The Miami boat rental scene is booming, with people from all over the world coming to enjoy the city's beautiful waterways. With its warm climate, calm seas, and stunning scenery, there's something for everyone on the water.

Every boater needs to follow the rules set by their local area, the federal government, and the specific facility they're using. If you're renting a boat through Getmyboat, you must also follow the general rules and the specific laws of the area you're in. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Confirming that you have the right permits and licenses.
  • Using suitable boats and qualified captains.
  • Ensuring you're picking up and dropping off passengers where you're supposed to.

New Florida Boating Laws

Starting July 1, 2025, Florida enacted the Boater Freedom Act (SB 1388) and several companion laws that reshape how boating enforcement works and increase penalties for dangerous behavior.

Under the Boater Freedom Act, law-enforcement officers (including those from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) may no longer stop or board a vessel solely for a routine equipment safety inspection—they must have probable cause of a primary violation (e.g., reckless operation or boating under the influence) before initiating a stop or inspection.

Another updated boating regulation in Florida is that safety or marine-sanitation equipment violations are now considered secondary offences, meaning officers can address them only after encountering a primary violation. The law also prohibits local governments from enacting bans on gas-powered boats, safeguarding their operation statewide.

At the same time, “Lucy’s Law” (HB 289) tightened penalties for serious boating offenses: for example, leaving the scene of a crash involving death or serious injury is now elevated (a first-degree felony if death results), and a conviction for boating under the influence (BUI) manslaughter carries a mandatory minimum sentence of four years in prison.

Finally, under SB 164, new rules address derelict or long-term anchored vessels: anchoring longer than authorized in certain zones may trigger fines ($100, $250, $500 for repeated offences) and eventually removal of the vessel as a public nuisance.

Overall, these recent boating law reforms in Florida aim to strike a balance: greater protections for law-abiding boaters and limits on enforcement stops, while ramping up accountability and consequences for high-risk behavior on the water.

Captain's License:

To be a captain, you need a U.S. Coast Guard license and must be able to show a copy of your license to the Commission for verification.

  • If you have more than 6 passengers, you need a Master Captain's license.
  • If you have 6 or fewer passengers, you need a 6-pack/ OUPV license.

The captain is responsible for the safety of everyone on the boat.

To learn more about how to get a captain's license, visit the Mariners Learning System website. Use the promo code GETMYBOAT10 for 10% off all products.

Boating Safety Education Card

If there is no captain provided, the renter of the vessel must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a Boating Safety Card if born after January 1, 1988

Here are the approved boater education courses by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Certificate of Inspection:

If a captain is provided in the price and you advertise over 6 passengers, then a certificate of inspection will be required.

Bareboat Charters

If you are renting out a boat to 12 or more passengers and the captain and crew are paid separately, you need a certificate of inspection.

OR

If a captain is not provided in the price of your boat rental, and you advertise over 12 passengers then a certificate of inspection will be required.

Commercial Insurance:

Getmyboat does not provide insurance directly through the platform. Operators of watercraft must ensure they have appropriate insurance that covers their vessels for rentals or charters. If you need insurance information, we can suggest our partner, Boat Charter Insurance.

Vessel Titling and Registration:

To register your boat in Florida, you need to go to the county tax collector or license plate agent. You will need to provide proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale or contract from the builder. If your boat needs to have a title, you will need to get that first before you can get the registration.

Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

Passenger Pick Up/ Drop Off:

Several locations permit boat drop-offs and pickups for rentals, and here are a few with designated passenger areas. Prior to confirming your plans, ensure you verify the pickup and drop-off policies with the marina or dock.

  • Miami Beach Marina: Located at 300 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139
  • 5th Street Marina : Located at 341 NW S River Dr, Miami, FL 33128

Florida Fish and Wildlife

If you want to charge people money to fish from your boat in Miami, you need a special license called a Charter Captain or Boat License. You can learn more about obtaining a Charter Captain or Boat License from the FWC website.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission