The Risks of Non-Compliance with SB606 for Marinas in Florida

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.

Failure to comply with SB606 can have serious consequences for marinas. Marinas that do not have the required insurance coverage for rented equipment may face fines and other penalties. In addition, non-compliance with SB606 can also expose marinas to legal liability in the event of an accident or other unforeseen event involving rented equipment.

One of the primary goals of SB606 is to improve boating safety and prevent accidents on the water. By requiring marinas to have insurance coverage for rented equipment, the bill aims to protect both the marinas and their renters in the event of an accident or other unforeseen event. If a marina is found to be non-compliant with SB606, they may not have the necessary insurance coverage to protect their renters and themselves in the event of an accident.

In addition to the legal risks of non-compliance with SB606, marinas may also face reputational risks if they are found to be non-compliant with the bill. Customers may be less likely to rent equipment from a marina that is not in compliance with SB606, as they may perceive the marina to be less safe and reliable. This could lead to lost revenue for the marina and damage to their reputation in the community.

To avoid the risks of non-compliance with SB606, marinas should take the necessary steps to ensure that they are in compliance with the bill. This includes obtaining a no-cost livery permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and securing insurance coverage that meets the requirements of SB606. Marinas should also provide pre-rental safety and operational instructions to renters, report any accidents or unnecessarily overdue rentals to the FWC, and display boating safety information in a visible location for renters to see.

Overall, the risks of non-compliance with SB606 for marinas in Florida are significant. Marinas should take the necessary steps to ensure that they are in compliance with the bill in order to avoid legal and reputational risks and to help ensure the safety of their renters.