Boat and Jet Ski Rental in Miami — FAQs, Rules, and Easy Booking

• 18+ to rent a Personal Watercraft (PWC).
• 14+ to operate a PWC. No one under 14 may drive, and renters/owners may not allow it.

Bring a government photo ID for every potential operator.

If you were born on or after January 1, 1988, you must carry either:

• Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card (permanent; after an approved course), or
• 90-day Temporary Boating Safety Certificate (fast online exam; ideal for renters/visitors).

Always carry the card/certificate together with a photo ID while operating.

• Government photo ID for all operators.
• Boating Safety ID Card or 90-day Temporary Certificate (if your birthdate requires it).
• Credit card for deposit and incidentals.

PWCs are daylight-only. You may not operate from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, even if you have lights. Plan to be back before dusk to stay legal and safe.

• USCG-approved life jacket (non-inflatable) for each rider.
• Engine cut-off lanyard clipped to the operator.
• Sound-producing device (whistle/horn).

• Obey posted Idle/No-Wake and Slow Speed – Minimum Wake signs. At slow-speed, your PWC must be fully settled (off-plane).
• Manatee Protection Zones (Biscayne Bay, canals, flats) have speed and route restrictions—follow the markers.

• Stay at least 300 ft in open water or 100 ft in rivers/channels from a red diver-down flag with diagonal stripe.
• If you must pass closer, do so at idle speed and watch for bubbles/marker buoys.

• Becoming airborne while crossing another vessel’s wake within 100 ft.
• Reckless weaving, following too closely, entering swim areas.
• Operating under the influence of alcohol/drugs.

• Most rentals require a credit-card damage deposit.
• Ask if fuel is included and how late/cleanup fees work.
• Confirm liability/damage coverage and your responsibility for intake/impeller damage (ropes, seagrass).

Mornings are usually calmer (less wind/chop). Weekends & holidays are busy near Venetian Islands, Monument Island, Haulover, and popular sandbars—keep extra spacing and ride predictably.

1. Wear a snug USCG life jacket and clip the engine kill-switch lanyard.
2. Check fuel, steering, throttle return, and your whistle.
3. Agree on hand signals, right-of-way basics, and a sensible max speed.
4. Idle at no-wake until you reach the posted riding area.

Yes, but towing adds rules (spotter or mirrors, PFDs for everyone, local route limits). Ask us for the towing checklist for your model and zone before launching.