4 Simple Steps to Getting Your Florida Boating Certificate or License.

Step 1: Find the right program for you (See complete review of boater safety courses available in FLORIDA)

Step 2:  Sign Up and pay the $30 to $50 fee if required

Step 3:  Take the (3 to 12 hour) course online or in person & Pass the test

Step 4:  Carry your certificate or card on the boat (ask about insurance discounts as well)

 

Below, Captain Matt of Boat Buyer’s Secret Weapon reviews each provider in FLORIDA so you can easily choose the best option for your needs.

This review includes the best boater safety course in FLORIDA.  Free boater safety courses as well as in-person boater safety courses and the cheapest boater safety courses in FLORIDA.

 

Do You Need a Boater Safety Course in FLORIDA?

In FLORIDA you need a boater safety course if you are born on or after January 1st, 1998.  Although not required if born before that date, they can be highly beneficial if you are new to boating.  If you are a new boat owner, the free Boater Bootcamp is also something you should consider (see details below).

 

How do I get a boating license in FLORIDA?

There are no actual boating licenses in FLORIDA however you are required to take an approved boater’s safety course and pass the required test prior to operating  a boat if you were born on or after January 1st, 1998.

To obtain that boater’s safety card and carry it with them.  Below is a list and review of the various courses available.

 

How much are boating safety courses?

These courses can range from free up to $49 depending on the organization presenting them.  In person programs, which I believe to be the best option for many (which I’ll discuss below) if available typically have a materials fee of around $30 to $40 for a book you are able to take home with you.

 

Review of all FLORIDA boating safety courses available online and in-person by Captain Matt of the Boat Buyer’s Secret Weapon YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/c/BoatBuyersSecretWeapon:

 

The best boater safety course is based on your specific goal.  Are you just looking to get your certificate and aren’t too concerned about actually discovering some highly valuable information?

Or, are you really serious about being a competent, courteous and safe boater out on the water?

If you are serious, the reviews below will allow you to select the best boating course for your needs.

 

Boat-Ed  https://www.boat-ed.com: 

This program is approved for the FLORIDA license requirement.  The training covers the required topics; Personal Flotation Devices (PFD), boating terminology, basic navigation and state boating laws.  The training is delivered in bit sized sections with animations, some live video and requires a quiz be taken at the end to pass each section.

This course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and is recognized by the United States Coast Guard. Boat-Ed is owned by Kalkomey, LLC.

 

Boater Exam  https://www.boaterexam.com:

This program is approved for the FLORIDA license requirement.  The training covers the required topics; Personal Flotation Devices (PFD), boating terminology, basic navigation and state boating laws.  The training is delivered in bit sized sections with animations, some live video and a test must be taken and passed at the end of the course to receive your safe boating card.

This course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and is recognized by the United States Coast Guard. Boater Exam is owned Fresh Air Educators, a Kalkomey, LLC company.

 

United States Power Squadron (USPS)

Now America’s Boating Club www.Americasboatingclub.org: 

This in person course is highly structured and detailed, yet varies based on the individual instructors in your particular class.  The training covers the required topics based on the state and NASBLA requirements and more.

One of the best reasons to take this course is the interaction with other boaters and the instructors due to its in person format.  It’s also a great source of local boating knowledge and building your boating network.  A test must be taken and passed at the end of the course to receive your safe boating card.

This course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and is recognized by the United States Coast Guard.  A typical Boater Education Course lasts 6-8 hours with exam time, depending on the class location and instructor.

America’s Boating Club is a non-profit organization focused on safe boating and education.

 

USCG AUX (United States Coast Guard Auxiliary): 

This in-person program is highly structured yet varies based on the instructors in your particular class.  This course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and is recognized by the United States Coast Guard.  You’ll receive a large hard copy book to review the materials.

One of the best reasons to take this course is the interaction with other boaters and the instructors.  It’s also a great source of local boating knowledge and beginning your boating network.  A test must be taken and passed at the end of the course to receive your safe boating card. A typical Boater Education Course lasts 6-8 hours with exam time, depending on the class location and instructor.

USCG AUX is a non-profit organization focused on safe boating practices.

 

iLearnToBoat (www.ilearntoboat.com): 

This program is approved for the FLORIDA license requirement.  The training covers the required topics; Personal Flotation Devices (PFD), boating terminology, basic navigation and state boating laws.  The training is delivered in bit sized sections with animations, some live video and requires a quiz be taken at the end to pass each section.

This course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and is recognized by the United States Coast Guard. iLeanrToBoat.com is owned by Kalkomey, LLC.

 

Aceboater (www.Aceboater.com)

This program is approved for the FLORIDA license requirement.  The training covers the required topics; Personal Flotation Devices (PFD), boating terminology, basic navigation and state boating laws.  The training is delivered in bit sized sections with animations, some live video and requires a quiz be taken at the end to pass each section.

This course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and is recognized by the United States Coast Guard. Aceboater.com is owned by Kalkomey, LLC.

 

Florida Boating Course (www.Floridaboatingcourse.com) 

This is another one of the cheapest boating courses approved by the state of Florida.  The training covers the required topics; Personal Flotation Devices (PFD), boating terminology, basic navigation and state boating laws.  The training is delivered in all text and requires a quiz be taken at the end to pass each section.

This course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and is recognized by the United States Coast Guard.

Florida Boating Course is owned by American Safety Council who is owned by a Charlotte, NC based Private Equity Group Ridgemont Equity Partners

 

Boat Tests 101 (www.Boattests101.com): 

This is one of the cheapest programs available today at $15.  This program is approved for the FLORIDA license requirement.  The training covers the required topics; Personal Flotation Devices (PFD), boating terminology, basic navigation and state boating laws.  The training is delivered in all text and requires a quiz be taken at the end to pass each section.

This course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and is recognized by the United States Coast Guard. Boat Test 101 is a privately owned company in Canada.

 

Boat US (www.Boatus.org)

This is one of the only free state boating courses (however, they do ask for a $10 donation when you register) made available offered by a company that also sells boat insurance via (GEIGO), has a boat loan division as well as a tow assurance program via Tow Boat US available in many popular boating areas.

This course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and is recognized by the United States Coast Guard.

BoatUS is owned by GEICO who is owned by Berkshire Hathaway and the BoatUS Foundation is their non-profit arm.

 

BOATSmart (www.boatsmartexam.com)

This program is approved for the FLORIDA license requirement.  The training covers the required topics; Personal Flotation Devices (PFD), boating terminology, basic navigation and state boating laws.  The training is delivered in bit sized sections with animations, some live video and requires a quiz be taken at the end to pass each section.

This course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and is recognized by the United States Coast Guard. Boat-Ed is owned by Kalkomey, LLC.

 

FREE Boater Bootcamp (www.BoaterBootCamp.com)

This free program for new boat owners is designed to help get to know their boat and avoid the costly and embarrassing mistakes new boaters make that can cause lost time on the water or worse.

This 3-part video series is delivered in easy-to-understand language and delivers additional information not found in the NASBLA state boating courses. 

This program is not designed to meet the state licensing requirement it is 100% focused on the practical knowledge pleasure power boat owners need.

This program is offered by Captain Matt of Boater’s Secret Weapon, a private company focused on helping pleasure boaters get the most enjoyment out of their boating lifestyle.

 

Best Boat Captain on the Water (www.BestBoatCaptain.com)

This program is designed to give boaters total control of their boat.  It is like no other boating program available today.  The training delivered by Captain Matt covers the 9 building blocks to total control of your boat.  Docking Mastery so you can pull in and out of a side dock, slip and the most difficult docking situation with confidence.

This program is not a safe boating course.  This program is for you if you struggle and are frustrated when trying to maneuver your boat or pontoon in tight situation and dockings.

This program is offered by Captain Matt of Boater’s Secret Weapon, a private company focused on helping pleasure boaters get the most enjoyment out of their boating lifestyle.

  

Trailer Like a Pro (www.TrailerLikeAPro.com)

This program is designed for trailer boaters that struggle and are nervous about towing, backing and launching or loading their boat or pontoon.

This unique programs will boost your skill as a trailer boater so you can launch and retrieve your boat with easy at any boat ramp.

This program is not a safe boating course.  This program is for you if you struggle and are frustrated when trying to maneuver your boat or pontoon in tight situation and dockings.

This program is offered by Captain Matt of Boater’s Secret Weapon, a private company focused on helping pleasure boaters get the most enjoyment out of their boating lifestyle.

 

Boating with the Dawson's Docking Lessons

This E-book is packed with helpful boat operating information, text and diagrams.  The e-books focus on docking with a single engine, twin engine, outboard and stern-drive.

Written in by Doug and Brenda Dawson who are avid boaters, boating experts and long-time instructors.  The material was written 20+ years ago in their home country of Canada.

 

Additional Safe Boater Courses:

For a list of all local boater safety courses in FLORIDA https://www.nasbla.org/education/taking-a-boat-course

 

Paddle Boater and Sail Boater Safety Courses

You will also find courses specially for sail boaters and paddle boaters available from the Kalkomey, LLC companies however I have not taken these courses so I’m not able to review them.