An electric paddleboard motor must be out of the water and in its nonuse position in the posted no-motor zone of the J.N. “Ding” Darling Wilderness Area in Florida. Before buying a drive for this outing, mark the route with the refuge’s map and find out whether your setup can meet the rule. The nearby Wulfert Flats pole/troll zone has a separate rule.
Look up the posted area by its full name
The current federal regulation for the refuge allows only poling, paddling or floating for propulsion in the posted Wilderness no-motor zone. Any motor, including an electric motor, must be in its nonuse position out of the water in that zone. In the separate posted Wulfert Flats pole/troll zone, the rule allows poling, paddling, floating or electric propulsion and requires any non-electric motor to be in its nonuse position out of the water.
The same distinction appears in the 2024 annual compilation of the regulation, in section 26.34 for this refuge. Consult the current refuge pages and signs for any changes or temporary closures, and confirm the boundaries with the refuge before departure.
Ask about the route, the launch and the installed motor
The refuge boating page sends paddlers to the fishing and boating brochure for restricted areas. Ask where your exact type of board can launch and whether your planned route crosses a zone boundary. Keep launch rules and route rules as separate questions. If the motor would normally sit beneath the board, ask the motor maker whether it has a documented nonuse position that keeps it completely above water. A control in the off position does not tell you where the housing sits.
If the manufacturer documents no suitable position for the assembled equipment, consider a paddle-only setup for that segment and confirm the trip with the refuge. Gather the map, your proposed launch and the drive or mount make and model so the agency can answer a specific example.
Use the SUP compatibility checklist for the equipment record and ask about actual supply and fit with the board, fin box, drive and adapter details. For permission at the refuge, consult the agency.
Source dates: The eCFR is continuously updated. The refuge activity page is undated. GovInfo is the 2024 annual edition. Checked November 14, 2026.
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