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Lifetime Course Access

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  • Animated, Narrated & Perfect For All Ages
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BOATsmart! has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 8098 ratings and reviews.
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Buy More, Save More

Purchase more than one boating course, test and card and save up to 35%. Perfect for family, friends and workmates, we include everything your crew needs to get their Official Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card.

Buy For One

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“There’s nothing better than leaving the work week in our wake.”

– Jesse L, Tallahassee, FL

BOATsmart! courseware on a tablet.

Watch, Listen & Learn

From anywhere, on any device at any time.

Our animated and narrated Boating Safety Course is perfect for all ages. Study from your Smartphone, Tablet or Desktop and switch between devices at any time. BOATsmart! automatically tracks your progress so you can study at your own pace.

BOATsmart! multiple choice practice test

Pass the official test

Take the Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card Test online

Take the official Florida Boating Safety test online. Consisting of 60 multiple-choice questions, the final test is open book. BOATsmart! includes free unlimited retries so you’re guaranteed to pass.

Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card

Get Your Official Boating Safety Education ID Card

Print your Temporary Card immediately

Print your Temporary Card immediately after passing the final test. You’ll receive your permanent card in the mail from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in about 4 weeks.

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The BOATsmart! course on a laptop The BOATsmart! course on a laptop

FREE BOATING LICENSE PRACTICE TEST

Not sure what to expect? Try the Boating License Practice Test for free and test your knowledge.
Try the Florida boating safety practice test now.

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Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card

FLORIDA BOATER CARD
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card?

The Florida Boater Education ID Card is proof that a boater has successfully completed an approved Boating Safety Course. Boat operators who were born on or after January 1st, 1988 are required to get certified to legally operate a boat with a motor of 10 hp or more. 

Is the Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card the same as a Boating License?

A Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card is commonly referred to as a boating license however, this is incorrect. Unlike a license,  the Boating Safety Education ID Card does not expire and does not need to be renewed.

Who needs a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card?

All boat operators who were born on or after January 1st, 1988 are required to complete a Boating Safety Course and obtain a Boating Safety Education ID card to legally operate a boating within the state.

Who is exempt from having to obtain a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card?

  • A person licensed by the USCG as a master of a vessel.
  • A person operating exclusively on a private lake or pond.
  • An operator who is accompanied on board by a person who is at least 18 years old and who has obtained a Boating Safety Education ID Card, provided that the person is responsible for the safe operation of the boat.
  • A non-resident who has in their possession proof that he or she has completed a NASBLA-approved Boating Safety Course or equivalency examination from another state.
  • A person who is operating a boat within 90 days of purchasing the boat and has available for inspection, a bill of sale meeting Florida’s requirements.
  • A person operating a boat within 90 days after completing a NASBLA-approved Boating Safety Course, who has photo ID and a certificate showing proof of completion of a Boating Safety Course. The certificate must display the person’s first and last name, their date of birth and the date the course was completed.

What is the fine for not having the Card?

Boaters caught without a Boating Safety Education ID Card may receive a fine of up to $50 for a first offence, $250 for a second offence within 12 months of a prior conviction, $500 for a third offence within 36 months of a prior conviction, or $1000 for a fourth or subsequent offence.

How do I get a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card?

You can obtain your official Boater Card from BOATsmart! in three steps:

  1. Take the BOATsmart! Florida Boating Safety Course online. 
  2. Pass the Florida Boating Safety Test online.
  3. Print a Temporary Boating Safety Certificate immediately.

How do I prepare for the Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card?

Boat operators in Florida can prepare for the Florida Boating Safety Test by completing the BOATsmart! Course. The 3-hours course can be completed online from your own home, and includes animated, narrated, and illustrated content for boat operators of all ages. The BOATsmart! Florida Boating Safety Course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Learn everything you need to know to pass the test and obtain your Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card.

Will my Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card ever expire?

No. Your Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card is good for life. However, it’s important to keep up-to-date with the most recent boating safety regulations. Be sure to take advantage of BOATsmart!’s free refresher lessons to be sure you’re aware of the rules that apply in your state.

How do I replace my Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card?

You can obtain a replacement Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card by contacting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission by email at [email protected]. Be sure to include  your name, date of birth and address. Boaters can also contact the FWC by calling 850-488-5600.

Do I need a Driver’s License to operate a boat in Florida?

No. Boat operators in Florida do not need a driver’s license in order to operate a boat. However, operators who were born on or after January 1st, 1988 are required to obtain a Boating Safety Education ID Card to legally operate a boat powered by a motor of 10 or more. 

Do I need a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card for all types of boats?

The Florida Boater Education ID Card is required for boaters who wish to operate a boat with a motor of 10 hp or more. Operators who were born on or after January 1st, 1988 are required to get certified. 

How long does the Florida Boating Safety Course take?

The state of Florida requires that you spend a minimum of 3 hours studying the online course. The purchase of the BOATsmart! Florida Boating Safety Course includes unlimited lifetime access, so you can check back for refresher lessons anytime.

Is my Florida Boater Card valid in other states?

Yes. The Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card is accepted in 40 states, which extend reciprocity. This means the BOATsmart! Course meets the National Standards established by NASBLA. This law applies to operators of motorized boats, but not in all states to operators of personal watercraft (PWCs). Always check the boating laws in the state you plan to visit prior to operating a boat or PWC there.

Who is BOATsmart!?

BOATsmart!® is North America’s Boating Educator, approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized by the US Coast Guard. We’ve been delivering award winning online boating courses since 2003 and have certified more than 650,000 boaters. BOATsmart! is accredited and approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, to deliver the official Florida Boating Safety Education Course and Boating Safety Test.

 

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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

620 S. Meridian St
Tallahassee, FL, 32399
https://myfwc.com/

Trusted from coast-to-coast, Florida approved

The official BOATsmart! Florida Boating Safety Course is approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized by the US Coast Guard.

BOATsmart! has provided online boating safety education across North America since 2013. Our courses are designed and developed by real boaters, subject matter experts and instructional design educators. We’ve certified more than 650,000 boaters online and are proud to be the choice of boaters from coast-to-coast.

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