Florida Sailing Laws

Knowing the laws where you are sailing helps avoid dangerous situations.

Sailing laws in Florida are governed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Any yearly updates or changes will be made in May of any given year. The commission also offers safety classes and training to address any changes.

Registration

Vesseals must be registered and numbered within 30 days of purchase.

Florida sailing laws require all vessels with the exception of non-motorized vessels under 16 feet in length be registered through the local tax collectors office. The certificate of registration must be on-board and available for inspection whenever the vessel is operated.

Speed Restrictions

A vessel's wake can not be excessive or cause danger to another vessel.

Florida sailing laws have specific speed restriction areas with signs posted. In a section posted Idle Speed - No Wake, the vessel must be operated at a minimum speed that allows it to maintain headway and steerage way. In a section posted Slow Down - Minimum Wake, the vessel must operate fully off plane and completely settled in the water.

Equipment Regulations

Maintaining safety equipment on-board is required by Florida sailing law.

Florida's sailing laws require every vessel to carry, maintain, store and use the safety equipment required by the United States Coast Guard. Any child under the age of six is required at all times to wear an approved personal flotation device on vessels under 26 feet long. Boats with built-in fuel tanks are required to have least one fire extinguisher on-board.

References

• Florida Boating License Laws and Safety Guide
• Florida Boat Registration and Boating Information
• Florida Boating Laws and Regulations

Resources

• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: Boating Rules and Regulations