Boat Center

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 Miami, you can spend a day boating on Biscayne Bay, the Intracoastal Waterway, the Miami River, Government Cut or Haulover Inlet. Biscayne Bay is shallow, while the Intracoastal provides a smoother route through it. Miami South Channel connects the bay with the Miami waterfront and branches into the Miami River, an idle speed, no wake waterway. Government Cut and Haulover Inlet provide access to open ocean water. Public launches include Pelican Harbor Marina and Crandon Park; Pelican Harbor serves the Intracoastal and both ocean inlets.

Source: Miami-Dade County (miamidade.gov)

From Miami, boaters commonly head to Flagler Monument Island for a shore stop and walk to the monument; Nixon Sandbar near Key Biscayne for tie-ups and wading; and Haulover Sandbar for another popular gathering spot on the water. Farther into Biscayne National Park, Boca Chita Key draws visitors to its sheltered harbor, ornamental lighthouse and walking trail, while Elliott Key offers marina-side picnic tables, wildlife watching and hiking. These destinations provide a mix of social sandbars and quieter island stops within the Miami boating area.

Source: Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (miamiandbeaches.com)