BoylenPoint Contender Dealer

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 St. Pete Beach, you can cruise Boca Ciega Bay, use Blind Pass or Pass-a-Grille Channel, visit Shell Key Preserve, or head into open Gulf waters. Boca Ciega Bay is the inside-water choice, while Blind Pass is shallow and used by local fishing boats and other small craft. Pass-a-Grille Channel is a marked route that connects with the Intracoastal Waterway and a channel across the bar to the Gulf. Shell Key offers boating around an undeveloped barrier island, mangrove islands and expansive seagrass beds. Local put-ins include the Egan Park and Don CeSar boat ramps.

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

Boaters from St Pete Beach head to Shell Key Preserve, Egmont Key State Park and John’s Pass Village. Shell Key draws beach stops and shell seekers to an unspoiled barrier island. Egmont Key offers swimming and snorkeling around a wildlife refuge, plus the remains of Fort Dade. John’s Pass in Madeira Beach is a good shore break, with waterfront restaurants, shops and a boardwalk beside the pass. Boat trips leaving St Pete Beach include island outings to both Shell Key and Egmont Key.

Source: Visit St. Pete-Clearwater (visitstpeteclearwater.com)