With spring in full swing and summer approaching, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds residents and visitors to enjoy Florida’s waterways safely and responsibly. Whether renting a motorized boat, a personal watercraft (PWC/Jet-Ski), canoe, kayak or paddleboard, it is critical to rent from a permitted livery.

In 2024, new livery regulations and updated boating safety education requirements went into effect to strengthen public safety, ensure accountability for liveries and promote safer operation by anyone using rented vessels. These rules require liveries to provide renters with important pre-rental and pre-ride instruction covering topics such as:

• Local waterway characteristics;
• Proper use of an engine cutoff switch;
• On-the-water demonstrations of safe vessel operation.

“Renting from an unpermitted livery or skipping proper instruction can put you, your passengers, and others on the water in danger,” said Maj. Tommy VanTrees, FWC Boating and Waterways Section Leader. “Permitted liveries are well aware of the high safety standards required by law, and taking a few extra minutes to receive proper equipment and instruction can prevent accidents and save lives.”

The FWC urges all waterway users to make safety a priority by choosing permitted liveries and practicing safe boating every time they’re on the water.

For more information about liveries, visit MyFWC.com/Boating and click on “Livery Regulations and Safety Information” under “More Boating Links.”

For more information about boating safety or to find an FWC recommended boating safety course, visit MyFWC.com/Boating and click on the “Boating Safety and Education” button.