Paddle Pub Party Boat Daytona Beach

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 Daytona Beach, most rental trips begin on the Halifax River section of the Intracoastal Waterway, with easy launching at Halifax Harbor Marina’s public ramp. Follow Halifax River for protected inland cruising, or use Tomoka State Park’s ramp to explore the Tomoka River and its tributaries; the river is generally suited to beginners, though Tomoka Basin can become choppy.

Continuing along Halifax River reaches Ponce de Leon Cut and Ponce de Leon Inlet, where strong currents and the jettied entrance require caution before entering open Atlantic water. From inside the inlet, Indian River North offers a marked Intracoastal continuation.

Source: City of Daytona Beach (daytonabeach.gov)

Boaters from Daytona Beach can make day trips along the Halifax River and Intracoastal Waterway to Disappearing Island, New Smyrna Beach City Marina and Cassen Park in Ormond Beach. Disappearing Island is a tidal sandbar near Ponce de Leon Inlet used for picnicking and sunbathing when exposed at low tide. New Smyrna Beach City Marina welcomes transient boats near Canal Street’s dining, shopping, arts and historic sites. Cassen Park offers Halifax River docks, a fishing pier, bait shop and picnic area.

Source: Volusia County Government (volusia.org)