Tour vs rental: rules and ages
In Key West, you almost always ride on a guided tour. True rentals, where you ride wherever you want, are rare here.
Guided tour
You follow a guide around the island in a line, about 26 to 28 miles in 90 minutes to 2 hours. Common stops: the Southernmost Point, Key West Harbor, the submarine pits and a sandbar swim. See all tours.
Free ride and rentals
Key West Boat & Jet Ski Adventures sells a 1-hour freestyle ride on Stock Island. You still ride near a guide, but not in a line.
Florida law, in short
- You must be at least 14 to drive a jet ski in Florida (Fla. Stat. 327.39), and at least 18 to rent one (Fla. Stat. 327.54).
- If you were born on or after January 1, 1988, you need a Florida Boating Safety Education ID card, or a temporary certificate, to drive. Many shops help you get the temporary one. Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
- Everyone on board wears a life jacket. The shops provide them.
Each shop's own rules
- Sunset Watersports: 16 and 17 year olds drive only with a parent riding on the back. 18+ drive alone. Riders 5+.
- Six Fins: 16 to drive, 6 to ride.
- Fury and Key West Boat & Jet Ski Adventures: riders 4 and up.
Shop rules read from their booking pages on October 4, 2026. This is not legal advice; check with the shop before you go.