Vero Beach, located on the east coast of Florida, is a great destination for boating enthusiasts. Its beautiful waters, warm climate, and family-friendly charm attract boaters from near and far. It's also a very affordable destination for boat rentals - with prices starting at just $50/hour, making it an appealing vacation destination for boating enthusiasts.

Every boat operator or captain on Getmyboat operating in Vero Beach must adhere to a set of rules and regulations that ensure safety and compliance with local laws, federal regulations, and specific facility requirements. When building a boat charter business (or renting a boat) in Vero Beach, here are the key regulations to keep in mind:

Operator Licensing

Boat captains in Vero Beach must hold the appropriate license issued by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) that matches the vessel size and usage:

  • For vessels designed to carry up to six passengers, an OUPV (commonly called a “6-pack”) license is required.
  • For vessels carrying more than six passengers, a USCG Master Captain’s license is required. Operators should verify the correct credential for the vessel and trip.

Boating Safety Education Card

For renters (when no professional captain is provided) the following rules apply:

  • Renters must be at least 18 years old (unless local ordinance dictates otherwise).
  • If a renter was born on or after January 1, 1988, they must hold a Boating Safety Education Identification Card issued under the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), or meet the equivalent certified course requirement.
  • Rental operators should verify that renters meet these requirements, or alternatively ensure the renter completes any required safety checklist or briefing.

Certificate of Inspection & Commercial/Charter Operations

Depending on vessel size, usage, and passenger count, commercial rentals or charters in Vero Beach may require:

  • A commercial vessel inspection by the USCG (if applicable).
  • A charter or boat license for paid fishing or for-hire operations via the FWC.
  • For rental (livery) operations, compliance with Florida’s “livery” regulation framework (see below).

Vessel Titling & Registration in Florida

Under Florida law:

  • All motor-powered vessels (with a few exceptions) must be registered with the FWC/local tax collector’s office.
  • Proof of ownership (bill of sale, manufacturer’s certificate, contract) is required. Titling should precede registration if applicable.
  • Registration numbers (letters and numbers) must be displayed on both sides of the boat’s forward hull in bold contrasting letters; the registration decal must be renewed annually.

Commercial Insurance & Livery (Boat Rental) Operations

For operators offering boats for rent or hire in the Vero Beach area:

  • Under Florida’s livery law (FL Statute 327.54) and the related FWC regulations, any person or business advertising and offering a vessel for rent or lease is treated as a “livery.”
  • Such livery operators must obtain a no-cost Livery Operator Permit annually from the FWC.
  • Insurance requirements apply: For example, the FWC checklist states that coverage must be at least $500,000/person and $1,000,000 per event (or equivalent) for livery operations.
  • It is the operator’s responsibility to ensure proper insurance is in place, and that rental contracts and safety briefing procedures meet state law and regulatory expectations.
  • The popular platform-based rental market (peer-to-peer) falls under these livery definitions when a vessel is offered for rent without a licensed captain.

Key Florida Law Updates (2023-25)

Recent legislative changes affect boating and rental operations across Florida, including Vero Beach:

  • The Boating Safety Act of 2022 (SB 606) took effect January 1, 2023. It introduced stronger safety standards, mandated livery permits, insurance obligations, rental operator obligations (pre-rental instruction, accident reporting).
  • The Boater Freedom Act(effective July 1, 2025) restricts random safety compliance stops by FWC officers unless there is probable cause, and prohibits local bans on vessels based solely on energy source (e.g., gasoline vs electric).
  • Lucy’s Law (House Bill 289, 2025) increases penalties for certain boating offenses (e.g., leaving the scene of a boating accident, reckless operation). It also expands certification requirements for non-resident operators and clarifies livery definitions.

Practical Steps for Operators in Vero Beach

  • Ensure your business is registered as a livery (if offering rentals) and that you hold a current FWC Livery Operator Permit.
  • Confirm all vessels are properly titled/registered in Florida, with numbers and decals displayed correctly.
  • Verify that each captain (where applicable) holds the correct USCG credential, insurance is in place, and safety equipment is onboard (life jackets, fire extinguisher, throwable device if required, navigation lights for night, etc.).
  • For rentals without a captain, screen renters for the Boating Safety Education Card (if born on/after Jan 1 1988) or provide a safety briefing/checklist as required.
  • Update your rental agreements and operations manual in light of Lucy’s Law — for example, ensure non-resident renters are aware of education/certification requirements, confirm acknowledgment of liability, performance rules, and follow accident-reporting procedures.
  • Stay aware of local marina or ramp rules: verify pick-up/drop-off zones, designated docks, swim-zone/no-wake area restrictions. Even though this article is statewide, local rules may add extra requirements.

Passenger Pick Up/ Drop Off

Several places allow boat drop-offs and pickups for rentals, and here are a couple with designated passenger zones. Before finalizing your plans, be sure to verify the pickup and drop-off policies with the marina or dock.

  • Oslo Road Boat Ramp: Located at 200 9th St SE LOT 258, Vero Beach, FL 32962.
  • MacWilliams Park, Boat ramp: Located at 3301-3321 Bridge Plaza Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963.

Summary

Boating around Vero Beach offers wonderful experiences, from guided charters to independent rentals. To ensure safe and compliant operation, you must keep up with Florida’s evolving boating laws. Key take-aways include: hold the correct licensing for captains; ensure renters meet education requirements; maintain vessel registration and safety equipment; comply with livery permitting/insurance if you offer rentals; and adapt to new laws such as the Boating Safety Act of 2022, Boater Freedom Act, and Lucy’s Law.

By adhering to these standards, you’ll provide a safe, enjoyable experience for passengers and protect your business from regulatory gaps or liability.