Is it legal to waterski in Sarasota?

Waterskiing is allowed in some waterways throughout Sarasota County, including parts of the city.

But the recreational activity is prohibited in certain areas, including no-wake or slow speed zones, federally marked channels or designated swimming areas.

The city of Sarasota designates portions of Sarasota Bay where waterskiing is approved in its Code of Ordinances. The county allows it in the Gulf so long as it’s at least 500 feet away from public beaches.

There are also regulations from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for water skiing. No one can waterski 30 minutes after sunset or 30 minutes before sunrise. Waterskiers must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved non-inflatable personal flotation device. And a second person must be on the boat observing the skiers, or the boat needs to have a wide-angle rearview mirror.