Do You Need a License to Rent a Jet Ski in Miami?

The short answer

If you were born on or after January 1, 1988, you need a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card before you can operate a jet ski in Miami. If you were born before that date, you are exempt — just bring a valid photo ID on rental day.

How to get your Boating Safety Education ID

You have two routes: a permanent license valid for life, or a same-day Temporary License valid for 90 days. Both satisfy Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 327.395) and both are FWC-approved.

Disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you complete a course through them, at no additional cost to you. We only link to FWC-approved courses.

Route 1: Florida Lifetime Boating License (recommended if you boat regularly)

Take the FWC-approved permanent course and get your Florida Boating Safety Education ID valid for life (you only take the course once, ever).

Start the Florida Lifetime Boating License course →

• Online, self-paced (most students finish in 2-3 hours)

• Pass a final exam with unlimited retries

• FWC-approved (authorized by Fla. Stat. § 327.395)

• Valid in Florida for life, plus reciprocal recognition in 49 other states

Best for: Florida residents, frequent boaters, anyone who plans to rent a jet ski more than once.

Route 2: Florida Temporary License (same-day option)

Need to rent today? The Temporary License is authorized by Fla. Stat. § 327.395(7)(a) for situations exactly like this. Take a 30-minute course from your phone and walk to the dock.

Start the Florida Temporary Boating License course →

• Online, takes about 30 minutes from your phone

• Multiple-choice exam with unlimited retries

• Approximately $13.95

• Valid for 90 days from the date issued

• Emailed to you immediately after you pass

• Accepted at every Florida PWC livery, including every operator on our platform

Best for: out-of-state visitors, first-time renters, anyone who just needs to ride this trip.

Free alternative (if you have a few hours)

The BoatUS Foundation Florida course is also FWC-approved and free, but it takes 3+ hours and is more focused on long-form vessel operation than PWC rental scenarios. We include it here for completeness.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) publishes the full list of approved providers at myfwc.com/boating/safety-education/courses.

What to bring on rental day

Pack light. You will need a valid photo ID, your boater card or temporary certificate (if required), a swimsuit, reef-safe sunscreen, and sunglasses with a strap. We provide the life jacket and all safety gear, and you get a full safety briefing before you ride.

Riding the bay

Most Miami jet ski sessions launch from Biscayne Bay — a calm, protected waterway with views of the downtown skyline, Star Island, and Fisher Island. It is flat and forgiving, which makes it ideal for first-time riders.