Daytona Beach, located in Volusia County, Florida, is known for its beautiful beaches and hosts the famous annual Daytona 500 NASCAR race. Daytona Beach is a favored destination for boating enthusiasts due to its many waterways, such as the Halifax River, Intracoastal Waterway, and the Atlantic Ocean, offering a wide range of recreational opportunities. The area boasts numerous marinas and boat launch facilities, making it an ideal spot for boaters. The city of Daytona Beach collaborates with The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and The United States Coast Guard (USCG) to ensure the safety and enjoyment of its water-based activities.

Every Getmyboat operator is obligated to operate in adherence to local regulations and is responsible for obtaining the necessary registrations, passes, permits, and meeting all requirements for both vessels and captains. This also entails the proper use of designated docks and commercial boating areas, as well as compliance with any other directives established by local laws and facility regulations. To provide assistance, we have compiled vital information for your boating activities in Daytona Beach.

Insurance:

Boat rental businesses need insurance to protect their passengers, their business interests, and to meet legal requirements. To learn more about the essential insurance coverage, contact our partner, Boat Charter Insurance.

The Florida Boating Safety Act of 2022 (SB 606):

Effective from January 1, 2023, the Florida Boating Safety Act of 2022 (SB 606) has been enacted to enhance safety on Florida's waterways. This objective is achieved by imposing stricter penalties for violations, requiring permits for boat rental operators, and enacting new safety regulations for boat rental businesses.

Vessel Titling and Registration:

To complete the registration of your boat, you can visit the local county tax collector's office or a licensed plate agent. To establish your ownership of the boat, you can present a bill of sale, a builder's contract, a manufacturer's documentation, a federal marine document, or another approved form of verification. If your boat necessitates titling, you must secure this title before proceeding with the registration process. For additional information, please contact the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles .

Captain's License:

All boat captains must have a valid U.S. Coast Guard license that matches the type of vessel they are operating. For vessels that can carry up to six passengers, a 6-pack license is required. For vessels that can carry more than six passengers, a Master Captain's license is required. Captains are responsible for the safe operation of their charter vessels and the well-being of everyone on board. To get more information about captain's licenses, visit the Mariners Learning System website.

Boating Safety Education Card:

If you were born on or after January 1, 1988, and you intend to operate a boat in Florida waters with an engine of 10 horsepower or more, it is mandatory to have a Boating Safety Card.

Florida Fish and Wildlife:

To conduct paid saltwater fishing charters in Florida, a Charter Captain or Boat License is necessary. The U.S. Coast Guard mandates that anyone operating a boat for hire must hold a Captain's license or Merchant Mariner Credential.

A Charter Captain License permits a licensed captain to work on various boats, provided they hold a valid Coast Guard license for passenger-carrying vessels. The boat itself must either be registered for commercial use or possess a special certificate from the U.S. Coast Guard authorizing it for commercial operations.

A Charter Boat License is specific to a single boat and is exclusively valid for that particular vessel. This applies to boats engaged in commercial activities. To obtain this license, you must demonstrate that the boat is either registered for commercial use or holds a special certificate from the U.S. Coast Guard authorizing it for commercial operations.

To acquire a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Charter Captain license, you must possess a Coast Guard Captain's license. For more information regarding the Coast Guard Captain's license, you can call 1-888-427-5662 or visit the USCG website.

Passenger Pick Up/ Drop Off:

Several places provide services for boat rentals, and some of them have designated passenger areas. Before finalizing your plans, be sure to review the pickup and drop-off guidelines with the marina or dock.

  • Halifax Harbor Marina- Public Boat Ramp: 450 Basin St, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
  • Boat Ramp at 115 E Orange Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32114.

More Information:

  • Commercial vessels are required to possess a current inspection conducted by the United States Coast Guard (USCG).
  • Operators of commercial boats in Daytona Beach must secure a license issued by the City.
  • Essential safety equipment, including personal flotation devices (PFDs) for each individual, a throwable PFD, and a fire extinguisher, must be present on board all vessels.
  • A minimum of two crew members must be on board commercial boats.
  • Commercial boats must undergo an annual renewal of their inspection by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
  • Commercial vessels are not permitted to operate within 300 feet of the Daytona Beach Pier.
  • Commercial boats cannot operate within 100 feet of any other anchored or moored vessel
  • Commercial vessels are restricted from operating in the swimming area at Main Street Beach.
  • A distance of 300 feet must be maintained from any dolphins while operating commercial boats.
  • Commercial boats are prohibited from operating in the no-wake zone at the entrance to the Halifax River.

In addition to the requirements listed above, there may be other requirements that apply, depending on the specific services you offer. For more details, we recommend contacting the City of Daytona Beach .