Do You Need a License to Rent a Boat in Miami? New Florida Law Explained (2025 Update)
- Sofy
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
If you're planning on renting a yacht in Miami, whether for a bachelorette party, birthday, proposal, or a day on the water, you might be asking:
Do you need a license to rent a boat in Miami?
Until recently, the answer was no.But a new Florida law went into effect on July 1, 2025, and it now requires some renters to be boating certified before boarding.
Here’s everything you need to know — explained clearly.
New Florida Law: What Changed on July 1, 2025?
Florida now requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 to successfully complete an approved boating safety course before:
✔ Signing a bareboat charter agreement
✔ Renting a yacht or any powered vessel
✔ Riding or operating a jet ski
This is part of a statewide effort to improve boating safety. Especially in busy waters like Miami, where boating traffic is heavy.
So, Do You Need a License to Rent a Boat in Miami?
It depends on your birthday.
If the primary renter (person signing the contract) is:
Born before January 1, 1988 → No license required
Born after January 1, 1988 → License required
This applies even if:
You are not driving the boat
The crew is included separately
It's a private event like a bachelorette party
What Kind of License Is Required?
This rule does not require a captain’s license.
You only need a Boating Safety Education Identification Card, which shows you understand:
Safety rules
Navigation basics
Florida boating laws
How to behave on the water
This card is accepted in digital form, so you can show it from your phone.
How to Get Your Boating License Fast
You can take the official online rental test here:
Fast facts:
Takes 20–30 minutes
Costs $10
25 multiple choice questions
You can Google the answers
Valid immediately — no waiting period
TIP: We recommend doing it the day before your trip, not at the dock.
Florida Residents: You Can Get It Free
If you live in Florida, you can earn the permanent free boating certificate here:
Does Every Guest Need It?
No.
Only one person per group must be certified, the one:
✔ Booking
✔ Paying
✔ Signing the rental contract
Everyone else just needs valid ID.
How This Works With Bareboat Charters
Vice Boat Club operates under the legal bareboat charter model, which means:
You legally rent the vessel
You choose and pay the captain separately
You bring your own food & drinks
We provide safe, legal, registered vessels
This is why the state now requires the certified renter.
We help you through the process!
Why The Law Is Being Enforced More Strictly Now
Miami has seen:
A huge increase in yacht rentals
More people renting boats without experience
Several recent marine accidents
Heavier Coast Guard and FWC patrols
So now:
✔ You may be stopped
✔ You may be asked to show proof of certification
✔ If you don't have it, the rental can be cancelled, no refund
Quick Recap
Do you need a license to rent a boat in Miami? If you were born after January 1, 1988: yes.
But it’s fast, affordable, and easy:
$13.95
Online
Same day
Accepted instantly
Planning a Yacht Day? We’ve Got You.
Whether you're hosting a:
Bachelorette party
Birthday celebration
Engagement proposal
Luxury day in Miami
Vice Boat Club will guide you through every step — including certification.
📩 Contact Sofy, your Miami Boat Expert
📱 +1 786-824-4913
We make it easy, legal, and unforgettable.
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