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How Marinas Can Comply with SB606: A Step-by-Step Guide

As a marina owner or operator in Florida, you are required to comply with SB606, also known as the Boating Safety Act of 2022. This state bill has significant implications for marinas, particularly with regard to the insurance requirement for rented equipment. If you are a marina owner or operator, it is important to understand the requirements of SB606 and to take the necessary steps to comply with the bill.

To help marinas comply with SB606, here is a step-by-step guide:

  1. Obtain a no-cost livery permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). SB606 requires all boat rental operators (liveries) in Florida to obtain a no-cost permit from the FWC before offering any vessel for rent or lease. To apply for a livery permit, visit the FWC website or contact their office for more information.
  2. As a marina owner or operator in Florida, you are likely aware of the requirements of SB606, also known as the Boating Safety Act of 2022. This state bill requires marinas to extend coverage to your renters: SB606 requires boat rental operators to either have commercial coverage that extends to the renter (insurance policy must provide coverage of at least $500,000 per person and $1 million per event. The livery shall have proof of such insurance available for inspection at the location where livery vessels are being leased or rented, or location where livery vessels are being leased or rented, or offered for lease or rent, and shall provide to each renter the insurance carrier’s name and address and the insurance policy number) or present the renter with the opportunity to purchase coverage against any accident, loss, injury, property damage, or other casualty caused by or resulting from the operation of the livery vessel of at least $500,000 per person and $1 million per occurrence. If the renter declines to purchase such insurance, the renter must sign and date the following acknowledgement, in at least 14 point font, a copy of which must be retained by the livery for at least one year after the rental period expires, inserting the price of the coverage they declined.
  3. Provide pre-rental safety and operational instructions to renters. SB606 requires marinas to deliver pre-rental safety and operational instructions to renters. This can include information about how to operate the rented equipment safely and any other relevant instructions.
  4. Report any accidents or unnecessarily overdue rentals to the FWC. SB606 requires marinas to report any accidents or unnecessarily overdue rentals to the FWC. It is important to have a system in place for tracking and reporting these events in order to comply with the bill.
  5. Display boating safety information in a place visible to the renting public. SB606 requires marinas to display boating safety information in a visible location for renters to see. This can include information about how to stay safe on the water and what to do in the event of an emergency.
    By following these steps, marina owners and operators can ensure that they are in compliance with SB606 and that their renters are protected. It is important to understand the requirements of this new law and to take the necessary steps to comply with it in order to avoid any potential legal consequences and to help ensure the safety of your renters.