Coast Guard Halts Illegal Charters
The U.S. Coast Guard intercepted five illegal charter boat operations in Florida's coastal waters. Authorities are increasing enforcement, citing significant safety risks to passengers from illicit charters that often lack proper safety equipment and certified crew.
- Violating a federal Captain of the Port Order, a common charge for illegal charters, can result in civil penalties of up to $117,608 per day. Willful violations can be prosecuted as a Class D felony, leading to up to six years in prison and fines of up to $500,000 for an organization. - In a recent crackdown, one of the intercepted vessels, the "EPIC II," was a 54-foot cabin cruiser found to be violating a Captain of the Port Order issued on October 23, 2025. Another enforcement weekend on the Biscayne Bay and Miami River saw 13 illegal charters terminated, with two vessels, "The Round" and "Second Wind," cited for violating existing federal orders. - The Coast Guard has conducted named enforcement actions, such as "Operation PAX Defender," specifically to crack down on the illegal charter industry in its seventh district, which includes Florida. These operations involve collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). - Florida has enacted the Boating Safety Act of 2022 to combat illegal rentals. The law requires boat rental companies to secure a no-cost livery permit from the FWC, carry specific insurance, and provide documented safety instructions to renters before any voyage. - Common violations that lead to the termination of voyages include the failure to have a valid Certificate of Inspection for vessels carrying more than six passengers, not having a credentialed mariner in control, and the lack of proper Type I personal flotation devices for everyone on board. - To aid in enforcement and public awareness, some Coast Guard units have developed tools like the "Research Before Renting" campaign. This initiative uses a QR code and a short survey to help the public and boarding officers quickly determine if a charter is operating legally. - Passengers can verify a charter's legality by asking the captain to see their Merchant Mariner Credential. For vessels with more than six passengers, a Coast Guard-issued Certificate of Inspection should also be available for review.
