Florida requirements and local speed zones
Florida law requires anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 who operates a vessel with an engine of 10 horsepower or more to have a Boating Safety Education Identification Card, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. FWC says renters without a Florida card can obtain a temporary certificate valid for up to 90 days. See Florida boating-license requirements and confirm your eligibility with FWC.
Florida law prohibits a livery from knowingly renting a motorized vessel to anyone under 18, according to FWC. Separately, Lauderdale Adventures requires renters to be 18 and show valid ID; passengers need no boating license because a licensed captain operates every charter.
FWC identifies a year-round slow-speed minimum-wake area between Oakland Park Blvd and Sunrise Blvd in Broward County. Its manatee-zone notice identifies seasonal slowing requirements from April 1 through Nov. 15. Ask the operator about route restrictions and inspection procedures.
The operator must remain sober. Lauderdale Adventures allows guests 21 and older to bring and consume alcohol while its captains remain sober; that is company policy, not Florida’s boating-under-the-influence law. Rent a Boat Fort Lauderdale requires children 5 and under to wear life jackets underway and children weighing less than 50 pounds to bring their own USCG-approved jacket.
Year-round rentals and search peaks
Lauderdale Adventures says rentals are available year-round. Confirm your operator’s schedule.
Rental searches peak in March, April, May, and June, according to Ahrefs search-demand figures covering October 2025 through September 2026. That describes search interest, not higher published prices; ask for your date’s rate.
Lauderdale Adventures offers a full refund or credit with 24 hours’ notice or because of inclement weather, and charges no-shows the full price. Confirm your booking’s cancellation terms.
Departure docks and areas
Published departure points include Seabreeze Blvd, SE 15th St, and E Sunrise Blvd in Fort Lauderdale. Staying Afloat Party Boat names a dock on Seabreeze Blvd, while Baymingo names SE 15th St.
Boat Party Fort Lauderdale also names North Ocean Drive in Hollywood, and Baymingo names Polk St in Hollywood. Confirm the city and exact dock in your booking instructions; Lauderdale Adventures does not specify its departure location on the rental page.