Beware boat owners! There are a few things you need to take care of when you get a boat. Florida state law requires a wearable or personal flotation device for all those aboard your vessel, and any children under six or those being towed behind your vessel must be wearing one. All boats with motors must be registered, and boat numbers must be affixed on each side of the bow with three inch letters in a contrasting color to your boat. Make sure letters and numbers are separated by a space or hyphen and decals appear port side within six inches before or after the registration numbers. I’m sure it goes without saying, but it is also against the law to operate a boat while impaired by any substance.

There are also a bunch of Florida boat trailer laws, such as you need a title in your name for any trailers over 2,000 pounds; you need a Florida boat towing permit if the beam of your boat is over eight feet six inches (This type of permit is called an over-dimension permit and was designed to limit traffic hazards and delays that can be caused by over sized loads; and all Florida trailers must have proper lighting , turn signals, tie down straps and safety chains and must be equipped with brakes for all wheels on a trailer over 3,000 pounds.

That’s why it’s sometimes better to dock your boat at a reputable marina like Gerry’s Marina, located on the North Causeway in New Smyrna Beach. Then, you don’t have to worry about all that hoopla! Gerry’s Marina offers excellent access to some excellent boating waterways and fishing grounds, as well as wet slip storage and over two acres of secure field storage. We will also be happy to help you find the boat of your dreams, as well as outfit it properly so that you are safe and in accordance with Florida state law.