Florida Boating Safety Equipment Checklist (USCG + FWC Requirements)
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers and the U.S. Coast Guard check for the same core list of equipment. Missing items mean a citation, and worse, you won't have them in an emergency. Use this checklist before every season. Always confirm current rules with FWC and the USCG Boating Safety Division, because requirements vary by boat length, propulsion and waters.
1. Life jackets (PFDs) for everyone aboard
You need one USCG-approved, properly sized wearable life jacket for each person on board, readily accessible (not sealed in packaging). In Florida, children under 6 must wear one while a vessel under 26 ft is underway. Inflatable PFDs are approved for adults 16 and older and are far more comfortable in the heat, which means people actually wear them.
Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable Life Jacket$99.99, view details →
2. A throwable device (boats 16 ft and longer)
Boats 16 feet and longer must also carry one Type IV throwable device, such as a cushion or ring buoy, that can be thrown immediately.
Type IV Throwable Flotation Cushion, USCG Approved$24.99, view details →
3. Fire extinguishers
Motorboats with enclosed engine compartments, enclosed living spaces or permanently installed fuel tanks generally need USCG-approved marine fire extinguishers, and the number depends on boat length. Check the label rating and date. Extinguishers on newer boats must carry the current rating format, and disposable units expire.
Kidde Mariner Marine Fire Extinguisher, 5-B:C$39.99, view details →
4. Visual distress signals (coastal waters)
On coastal waters, the Gulf, the Atlantic and connected bays, most recreational boats 16 ft and longer must carry day and night visual distress signals. Boats under 16 ft need night signals when operating between sunset and sunrise. Pyrotechnic flares expire after 42 months.
Orion Coastal Alert Signal Kit$64.99, view details →
5. Sound-producing device
All vessels need a way to make an efficient sound signal: a whistle or horn on smaller boats, and a horn or bell on larger ones.
6. Navigation lights
If you operate between sunset and sunrise or in reduced visibility, your navigation lights must work. LED replacements are brighter and draw far less battery.
Attwood LED Bi-Color Bow Navigation Light$44.99, view details →
7. Engine cut-off switch (ECOS)
Federal law requires operators of most recreational boats under 26 ft with 3 hp or more to use an engine cut-off switch lanyard or wireless ECOS when on plane or above displacement speed.
8. Strongly recommended (not required)
- VHF radio. Cell service vanishes offshore. A floating handheld is cheap insurance.
Standard Horizon HX210 Floating Handheld VHF Radio$139.99, view details → - Personal locator beacon. Anyone fishing offshore or solo should carry one.
ACR ResQLink 400 Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)$299.95, view details → - Working bilge pump. It is the most common failure we see on boats that sink at the dock.
Rule-Mate 500 GPH Automatic Bilge Pump, 12V$69.99, view details →
Also required: boater education
In Florida, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 must complete an approved boating safety course and carry the Boating Safety Education ID card (plus photo ID) to operate a vessel with 10 hp or more.
Need help building a kit for your boat? Call or text us at (352) 604-0577 with your boat length and where you run, and we'll put together exactly what you need.