Wake-Boat Rules · Statewide wake-surf rule
Georgia Wakesurf & Wake-Boat Rules
Georgia HB 121 (O.C.G.A. 52-7-13.1), effective July 1, 2023, prohibits wakeboarding and wakesurfing within 200 feet of any moored vessel, wharf, dock, pier, piling, bridge structure, or any shoreline adjacent to a residence, public park, beach, swimming area, marina, restaurant or other public-use area; bans the activity between sunset and sunrise; and requires a USCG-approved PFD. It does not apply to permitted marine events, intracoastal waterways, rivers, or private lakes. No statewide depth or acreage threshold.
Georgia HB 121 (O.C.G.A. 52-7-13.1), effective July 1, 2023, prohibits wakeboarding and wakesurfing within 200 feet of any moored vessel, wharf, dock, pier, piling, bridge structure, or any shoreline adjacent to a residence, public park, beach, swimming area, marina, restaurant or other public-use area; bans the activity between sunset and sunrise; and requires a USCG-approved PFD. It does not apply to permitted marine events, intracoastal waterways, rivers, or private lakes. No statewide depth or acreage threshold.
Where a statewide rule applies, key provisions include operating at least 200 ft from shore. The current rule took effect 2023-07-01.
Wake-boat rules change often and vary by individual lake. Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Law Enforcement Division is the governing authority — confirm the current regulation before you ride. This summary is informational, not legal advice.
Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Law Enforcement Division. Specifications reflect published figures and can change by model year — verify before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Statewide wake-surf rule. Georgia HB 121 (O.C.G.A. 52-7-13.1), effective July 1, 2023, prohibits wakeboarding and wakesurfing within 200 feet of any moored vessel, wharf, dock, pier, piling, bridge structure, or any shoreline adjacent to a residence, public park, beach, swimming area, marina, restaurant or other public-use area; bans the activity between sunset and sunrise; and requires a USCG-approved PFD. It does not apply to permitted marine events, intracoastal waterways, rivers, or private lakes. No statewide depth or acreage threshold.
Where Georgia's statewide rule applies, wake boats must operate at least 200 ft from shore.