Do You Need a License to Rent a Jet Ski in Florida? Miami Rules Explained

Short answer: Florida does not issue a "jet ski license". You can rent and drive a jet ski in Miami with a government photo ID, plus a Florida boater safety card if you were born on or after January 1, 1988. The card is a short online course and test; the temporary certificate takes about 30 minutes and costs about $14. Jet Ski Miami 7 sends you the link right after booking, so most guests finish it on their phone the evening before the ride.

The rule in one table

At Jet Ski Miami 7 the person who books and signs the rental agreement must be 21 or older. A driver can be 14 or older with the boater card; riders under 18 need a parent or guardian signature on the waiver.

Why Florida has this rule

Florida law (the Boating Safety Education requirement) applies to anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 who operates a boat with 10 horsepower or more, and every jet ski qualifies. The idea is simple: a personal watercraft reaches 50+ mph and has no brakes, so the state wants drivers to know the basics of right-of-way, no-wake zones and what to do if someone falls off. Rental companies that let an unlicensed driver out are the ones fined, which is why every serious operator checks the card.

How to get the temporary certificate in 30 minutes

1. Open the test link we send after booking. It is the Florida temporary certificate exam from an approved provider: boattests101.com Florida rental test.
2. Read the short study material (10–15 minutes). It covers navigation rules, no-wake zones, life vests and what the buoys mean.
3. Answer the 25 questions. You need a passing score; you can retake it if needed.
4. Pay about $14 and download or screenshot the certificate.
5. Show it at check-in on your phone or printed. The temporary certificate is valid for 90 days from issue.

If you want a permanent card instead, Florida's free online boater education course takes a few hours and the card never expires; it is worth doing if you plan to ride several times a year.

What if I already have a boater card from another state?

Florida honors boater education cards approved by NASBLA (the national boating-law association), which covers most US states. Bring the physical or digital card and your photo ID. If your card has no NASBLA logo or you are unsure, take the 30-minute temporary test; it is cheaper than losing your ride time.

International visitors

Tourists from outside the United States follow the same rule: born on or after January 1, 1988 means you need the Florida temporary certificate. The test is in English and is designed for first-time boaters, so most of our international guests pass on the first attempt. A passport works as the photo ID.

Other requirements at check-in

• Photo ID for the person who signed the booking (21+).
• Boater card for every driver born on or after January 1, 1988.
• A credit card for the $150 refundable security hold per jet ski (released about 5 business days after return).
• Signed agreement and waiver: done electronically from the private link we send after booking, so nothing is filled in at the dock.
• Arrive 30 minutes early for the briefing. No alcohol before or during the ride.

Common mistakes that cost ride time

• Taking the test at the dock instead of the night before. The test takes 30 minutes; your slot does not wait.
• Booking under a friend's name: the person who booked must be present with ID.
• Assuming a car driver's license is enough. It proves identity, not boating education.
• Letting a passenger "take a turn" who has no boater card. Only certified drivers may drive.

Prices and booking

Jet skis are $189 for one hour, $349 for two hours (2.5 hours on the water), $499 for three hours and $649 for a Full Day, with fuel, life vests, GPS and briefing included. See the full price breakdown or check availability. Questions about your eligibility? Message us on WhatsApp at +1 (786) 863-1721 before you book.

Frequently asked questions