Fun is subjective, and it can mean different things to different people. However, the very definition of fun is experiencing something that makes you feel glad or satisfied.
So, why not make this a playful experience? If you are an adult and want to drive a jet ski but don’t know how old to drive a jet ski in Florida, we have something for you.
Florida is a beautiful state to live in, given its beautiful places, which are a sight to behold, not to mention the beautiful ocean and beach with people enjoying the ocean’s waves with their jet skis.
If you have just relocated to Florida or lived there for some time, I am sure you must have considered renting a jet ski to have fun yourself. But have you wondered how old you must be to drive a jet ski in Florida?
The age limit for jet skiing in Florida is 14 years, so anyone above that can legally drive a jet ski. However, everyone needs to follow the rules and regulations and get the required license.
To qualify for this license, all you need is proof of residency, which can be done by anything showing your name and address, like your credit card, voter ID, or passport. You also need proof of having completed a boater education course.
Some places will let you rent without being 16, but it’s always better if you are above 16 because it makes renting easier.
If you are under 18, then your parent or guardian should also be present when renting a vehicle and signing an agreement form with the company.
You must be 18 to rent any boat in Florida if not accompanied by someone over 21 years old who will act as the captain on board while driving.
The Rules Are There for Your Safety
So, regarding how old to drive a jet ski, the legal age is 14, but it’s not as easy as showing up at the beach with your learner’s permit.
All it takes is one glance at an accident report to show the dangers of operating a powerful machine on crowded waterways—and while many of these incidents are caused by intoxicated drivers, there are also accident cases involving pilots who didn’t know how to operate their craft properly.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to learn and prepare before you take control of a PWC. If you’re between 14 and 16 years old, you’ll need to obtain an official Florida boater education ID card before taking a seat behind the wheel.
You can train for this card through in-person or online classes, though only some courses will qualify for full certification; check with your learning provider before signing up.
Most courses include sections on handling dangerous weather conditions and navigating unfamiliar waters safely, both skills that will come in handy if you choose to use your aquatic vehicle as part of a long-distance trip or outdoor adventure.
