Recreational boaters and outdoor enthusiasts in Florida know that access is everything. Whether you are launching your boat at a ramp or docking at a marina, the ability to get out on the water freely and conveniently is vital. On June 25, 2025, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum signed a Secretarial Order implementing the bipartisan Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act, known as the EXPLORE Act.

Why do people love boating? It might seem like a simple question, but the answers go deeper than you might expect. For the Let’s Go Boating community, the draw of the water isn’t just about boats or engines or catching a good breeze. It’s about how boating makes us feel. It’s the lifestyle. It’s the freedom. It’s the chance to break routine and reconnect with ourselves, our loved ones, and the natural world around us.

For many of us who live the boating lifestyle in Florida, the idea of traveling to new waters is just part of the dream. Whether it’s a trip to Georgia’s barrier islands, a quick hop over to the Carolinas, or trailering your boat for a summer adventure up the East Coast, boating out of state is a real and regular part of life for Florida boaters.

As of July 1, 2025, Florida officially enacted the Boater Freedom Act (Senate Bill 1388), which disallows Florida Fish & Wildlife officers from conducting random vessel safety stops unless they have “probable cause”. Instead, boaters who display a “Freedom Boater” decal, proof of vessel compliance, are exempt from suspicionless stops. The law also prevents local bans on gas-powered vessels.

Nobody gets into boating because it’s easy. We do it because there’s something in our DNA that needs the water. It’s generational. It’s familial. It’s a little bit reckless and a whole lot of responsibility. And for many, it’s how we earn a living.

Whether you’re exploring local lakes with your family or dreaming of launching a charter fishing service, one of the first questions many boaters ask is: Do I need a license? It’s a great question-and one with two very different answers depending on how you plan to use your boat.

When you’re out on the water in Florida, whether you’re skimming across the flats, navigating the Intracoastal, or exploring the Gulf with your family, one thing should always be top of mind: safety. Not just because it’s smart, but because Florida law makes it clear who’s watching the waterways-and what they’re watching for.