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 NW Florida's Gulf coast beach communities
of: Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island, Sandestin, Seaside, South Walton and Navarre.
Before arriving at the world's most beautiful beaches,
please take a moment to familiarize yourself with our local water
regulations.
- All
children under 6 must wear a life vest.
- 14 years of age or
older to operate a personal watercraft.
Visit our beach tips page
for information.
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| Accident
Reporting |
Any
accident involving death, disappearance or personal injury, or damage
greater than $500 must be reported. A "boating accident"
includes, but is not limited to, capsizing, collision, foundering,
flooding, fire, explosion and the disappearance of a vessel other than
by theft. Accidents should be reported immediately. Report accidents to
the nearest office of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.
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| Boating
While Intoxicated |
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Is
a criminal offense punishable by fines up to $2,500, imprisonment of up
to one year, non-paid public service, and mandatory substance abuse
counseling. The law provides for mandatory sentencing. If a drunken
operator kills or causes serious bodily injury to another person, the
penalty is five years in state prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
By operating on Florida
waterways, you are deemed to have given consent to be tested for alcohol
if arrested for operating under the influence. Refusal to submit to a
test will result in the assessment of a $500 civil penalty.
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| Diving
and Snorkeling |
 All
divers shall display a free-flying, 12 by 12 inch minimum, white
diagonal stripe on a red background divers-down flag in
the area in which the diving occurs. Divers shall attempt to stay within
100 feet of the divers-down flag on rivers, inlets and navigation
channels.
Boaters should stay at
least 100 feet away from a diver-down flag.
Divers shall not, except
in case of emergency, display the divers-down flag in an area which
would constitute a navigational hazard.
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| Manatee
Awareness |
Every
boater within the State of Florida should be forever mindful of the
endangered manatee. One should operate in a prudent manner in and around
known manatee habitats and should be cognizant of, and obey, designated
manatee zone areas.
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| Personal
Flotation Devices |
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Every
child under 6 years of age must wear a USCG approved PFD on a vessel
less than 26' while the vessel is underway.
PWC operators and
passengers must wear an approved Type I, II, III or V PFD.
Required PFDs must be
readily accessible.
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| Personal
Watercraft |
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Persons
less than 14 years of age shall not operate a Personal Watercraft.
Florida's water safety
laws, effective 1996, allow 14-year-olds to operate Jet Skis or other
personal watercraft. However, in order to rent one, you have to be
16-years-old, plus anyone 19 or younger must have a boater education
card.
Each person on a Personal
Watercraft (PWC) must wear a Coast Guard approved PFD. Additionally, the
operator must wear a lanyard type cut off switch provided by the
manufacturer which will shut off the PWC should the operator fall off.
The operator of a
Personal Watercraft should operate in a reasonable and prudent manner.
This includes being aware of other boats in the operating area,
awareness of environmental concerns and respecting the rights of
shoreline property owners. The PWC operator should not follow other
boats closely and should not jump the wake of other boats.
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| Speed
Limits And Reckless Operation |
No
vessel shall be operated within Florida in a reckless or negligent
manner. Examples of reckless or careless operation include:
- Excessive speed in
regulated or congested areas
- Operating in a manner
that may cause an accident
- Operating in a
swimming area with bathers present
- Towing water skiers
where obstructions exist or a fall might cause them to be injured
- Bow riding or riding
on the gunwale or transom where no seating is provided
- Operation of a
personal watercraft which endangers life or property
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| Water
Skiing |
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No
person shall tow a person on water skis, aquaplane or similar device
without an observer aboard or wide-angle rear view mirror.
In addition each person
engaged in water skiing or aquaplaning must wear a U. S. Coast Guard
approved PFD.
Water skiing is not
permitted between the hours of one-half hour after sunset and one-half
hour before sunrise.
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