilt houses offer a distinctive sightseeing loop connected to the area’s fishing history. Anclote Key draws crews for sandy beaches, swimming and snorkeling, while Tarpon Springs offers waterfront sightseeing and dining ashore.

Source: Florida State Parks (floridastateparks.org)