Whether you\u2019re on a jet ski or relaxing on a boat, we recommend you wear a life jacket. In the state with some of the highest numbers of recreational boats in the nation, it\u2019s important to stay safe. Here is everything you need to know about Florida\u2019s life jacket laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While it’s always safest for everyone to wear a life jacket when on the water, Florida’s life jacket laws require the following people to wear them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Children under six years of age on a vessel greater than 26 feet are exempt from Florida\u2019s life jacket law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While everyone may not legally be required to wear a life jacket in Florida, if the temperature changes, the current changes, or hidden hazards arise, even the best swimmer can benefit from wearing a life jacket<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the National Park Service<\/a> (NPS), the top cause of death in national parks is drowning. Most drowning deaths occur close to shore and within close proximity to a life jacket. The NPS recommends that everyone wear a life jacket, no matter what water activity is being engaged in. By ignoring safety precautions, you are putting yourself and others at risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For pet owners: <\/em>If you bring your pup on board, make sure it is also protected. Animal life jackets are a great investment for your pet and a surefire way to ensure safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Violation of life jacket laws<\/a> in Florida is a non-criminal infraction and can incur a fine of $50-$80 depending on the county.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission’s<\/a> Law Enforcement division enforces life jacket and marine laws in Florida.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n What should boaters know about the types of life jackets they can legally wear? Florida life jacket laws require wearers to use Coast Guard-approved life jackets<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n All life jackets must be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n At least one Coast Guard-approved life jacket must be available to each passenger on the vessel. Appropriate life jackets should be the right size for the wearer, readily accessible, and maintained in good condition.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Life jackets \u2014 which used to fall under the category of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) in the States \u2014 have several classifications that have changed and evolved. While the classification process is now different, life jackets classified by type are still allowed and approved by the Coast Guard as long as they\u2019re in good condition.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n By knowing the different classifications, you\u2019ll be able to pick out the perfect life jacket for you and your needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Though now known as the old labeling system, many boaters and states still use this terminology to talk about life jackets. Life jackets and PFDs with these older labels \u2014 the “type” labels \u2014 are still fine to use and are approved, but they are being phased out and replaced with new labels as time goes on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The “old” terms for different types of life jackets in the U.S. are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n While these terms are still used consistently to describe life jackets, boaters and water sports enthusiasts should also become familiar with the new terminology. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While life jackets categorized by type are still approved for use as long as they\u2019re in good condition, the new U.S. classification system uses performance categories to categorize life jackets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember: it’s always crucial to choose a life jacket \u2014 no matter the terms to describe them \u2014 that is ideal for your activities on the water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n New life jacket labels will feature an icon and number to indicate the intended conditions for use. The numbers range from Level 50 to Level 275, with smaller-level life jackets intended for use in calm water and close-to-shore scenarios and higher-level life jackets ideal for rougher waters and situations where rescue may take longer.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n New life jacket labels will also feature a warning panel with important information about the device and its intended use. The panel will indicate activities that are not recommended for the device’s performance level, such as water skiing, towed sports, and personal watercraft operations. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Two](\"http:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/02\/paddle-canoe-1024x683.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWho is Required to Wear a Life Jacket in Florida?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Why Should I Wear a Life Jacket in Florida?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Are the Fines for Non-Compliance<\/strong>?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nLife Jacket Requirements in Florida<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What Are the Different Types of Life Jackets?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Life Jacket Terminology<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nNew U.S. Performance System Life Jacket Terminology<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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What Are the New Performance System Label Icons?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Various](\"http:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/12\/lifejackets-846x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow to Fit Life Jackets Properly<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Kids](\"http:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/02\/KE_Boat_FL_2024-519-crop-1024x683.jpeg\")
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