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Georgia Life Jacket Rules (2026)

Conditional: Georgia requires children under age 13 to wear a PFD at all times while on any moving vessel.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: gadnrle.org →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Life Jacket Rules in states bordering Georgia

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

AlabamaConditional
In Alabama, children under 8 years old must wear a USCG-approved PFD at all times on any boat, except when in an enclosed cabin.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: alea.gov · Full Alabama rule →
FloridaConditional
In Florida a child under age 6 must wear a USCG-approved Type I, II or III PFD aboard a vessel under 26 feet while it is underway.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: myfwc.com · Full Florida rule →
North CarolinaConditional
In North Carolina, children under 13 years of age must wear an approved life jacket while underway on a vessel less than 26 feet.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: ncwildlife.gov · Full North Carolina rule →
South CarolinaConditional
South Carolina requires every person under 12 years old aboard a Class A motorboat (less than 16 feet) to wear a USCG-approved PFD (S.C. Code 50-21-870).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: scstatehouse.gov · Full South Carolina rule →
TennesseeConditional
In Tennessee, children 12 and younger must wear a Coast Guard-approved PFD on the open deck of a recreational boat unless anchored, moored, or aground.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: tn.gov · Full Tennessee rule →

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