A Florida boating safety card is birthdate-based

Florida’s boating safety card is not the same as a boat title or vessel registration.

The card depends on the operator’s birthdate and the motor. A person born on or after January 1, 1988, generally needs the card to operate a boat in Florida waters if the engine is 10 horsepower or more. The usual path is an approved boating safety course.

The card does not expire. It is also not called a boating license. Some course providers send the card request for you, but some do not. If that step is missed, the operator may need to send proof of course completion to FWC.

Check the operator, birthdate, engine size, and rental or visitor situation before the trip. If a family shares a boat, each person who may operate it should know whether the card applies. Keep the card or digital proof with the registration and safety gear.