Florida Boater Exam Practice Test 2026
Florida requires boating safety education for operators born on or after January 1, 1988, who run a boat of 10 hp or more. This practice test mixes Florida rules from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission with national boating rules. Your approved course provider sets the real exam.
Quick answer
It is run by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Practise here for free with 135 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 10, 2026.
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Question 1 of 15
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Answer: B. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, operating 10 hp or more
Florida law requires the card for operators born on or after January 1, 1988, of vessels powered by 10 horsepower or more.
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Question 2 of 15
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Answer: D. The Boating Safety Education ID Card and a photo ID
Operators who need the card must have an approved course or exam result shown on the FWC ID card, plus photo identification.
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Question 3 of 15
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Answer: B. It does not expire
ID cards earned through an approved course or equivalency exam do not expire.
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Question 4 of 15
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Answer: A. 12 months
A temporary certificate is valid for 12 months from the issue date.
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Question 5 of 15
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Answer: B. When a cardholder 18 or older is on board and in charge
An operator is exempt when supervised by someone on board who is 18 or older, holds the required card and is responsible for safe operation.
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Question 6 of 15
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Answer: D. For 90 days, with the bill of sale on board
New owners are exempt within 90 days of buying the vessel if they have the bill of sale on board.
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Question 7 of 15
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Answer: B. 14
No one under 14 may operate a PWC in Florida. Knowingly allowing it is a misdemeanor.
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Question 8 of 15
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Answer: C. 18
A person must be at least 18 to rent a personal watercraft in Florida.
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Question 9 of 15
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Answer: D. From 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise
Florida prohibits PWC operation from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.
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Question 10 of 15
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Answer: A. A non-inflatable, Coast Guard-approved life jacket
Everyone operating, riding or being towed by a PWC must wear a non-inflatable, Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
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Question 11 of 15
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Answer: A. Children under 6
In Florida, children under 6 must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket on vessels under 26 feet while underway.
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Question 12 of 15
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Answer: B. At least 300 feet
On open water, stay at least 300 feet from a divers-down device. On rivers, inlets and navigation channels the distance is 100 feet. Slow to idle speed if you must come closer.
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Question 13 of 15
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Answer: A. At least 100 feet
In rivers, inlets and navigation channels, boaters must stay at least 100 feet from a divers-down device unless going at idle speed.
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Question 14 of 15
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Answer: B. 0.02 or higher
For operators under 21, a breath-alcohol level of 0.02 or higher while operating or in control of a vessel is a violation. For others, 0.08 or higher means presumed impaired.
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Question 15 of 15
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Answer: B. The slowest speed that still lets you steer
In an Idle Speed - No Wake zone, go at the minimum speed that keeps headway and steerageway. In a Slow Speed zone, the boat must be fully off plane and settled.
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
What to know before the test
- Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, needs an FWC Boating Safety Education ID Card and photo ID to operate a boat with 10 hp or more.
- ID cards from an approved course or equivalency exam do not expire. A temporary certificate is valid for 12 months.
- You must be at least 14 to operate a PWC and 18 to rent one.
- Children under 6 must wear a life jacket on boats under 26 feet while underway.
- Stay 300 feet from a divers-down flag in open water and 100 feet in rivers, inlets and channels, unless at idle speed.
Frequently asked questions
Who needs a boating card in Florida?
Operators born on or after January 1, 1988, need a Boating Safety Education ID Card (often called a boating license) to run a boat with 10 hp or more.
Does the Florida boater card expire?
No. Cards from an approved course or equivalency exam do not expire.
How old do you have to be to drive a jet ski in Florida?
At least 14 to operate a PWC, and at least 18 to rent one.
Can visitors boat in Florida with a card from another state?
Yes. Non-residents with proof of a NASBLA-approved course or equivalency exam from another state are exempt.