Short answer: if the person driving was born on or after January 1, 1988, they need proof of Florida boater education (a Boating Safety Education ID Card or a Temporary Certificate) plus a photo ID. Born before 1988? Just bring a photo ID. Passengers don’t need anything.

It’s one of the questions we hear most at MiaBoats, so here is the rule in plain English, how to get sorted online in advance, and what to bring on the day.

Florida doesn’t have a “boating license”, but it does have a rule

There is no boating license in Florida in the way there is a driver’s license. Instead, the state requires boater education. Under Florida Statutes s. 327.395, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 who drives a boat with an engine of 10 horsepower or more must carry proof of boater education and a photo ID.

Our Bayliner E18 boats have 115HP engines, so the rule applies to every self-drive rental.

What counts as proof

Any one of these, together with a photo ID:

• Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card. Valid for life.
• Florida Temporary Certificate. You get it by passing a short exam online, and it is valid for 90 days. This is the quickest option for most visitors.
• A boating safety course card from another state, if you live outside Florida.
• A Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
• An International Certificate of Competency (ICC).

How to get a Temporary Certificate

1. Take the online Florida boater test: start the test here.
2. When you pass, you receive your Temporary Certificate. It is valid for 90 days, so it covers your whole trip.
3. Bring a copy to the marina with your photo ID. We recommend having it printed and on your phone.

Do it before your rental day. We have to see proof before departure. Without it, the boat can’t go out, and the booking is canceled with no refund.

Who can drive the boat?

• The driver must be at least 21 years old.
• Only the person who signs the rental agreement, or an equally qualified person, may drive. If someone else in your group will take a turn at the helm, they need their own proof too (if born on or after January 1, 1988).
• The driver must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Passengers can relax and enjoy the ride.

What to bring on the day

• A valid photo ID, plus your boater education proof if it applies to you
• The $500 security deposit, paid on site and refunded if there are no claims or damages
• A fully charged phone and your booking confirmation email
• Towels, and food and drinks in soft coolers

Please arrive 20 minutes early. Before you leave, we go through a safety briefing and the Florida pre-rental checklist with the driver, and give you a map and local tips.

Rather not drive? Book a Captained Tour

On our Captained Tour, an experienced captain drives, so nobody in your group needs boater education. It’s a private 2-hour trip for up to 6 guests, with fuel and ice included.

Frequently asked questions

Do passengers need a boating card?

No. The rule only applies to the person driving the boat.

I’m visiting from another country. What do I need?

If the driver was born on or after January 1, 1988, the easiest option is to take the Temporary Certificate test online before your trip. An International Certificate of Competency is also accepted.

How long is the Temporary Certificate valid?

90 days from the date it is issued.

I was born before 1988. Do I need anything?

Just a valid photo ID. Boating experience is still recommended. If you have never driven a boat, our Captained Tour might be a better fit.

This is a plain-language summary of Florida law as of October 2026, not legal advice. For the official rules, see the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.