Bill To Raise PWC Operator Age Limit Filed In Florida

The minimum age for operating a personal watercraft in Florida could rise from 14 to 16 years of age if a bill filed by State Senator Jeremy Ring (D-Margate) is passed into law.

Bill SB644 would also end the practice of allowing children to steer a boat with the proper supervision of an adult with boater education. The fine for allowing an under-aged person to operate a boat would remain a civil penalty carrying a $50 fine.

The bill, which is said to have been assigned to multiple Senate committees, including the Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee, the Commerce and Tourism Committee and the Rules Committee, was introduced after two 14-year-old boys vanished at sea earlier this year, after leaving Jupiter Inlet in a 19-foot SeaCraft. The tragedy prompted a national debate about whether the boys were old enough to be operating a boat without adult supervision.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and the Personal Watercraft Industry Association (PWIA) both support the proposed age increase, but are said to be seeking clarification of the child operation provision.

The minimum age for operating powered watercraft varies by state, ranging from 12 years of age to 18. Alaska and Idaho have no age restrictions whatsoever.

The Florida legislature will be back in session on January 12.