boating Rules & Restrictions

The primary driver must be at least 21 years old, have a valid drivers’ license, cell phone, & credit card.


If the driver is born on or after January 1, 1988, they must present a Boater’s Safety License. If you are required to have a Boater’s Safety License, but don’t have one, you can take a short online class. The fee for the class is paid directly to the online school. There are 2 options:

Online Temporary Boater’s Certificate

(Online class $9.99)

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Online Lifetime Boater’s Certificate

(Online Class $29.99)

LEARN MORE

NOTE: All children 6 and under must wear a life vest anytime the boat is moving or not anchored. We highly recommend you bring a properly fitting life vest for all children, regardless of age.

Information About a Boater’s Safety License

While Florida does not have a boating license, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 is required to either have successfully completed a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating education course or have passed an equivalent course or temporary certificate examination. Additionally, they must have in their possession a boating education ID card and a photo identification card before operating a vessel with a motor of ten horsepower or more in Florida.


Florida visitors must comply with the boating safety education requirements.  If a non-resident can show proof of having successfully completed a boater safety course or equivalent exam that meets or exceeds Florida’s requirements (usually in the form of a certificate or card), a Florida Boating Safety Education Identification Card is not required.


Visitors wanting to rent a vessel while in Florida may obtain a temporary certificate. These certificates are issued by vendors around the state. Visit www.myfwc.com for a list of approved vendors. The temporary certificate is valid for 90 days and is not intended to be a permanent replacement for the Boating Safety Education Identification Card.


For more information on Florida boating laws, boating safety and the Florida Boating Safety Education Program, visit www.myfwc.com.

Restrictions & Rules:

  • Pontoon Boats can’t go into the Gulf of Mexico & the East Pass. Our Pontoons are restricted to Choctawhatchee Bay, Santa Rosa Sound, and the Inland Waterways of Walton & Okaloosa County only. There are posted restricted military areas on the north side of the bay. Please look out for the signs and stay clear.
  • Remain a minimum of 30 feet from all other watercraft when anchoring the boat.
  • Please have a designated driver. The driver of the boat must remain alcohol and drug free. The local authorities may stop the boat at any time, and they will arrest impaired drivers. Boating is the same as driving; you must never be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Hiring a private captain to navigate the boat is an option.
  • NO SUNTAN OILS OF ANY KIND. Sunscreen is okay. Oils will severely discolor our boat seats and you will be charged for a new seat(s). 
  • All children 6 and under must wear a life vest anytime the boat is moving or not anchored. We highly recommend you bring a properly fitting life vest for all children, regardless of age.
  • Our Pontoon Boats can’t be used as a shuttle.
  • If you were born before January 1, 1988 only a valid driver’s license is needed to rent our Pontoon Boats.
  • The renter / driver must speak English proficiently.
  • If you were born on or after January 1, 1988, the State of Florida requires you to take a Florida Boater’s Test before operating a boat.
  • The person who books our boats must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and a credit card.
  • You will be responsible for captaining your own boat and must have the experience to do so. If you do not have the experience, you may hire a local captain to drive for you.
  • Our boats must be returned to us in the same condition as when we it left the dock. You will be held responsible and your credit card charged for any damages or missing equipment, per the rental agreement. This includes boat impound by the Coast Guard or police, and all future full day rentals that the boat is no rentable. 
  • Florida law prohibits any glass bottles or containers. Cans and plastic containers are allowed.
  • No smoking on our boats. You will be charged to replace any portion of the boat or equipment that has a burn mark.
  • Sorry, no pets allowed.
  • Our boats are not made for fishing, so no fishing.
  • The use of fireworks, poppers, string, silly string, or similar is strictly prohibited.
  • Firearms are prohibited on our boats.
  • No Grills or cooking devices.
  • No skiing or towing of any kind.
  • No generators allowed.
  • No fuel of any kind will be allowed on our boats
  • Trash must be placed in a trash bag. The Coast Guard and Police will issue fines.
  • Harassing or touching wildlife, such as turtles, manatees, dolphins and birds is strictly prohibited, and can carry some very costly fines.
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