Florida Dive Flag Law

If you go snorkeling or scuba diving in Florida, you must display a "divers-down" flag on the boat or you must tow a buoy or float where a flag is displayed, according to Florida vessel safety statute 327.331. The purpose of the law is to keep the water safe for both divers and boats. Divers must stay near the flags and boaters must try to stay away.

  1. Definition of a Diver

    • Florida statute 327.331 defines a "diver" as "any person who is wholly or partially submerged in the waters of the state and is equipped with a face mask and snorkel or underwater breathing apparatus." An underwater breathing apparatus may be self-contained (scuba) or connected to a remote air source via an air line.

    Dive Flag Requirements

    • Florida law states that a divers-down flag must be square or rectangular and must have a wire or other stiffener to keep it unfurled even when there is no wind. It must be red with a diagonal white stripe running from the top staff-side of the flag to the opposite corner at the bottom. If it's towed by the diver it must be at least 12 inches by 12 inches; if it's displayed on a boat or a structure, it must be at least 20 inches by 24 inches.

    Divers' Responsibilities

    • Divers must try to stay within 300 feet their dive flag in open water--100 feet on rivers, inlets, and navigation channels. They must lower the dive flag once all divers are aboard the boat or on shore.

    Boaters' Responsibilities

    • Boaters must make a reasonable effort to stay 300 feet away from a dive flag in open water--100 feet on rivers, inlets, and navigation channels. Boats other than law enforcement or rescue boats may not travel faster than the minimum speed necessary to move forward and steer.

    Where to Display Dive Flags

    • If displayed on a boat, a dive flag must be flown from the highest point of the boat or from another location that ensures unobstructed visibility from every direction. Dive flags need not be displayed in areas customarily used for swimming rather than boating. Dive flags may not be displayed in a way than might constitute a navigational hazard, except in an emergency.

    Questions About Dive Flags

    • If you have any questions about Florida's dive-flag laws, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Boating Safety Section at 850-488-5600.