Owning a vessel is one of the great luxuries of living in Florida. If you have ever wondered about chartering your vessel for extra income or to compensate for maintenance costs, contact a qualified, experienced maritime attorney. We will be able to explain all aspects of chartering your vessel and how to do it in a manner that protects your business. There are liabilities involved when chartering a vessel and the owners of the chartered vessel will be held responsible in a Florida courtroom. If you are not licensed to offer charters and do not possess the proper permits and insurance, the penalties, if found guilty, can be massive. In addition, you will be held civilly liable for any accidents or fatalities on your vessel. Do not tempt fate.

What do I need to do to charter my vessel in Florida?

There are a lot of guides and step by step pamphlets listed on the internet about how to charter your vessel in various states and countries, but the number one thing to have when chartering your vessel in Florida is experienced legal counsel. It will save you thousands in the long run and save you massive amounts of time. Yes, the step by step guides can get you on your way to chartering your vessel, but all of these guides have “seek local, legal counsel” mixed within their steps. This is because local, maritime legal counsel will be able to tell you what you need to know regarding local industry regulations, licensing, and legalities.

Do I need a special license/insurance to charter my vessel?

Yes, you need a special license/insurance to charter your vessel in Florida. To find out what license and insurance you need, contact an experienced maritime lawyer in your county, or where you wish to charter your vessel. Depending upon the activity, amount of people, and vessel size, the requirements for licensing and insurance may vary. Fishing activities are the main focus of federal investigations off the coast of Florida. Make sure to be on the right side of the law when it comes to chartering your vessel for fishing expeditions.

Are there extra taxes involved with chartering my vessel?

Yes. Chartering your vessel is a form of business and is subject to taxes under Florida law. The best course of action is to speak with a qualified, experienced maritime lawyer. We will be able to advise you on all taxes associated with chartering your vessel.

There are benefits to chartering your vessel in Florida, but make sure to charter your vessel in a manner that protects your assets and business. Things can easily get out of hand out on the sea and liability for someone injuring themselves on your vessel rests on your wallet if you do not properly insure, permit, and inform yourself of the law. Contact a local maritime lawyer to get started chartering your vessel without legal worry.