Key policy requirements

1. Annual no‑cost livery permit
    
   • All boat rental businesses (excluding charters with provided captains) must obtain a permit from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) before renting any vessel.
      
   • Permits must be renewed annually, typically based on the applicant's birthdate or business formation.
      
2. Mandatory insurance coverage
    
   • Liveries must hold a policy insuring both the operator and renter(s), with minimum limits of $500,000 per person and $1 million per incident.
      
   • Renters must be offered supplemental insurance; if declined, they must sign a waiver confirming their understanding.
      
3. Pre‑rental safety instruction & documentation
    
   • Operators must provide detailed safety and operational guidance before each rental. Areas covered include vessel handling, navigation rules, hazard awareness, and emergency procedures.
      
   • Renters must sign an attestation form verifying they received and understood instruction; records must be kept for at least 90 days.
      
4. Boating safety education for operators and renters
    
   • Operators delivering instruction must complete an FWC-approved boating safety course.
      
   • Renters and anyone operating the vessel must carry a valid boating safety ID (or other accepted certification) unless exempt.
      
5. Accident and overdue-rental reporting
    
   • Liveries must promptly report vessel accidents and any rentals that are “unnecessarily overdue” to FWC.
      
   • Failure to comply may result in civil penalties, permit suspension, or criminal charges .
      
6. Additional safety enhancements
    
   • Courses must now include emergency cutoff switch usage and safety around diving personnel.
      

Courts may fine boating violations up to $1,000 per incident, with penalties funding the Marine Resources Conservation Trust Fund.