Yes you do! Before you take your jet-ski or boat for a spin, it's important to make sure that you have all the right paperwork. Here in the state of Florida, that means registering it. Just like a car on the road, watercraft requires proper registration, and a visible license plate displaying your registration number. This rule applies to all motor-powered vessels, and non-motor-powered boats and other vessels over 16 feet long. When in doubt, you can always contact your local government office. When it comes to your registration number, be sure to make sure it's displayed in bold block lettering in a contrasting color to your watercraft. The number must also be at least 3 inches tall in order to be easily read from afar. You'll also receive a registration decal, which you'll display to the left of the registration number, and replace each year.

In some places closer to shore, yes there are. In many ways, operating a personal watercraft such as a jet ski or motorboat is a lot like driving a car! For example, just as there are rules of the road, there are also rules of the water. One such rule is following speed limits, which are indicated out on the water. Always be on the lookout for signage that indicates speed limits, as it will look different than a typical road sign. Water signage will say "Idle Speed - No Wake" indicating minimum speeds. "Slow Speed - Minimum Wake" indicates slower speeds, creating the least amount of wake possible for the safety of others. In general, always watch your speed around smaller non-motorized vessels, swimmers, or in high-traffic areas. 

There are certain rules that pertain to personal watercraft here in the state of Florida. First off, you must be at least 14 years old to drive a personal watercraft, and you must be at least 18 years old to rent one. Everyone driving or riding onboard must be wearing a life jacket, and the driver must be tethered to the cutoff switch, which will stop the watercraft in case you fall off. There are also some timing regulations, which stipulate that you can only operate your personal watercraft in the daytime, and that it's off-limits from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise. If you are operating your machine in those half hour periods of darkness, the law requires you to use navigation lights for safety. 

At RIVA Motorsports, we take pride in offering an extensive selection of personal watercraft from top brands like Sea-Doo, Honda, Yamaha, and more. Whether you're seeking thrilling performance on the water or a reliable ride for leisurely outings, our inventory has something for every enthusiast. We invite you to visit us here at RIVA Motorsports to explore our impressive lineup in person. If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to contact us using the form below. We're here to help you find the perfect watercraft for your adventures!