Sarasota Boating Safety Speed Zones
No person shall operate any watercraft in excess of IDLE SPEED within 300 feet of any land in Sarasota County fronting on the Gulf of Mexico.
No person shall operate any watercraft within a swimming area which has been marked with buoys, nor within 500 feet of any public beach on the Gulf of Mexico.
Idle Speed, No Wake is that speed which is necessary to maintain steerage. The speed which you dock your boat is idle speed, no wake. Generally this is a speed of 1 to 3 miles per hour.
Slow Speed, Minimum Wake is that speed which allows your boat to be completely settled in the water with very little or no wake. Your boat is not on plane. Generally this is a speed of 5 to 7 miles per hour.
CAUTION: Endangered manatees inhabit these waters. Please observe all posted speed limits for your boating safety and manatee protection. For more information call the Sarasota County Natural Resources Department at 941-378-6142.
Boating License
Were you born on or after Jan. 1, 1988? Then in order to boat in Florida you need to pass a state-approved boating education course to pilot a vessel with an engine of 10 horsepower or greater. There are many boating courses available online. Visitors from out of state who do not have a card issued by their home state can take a Temporary Certificate test. Search online for a course provider.
