Florida SUP safety (quick, actually useful)

Your board is treated like a vessel in many places. Florida Fish and Wildlife notes that (outside designated swimming/surfing/bathing areas) paddleboards are classified as vessels under U.S. Coast Guard rules—meaning you need the usual safety basics.

Bring these every time:

• A USCG-approved wearable PFD (life jacket) for each person

• A sound-producing device (a whistle works)

• Sun protection + water (Florida will roast you politely, then aggressively)

Bonus Florida reality check: Before you paddle freshwater canals/lakes, check for blue-green algae alerts—Florida agencies monitor blooms and issue health alerts when needed.