FL S0644

Raises the minimum age to operate a personal watercraft (jet ski) in Florida from 14 to 16 years old

Makes it unlawful for owners or persons in control of personal watercraft to allow anyone under 16 to operate the vessel

Removes the exemption that previously allowed boat operators to bypass the boating safety identification card requirement if accompanied by a qualified person age 18 or older

Violations of the personal watercraft age requirement remain classified as noncriminal infractions with a $50 civil penalty

Effective date: July 1, 2016