Georgia’s wakesurfing law, enacted by HB 121 and in force since July 1, 2023, restricts wakesurfing and wakeboarding on state waters in three ways: no riding between sunset and sunrise, no riding within 200 feet of shorelines and structures, and no riding without a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. The rules live at OCGA § 52-7-13.1, and each one operates on its own. Following two of the three isn’t a defense to violating the third.1Justia Law. Georgia Code 52-7-13.1 – Limitation on Wakeboarding or Wakesurfing
The 200-Foot Buffer Is Broader Than Most Boaters Expect
The distance rule is where people get caught. The 200-foot setback applies not just to the rider being towed, but to the boat throwing the wake. A motorboat casting a surfable wake within 200 feet of a protected area violates the law even if nobody is behind the boat at that moment.2Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement. Wakeboarding and Wakesurfing Law
Protected features include:
- Any moored or anchored vessel
- Wharves, docks, piers, pilings, and bridge abutments
- Shorelines next to full-time or part-time residences
- Shorelines next to public parks, beaches, swimming areas, marinas, restaurants, and other public-use areas
That last phrase, “other public use area,” is a catch-all. If a stretch of shoreline sees regular public activity, expect the buffer to apply.1Justia Law. Georgia Code 52-7-13.1 – Limitation on Wakeboarding or Wakesurfing
On narrow coves and smaller lakes, 200 feet from each shore can consume most of the usable water. If both banks have residences or docks, there may not be a legal riding lane through the cove at all. Look for water with enough width to stay 200 feet from every protected feature at once.
Where the Law Does Not Apply
HB 121 exempts several categories of water and activity:
- Regattas, boat races, marine parades, tournaments, and exhibitions that hold a marine event permit from the Georgia DNR Commissioner
- The Intracoastal Waterway along Georgia’s coast
- All rivers in Georgia
- Lakes that are entirely privately owned
“Private lake” means a lake wholly under private ownership. Owning a lakefront home or a dock on a public reservoir does not turn that reservoir into a private lake.3Justia Law. Georgia Code 52-7-13.1 – Limitation on Wakeboarding or Wakesurfing
The Life Jacket Requirement Is Stricter Than the General Boating Rule
Georgia already requires every vessel to carry a wearable PFD for each person on board, and children under 13 must wear one whenever the boat is underway. HB 121 goes further for wakesurfing and wakeboarding: the rider has to actually wear a Coast Guard-approved PFD, not simply have one on the boat.3Justia Law. Georgia Code 52-7-13.1 – Limitation on Wakeboarding or Wakesurfing
Enforcement and Penalties
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division enforces the law. Game wardens patrol state waters and issue citations. When the statute first took effect, DNR said it would emphasize education during the early period and take a harder line with repeat offenders or anyone showing reckless disregard for the rules.2Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement. Wakeboarding and Wakesurfing Law
OCGA § 52-7-13.1 does not set a standalone fine. Boating violations in Georgia are generally misdemeanors under the state’s boating safety code, so penalties fall within the standard misdemeanor range.
What HB 121 Does Not Do
Two points worth clearing up. First, the second half of HB 121 has nothing to do with boats. It amended Title 40 to create a registration and licensing framework for multipurpose off-highway vehicles on certain public roads, including equipment standards, license plates through the Department of Revenue, and an annual fee.4Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement. Georgia Code 52-7-13.1 – Wakesurfing and Wakeboarding Restrictions
Second, HB 121 did not change boat taxes. A recurring online claim ties the bill to a Title Ad Valorem Tax on boats. That is wrong. Georgia’s TAVT applies only to titled motor vehicles.5Georgia Department of Revenue. Vehicle Taxes – Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) and Annual Ad Valorem Tax Boats in Georgia remain on the standard annual county ad valorem property tax collected at registration renewal.