Paddleboard Regulations

The U.S. Coast Guard has determined that a paddleboard is a vessel and is required to have the same safety equipment as other small human-powered vessels such as canoes and kayaks.

Unless the paddleboard is being used within a “swimming, surfing or bathing area,” the paddleboard must have a USCG-a approved life jacket for each person and a sound-producing device on board while on the water.

Although persons on the paddleboard are not required to wear the life jacket while on Florida waters (unless they are less than 6 years of age), it is advisable to find a comfortable life jacket that you can wear or easily carry while on the water.

A “sound-producing device” is a small whistle or horn that can be heard for a least one-half nautical mile. “Referee-type” whistles or other similar devices that can be attached to your life jacket should work well.

If you are operating in limited visibility or at night, you will also need a flashlight or lantern that produces a white light. It should be displayed to approaching vessels in enough time to prevent a collision. The light should not be continually displayed.

If using a paddleboard offshore or on certain coastal waters at nighttime, visual distress signals may be required, per the Code of Federal Regulations.