Yachtmann.com – Richard Fachtmann

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 Orlando, choose the Butler Chain or Conway Chain for freshwater boating, or head to Mosquito Lagoon for a coastal day. R.D. Keene Park launches onto Lake Isleworth in the Butler Chain, where lake basins connect through marked slow speed and minimum wake canals. Fern Creek and Randolph ramps enter Little Lake Conway; the water immediately by each launch is a no wake zone, with slow speed sections in connecting channels.

At Canaveral National Seashore, Apollo Beach Boat Ramp reaches Mosquito Lagoon, part of the Indian River Lagoon system, with open water, shallow seagrass flats and a maze of mangrove islands.

Source: Orange County Government (ocfl.net)

Orlando-area boating day trips include Makinson Island on Lake Tohopekaliga, Wekiwa Springs on the Wekiva River, the Dora Canal and Mount Dora’s Lake Dora waterfront. Makinson Island is accessible only by boat and offers a hiking trail, campsites and a restroom. Wekiwa Springs is a natural stop for paddling the Wekiva River or Rock Springs Run and swimming in the spring. The Dora Canal links Lake Dora and Lake Eustis beneath cypress and Spanish moss, while Mount Dora’s waterfront adds views of historic buildings and its distinctive lighthouse.

Source: Osceola County Parks (osceola.org)