The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminded residents and visitors on Apr. 4 to prioritize safety when enjoying the state’s waterways, especially as spring continues and summer approaches. The agency emphasized the importance of renting boats, personal watercraft, canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards only from permitted liveries.
This reminder comes after new livery regulations and updated boating safety education requirements took effect in 2024. These changes are designed to improve public safety by ensuring accountability for rental operations and promoting safer practices among vessel renters. Under these rules, permitted liveries must provide renters with instruction on local waterway characteristics, proper use of engine cutoff switches, and demonstrations of safe vessel operation before any rental begins.
“Renting from an unpermitted livery or skipping proper instruction can put you, your passengers, and others on the water in danger,” said Maj. Tommy VanTrees, FWC Boating and Waterways Section Leader. “Permitted liveries are well aware of the high safety standards required by law, and taking a few extra minutes to receive proper equipment and instruction can prevent accidents and save lives.” VanTrees said that making safety a priority every time people are on the water is essential.
The FWC has a history shaped by influential figures such as Lovett Williams who contributed significantly to wildlife research as highlighted on its official history page. The commission secures external grants that make up over 40% of its funding for important research projects according to its official website. Public input is encouraged in FWC decision-making processes as part of efforts to promote conservation among diverse communities according to its official website.
FWC’s research infrastructure includes facilities like the Wildlife Research Laboratory in Gainesville which houses offices, animal holding pens, specialized equipment for wildlife studies as noted on its official history page, an alligator egg incubator, and pens used for brown pelican restocking as described on its official history page. The commission aims to protect Florida’s fish and wildlife resources through ongoing research supported by technical expertise according to its mission page.
For more information about livery regulations or boating safety courses recommended by FWC, individuals are encouraged to visit MyFWC.com.
