FL H0863

Creates section 327.385 prohibiting persons under 16 years of age from operating recreational vessels unless accompanied by a person 21 years or older who has a valid boating safety identification card or is exempt from the requirement.

Raises the minimum age to operate personal watercraft from 14 to 16 years old and makes it unlawful for owners to authorize operation by anyone under 16.

Removes the exemption from boating safety identification card requirements for persons accompanied by another card holder, requiring all vessel operators to have their own card or meet an exemption.

Updates livery regulations to reference the corrected exemption provision under section 327.395(6)(f) for vessel rentals.

Takes effect July 1, 2016, with violations of personal watercraft regulations classified as noncriminal infractions subject to a $50 civil penalty.