Do You Need a License to Rent a Boat in Miami? What Renters Need to Know
Updated: 1 day ago
If you're planning to rent a yacht in Miami, whether for a bachelorette party, birthday, proposal, or just a day on the water, you might be asking: do you need a license to rent a boat in Miami?
The short answer: you don't need a captain's license, because a licensed captain operates the boat. But the person who signs the charter agreement may need a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card, depending on their date of birth.
Here's everything you need to know, explained clearly.
What Florida Law Says
Under Florida law, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 must have a Boating Safety Education ID Card to operate a motorboat of 10 horsepower or more.
Why the Person Signing the Charter Needs the Card
In a bareboat charter, the person who signs the agreement is the one legally renting the vessel. For that reason, Miami boat rental companies, including Vice Boat Club, now require the person who signs the charter to have the card if they were born on or after January 1, 1988.
Born before January 1, 1988: no card needed.
Born on or after January 1, 1988: the person who signs the charter needs the card.
This applies even though you won't be driving the boat. Only one person per group needs it: the one who signs the charter agreement. The rest of your guests don't.
What Kind of License Is It?
It's not a captain's license. It's a Boating Safety Education ID Card (or a temporary certificate) that shows you understand basic safety rules, navigation, and Florida boating laws.
How to Get It Fast
You can take the official online rental test here: Florida Boat Rental Test
Costs $13.95
25 multiple-choice questions
Online, and you can do it the same day
You receive your certificate by email right away, and you can show it from your phone
The certificate is valid for 90 days after you complete the test
Tip: do it the day before your trip, not at the dock.
Florida Residents
If you live in Florida, you can earn a permanent boating safety certificate for free here: BoatUS Foundation – Florida
How This Works With Bareboat Charters
Vice Boat Club operates under the bareboat charter model. From your side, it's simple: the price we quote includes the boat, a licensed captain, and fuel. Behind the scenes, the payment is split between the vessel, the captain, the fuel, and any additional crew, as the bareboat model requires. You can bring your own food and drinks, and we guide you through every step, including the certificate.
Make Sure It's Done Before Your Trip
If the person who signs the charter needs the card and doesn't have it on the day of the trip, the charter may not be able to depart. To avoid any stress, complete the test before you arrive at the marina and keep the certificate on your phone.
Quick Recap
No captain's license needed: a licensed captain operates the boat.
If the person signing the charter was born on or after January 1, 1988, they need a Boating Safety Education ID Card or temporary certificate.
It takes one online test, costs $13.95, and you get it the same day.
Only the person signing needs it.
Planning a Yacht Day? We've Got You.
Whether you're planning a bachelorette party, birthday, proposal, or a luxury day in Miami, we'll guide you through every step. Explore our Miami bachelorette boat rentals or contact Sofy at +1 786-824-4913.
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