Operating a Boat on Florida Waterways
June 10, 2024
Florida boat insurance isn't mandated by law, but it's highly recommended. While only Arkansas, Hawaii, and Utah require boat insurance, Floridian boaters should still consider it to protect their vessels, financial assets, and themselves.
Boat insurance can cover you in cases of accidents, theft, or fire. Additionally, it can help manage medical expenses if someone gets injured on your boat or if you're at fault in an accident that results in injuries to others.
Cutting corners to skip on boat insurance in Florida could leave you personally liable for damages and potentially facing lawsuits. Plus, if replacing your boat out-of-pocket would be financially straining, boat insurance is a wise choice. Boat insurance provides coverage for your passengers and your boat against risks like theft, collision, or storm damage. Importantly, this coverage applies whether your boat is on water or land.
Responsible boating conduct...
Boat operators are expected to operate their vessel reasonably and prudently by considering other watercraft traffic and observing posted restrictions, such as the presence of a divers-down flag. Reckless operation of watercraft with willful disregard for safety in the Sunshine State is considered a first-degree misdemeanor.
Registration & Requirements for Boaters
In Florida, all vessels must be registered through your local Tax Collector's Office, with exceptions for non-motor-powered vessels under 16 feet, non-motor-powered canoes, kayaks, racing shells, or rowing sculls. Vessels used exclusively on private lakes and ponds are also exempt from registration. New or used vessels purchased must be titled and registered within 30 days, and the owner must have proof of purchase on board during this period.
Failure to register within 30 days is a second-degree misdemeanor. Vessels registered in another state can be used in Florida for up to 90 days. If involved in a boating accident resulting in personal injury beyond basic first-aid, death, disappearance, or property damage over $2,000, the operator must notify authorities promptly. Unlike automobiles, proof of insurance is not required to register and title a vessel.
Mandatory Marine Safety Equipment
When setting out for a day on the water, safety should always be the top priority. There are several critical safety items every boater must have on board. Every person on your boat, including those being towed on water skis or other devices, must have a Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, or III Personal Flotation Device. PFDs should be appropriately sized for each individual, in good condition, easily accessible, and not stowed away in bags or compartments.
Boats that pose a high flammability risk, such as those with fuel tanks, must carry fire extinguishers. The number and type of fire extinguishers required depend on the size of the marine vessel. When boating on high seas or coastal waterways, having visual distress signals (flares and signal flags) and sound-producing devices (horns, whistles or bells) are mandatory. Other necessities include navigation lights, which are crucial for visibility during nighttime or low-light conditions.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, staying alert when operating a marine vessel is crucial to avoiding collisions of two common types: collisions with other vessels or collisions with stationery objects. Despite the fact that collisions are a leading cause of boat accidents, drownings from falling overboard are the major cause of death on Florida waterways. It is illegal in the Sunshine State for a boater to leave the scene of an accident without providing aid and reporting the event.
Does Florida Require a Boating License?
Navigating Florida's waterways is a fantastic experience, but it's essential to understand the state's boating regulations before you set sail. For starters, the Sunshine State does not issue a traditional boating license. Instead, the state offers a Boating Safety Education Identification Card, which serves as proof that you have completed the necessary educational requirements and the card is valid for life. New boat owners are exempt for 90 days from purchase date.
Nonresident boaters must also comply with Florida's boating safety education requirements but may show proof they completed equivalency training and passed an examination that meets or exceeds Florida’s standards. If you're visiting from another state and do not meet any exemption conditions, you can obtain a temporary certificate to rent a boat. These certificates are available from vendors but are only valid for 90 days and are not a permanent replacement for visitors.
All vessels registered and titled in Florida must display three types of identification. The Florida registration number is permanent and remains with the vessel as long as it is operated or stored, regardless of owner changes. The hull identification number must be permanently affixed to the vessel above the waterline. The registration decal includes the year of valid registration and displayed before or after the registration number.
Florida’s NEW 50-foot Rule for Boating
Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order on March 27 to enforce social distancing among recreational boaters on Florida waterways. Under the new rules, boats must maintain a distance of at least 50 feet from other vessels when stationary, and each vessel can carry no more than 10 people at any given time. Vessels failing to comply with this order will be considered a public safety hazard, and the FWC is authorized to enforce these regulations.
It's important to note that the 50-foot rule does not apply to boats moored in designated mooring fields, marina slips, or other permanent wet slips. Additionally, boats that are underway are exempt from this rule, unless they are rafted together. With boating being a popular recreational activity in Florida, it's crucial for everyone to adhere to these new guidelines to enjoy the water responsibly and keep each other safe.
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By understanding and adhering to the state’s regulations, you ensure a safe and enjoyable boating experience. While boat insurance isn't legally required in Florida, it's a practical measure to safeguard your investment and ensure peace of mind. Coupled with understanding and adhering to registration and safety regulations, you can enjoy Florida's beautiful waterways with confidence and responsibility. Visit Nsurance Nation to receive the most competitive quotes on marine insurance for boats, yachts, and personal watercraft.
