Boat owners in Florida are required to have a number of safety devices on their boat. All of these safety devices must meet the requirements of the United States Coast Guard.
There must be a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (life jacket) for every person on the boat when it is on the water. People don’t have to wear the life jackets at all times when they’re on boats but the life jackets must be accessible.
Boats that are over 16 feet long must carry a throw able Coast Guard approved lifesaver. This is a device that can be thrown to a person who falls overboard so they can stay afloat until rescue.
Children under six years of age are required to wear Coast Guard approved lifejackets when they are onboard moving boats under 26 feet in length. These kids don’t have to wear lifejackets when the boat is moored or anchored.
A boat with a cabin or other enclosed compartment or a built in fuel tank must carry a fire extinguisher. Any fire extinguisher used on a boat must meet requirements for marine use.
Any boat operated in Florida must carry a noisemaker to warn other boats. This can be a horn or even a referees’ whistle. Boaters should note that the use of sirens by boats other than police or emergency vessels is illegal in Florida.
Boats over 16 feet in length have to carry at least visual distress signals if they are operated after dark. A visual distress signal is usually a flare or a berry pistol that can fired so rescuers can see and find a boat in distress. Craft over 16 feet long also have to carry at least three daytime distress signals as well.
Boats that are out after dark have to carry Coast Guard approved navigation lights. Boats that are out in weather that limits visibility such as fog also have to carry navigation lights.
It’s illegal for private boats in Florida to carry flashing lights or revolving lights similar to those used by police vessels.
Boat toilets (heads) must meet Coast Guard requirements in Florida.
All motorboats operating in Florida waters have to have a muffler or other device that limits noise from boat engines. The only exception to this rule is for boats participating in races and regattas.
A law enforcement officer can stop any boat in Florida waters and inspect it for compliance with safety regulations. The police can order any boat that violates these regulations taken out of the water.
