Note AHow old do you have to be to rent a boat?
Slipstream Boating says most companies require 18, some require 21, and some larger-boat rentals require 25. Ask about the specific boat rather than assuming one company's age applies everywhere.
Renting and driving have different age rules
The person signing the rental agreement and the person driving the boat can face different age requirements. Florida law prohibits a livery from knowingly renting a motorized vessel to anyone under 18. Separately, some Florida rental companies require renters to be 21, according to Searadar.
Jet Ski TX requires renters to be 21 or older, with a valid credit card and government-issued ID. Its drivers must be 18 or older and have valid government-issued ID. Those are company requirements, not a statement of Texas's legal operating age.
A passenger age policy does not give you permission to rent or drive. Chicago Tiki Boat requires the renter to be at least 21 with a valid credit card. Confirm the passenger policy for your particular booking separately.
Meeting the age requirement does not settle the education requirement. Use the boating license guide to check what paperwork you need, then ask the operator who may sign the agreement and who may drive.
- Ask for the renter age and driver age separately.
- Ask whether a younger driver needs an adult aboard.
- Confirm the required ID and boating safety certificate before paying.
Operating ages and rental restrictions by state
Legal operating ages depend on the state, vessel and supervision conditions. Read the qualifications in this table rather than treating an age alone as permission to drive; check with the named agency for the final word.
| State | Motorboat operation | PWC operation | Agency or rental restriction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 12; licensed adult aboard under 14 | 12; supervision required under 14 | Alabama Law Enforcement Agency |
| Florida | Ask FWC about your boat and driver | 14, according to Searadar | Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: motorized rentals prohibited under 18 |
| Georgia | Ask about operating eligibility | Ask about operating eligibility | Georgia DNR Law Enforcement: no rental of vessels with 10 horsepower or more under 16 |
| Illinois | 10 with direct onboard supervision; ages 12–17 need a certificate or supervision | Confirm vessel-specific conditions | Illinois Department of Natural Resources |
| Michigan | 12, with separate restrictions and power limits for younger drivers | 14; restrictions at 14–15 | Michigan state boating guidance |
| Missouri | 14 unless accompanied by an adult aboard | 14 unless accompanied by an adult aboard | Missouri State Highway Patrol |
| North Carolina | Ask the agency | 14 | North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission |
| New Jersey | 13–15: electric motor, or boat at least 12 feet with less than 10 total horsepower | 16 with boating safety certificate | U.S. Coast Guard boating guidance |
| New York | Ask State Parks about operating eligibility | Ask State Parks about operating eligibility | New York State Parks: renters 18 and older may use the livery instruction exception to certification |
| Ohio | Ask the agency | 12; adult aboard at 12–15, with applicable education requirements | Ohio Department of Natural Resources |
| Wisconsin | 10 | 12; renting requires 16 | Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources |
Georgia's rental restriction is not an operating-age rule. New York renters under 18 need a safety certificate; confirm the driver's eligibility separately. For Illinois and Michigan, ask the agency how supervision and engine power affect your particular boat.
Texas companies can impose stricter ages: Liquid Thrillz requires renters to be at least 21 to reserve most boats. Slipstream Boating describes California motorized rentals for people 16 and older with a state boater's card. Check the Texas boating requirements or California boating requirements, then confirm the company's policy.