FL H1211

Commercial airboat operators carrying passengers for hire must have onboard a photographic identification card, proof of boater education course completion, proof of commission-approved airboat operator course completion, and proof of CPR and first aid certification beginning July 1, 2019.

United States Coast Guard captain's license holders are exempt from the boater education course requirement but must carry proof of their license onboard when transporting passengers for hire.

No operator is exempt from boater education requirements regardless of age or other exemptions under existing statute, except as noted for Coast Guard captain's licenses.

Violation of these requirements constitutes a second-degree misdemeanor punishable under Florida Statutes sections 775.082 or 775.083.

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission must adopt implementing rules by October 1, 2018.