At what age must children wear properly sized PFDs while a boat less than 26 feet is underway in Florida?

In Florida, the law mandates that children who are less than 6 years of age must wear properly sized Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) whenever they are on a vessel that is less than 26 feet in length and is underway. This requirement is designed to enhance the safety of young passengers, as they are more vulnerable in emergency situations on the water. Properly sized PFDs are essential because they ensure that the device can function effectively in keeping a child afloat if they fall overboard or in the event of an accident.

The age requirement focuses on the developmental differences between younger children and older ones. Kids over the age of 6 can typically follow instructions better and may have more swimming skills, reducing the necessity for mandatory life jacket use when the boat is moving. However, younger children are less capable of self-rescue and more susceptible to drowning without a PFD, making this regulation crucial for their safety on the water.