Laws in regards to Florida’s boat safety equipment requirements vary depending on the state you’re boating in and the size of boat you’re operating.

Minimum Boat Safety Equipment and Lighting Requirements

In Florida the following minimum boat safety equipment is required on all Class A recreational boats (less than 16 feet in length), canoes and kayaks:

• One Coast Guard-approved Type I, II or III Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each person on board or being towed on water skis etc.
• Fire extinguisher(s) of the appropriate size and type for your boat
• Visual Distress Signals (on high sea, and coastal waters)
• Sound-producing device (horn, whistle or bell etc.)
• Backfire flame control
• Ventilation system
• Boat lighting equipment

Note: Florida’s boat safety equipment requirements vary depending on the size of your boat, where it’s being operated, and when it was manufactured. For more information on specific equipment requirements in Florida visit: http://myfwc.com/boating/safety-education/equipment/

Keep in mind that boat safety equipment requirements will also vary depending on which state you’re operating in. Be sure to keep up to date on the minimum requirements for boat safety equipment in your state to ensure that you have all of the equipment you need to stay safe on the water.