Florida Boat & Yacht Insurance — From Bass Boats to 80-Foot Yachts
Florida has more registered boats than any state in the country and more on-water accidents to match. Whether you run a center console out of Jupiter Inlet, a flats boat in the Indian River, a sportfisher in the Bahamas, or a 60-foot motoryacht in West Palm, we write marine coverage with the major boat-and-yacht specialists — Markel, Progressive, Travelers, Geico Marine, BoatU.S., New Hampshire Marine, and the Lloyd’s of London markets for high-value vessels.
- Bass boats, center consoles, sailboats, yachts
- Hull, liability, fuel-spill, wreck removal
- Bahamas, Caribbean, and worldwide navigation
- Hurricane haul-out reimbursement available
Boat Quote in 60 Seconds
$300K+
Standard liability
Worldwide
Cruising endorsements
25+
Marine carriers
Same day
Bind for closing
How Florida boat insurance differs from your homeowners or auto
A boat policy is not the same as a homeowner add-on. Florida marine coverage handles things land policies don’t — fuel spills, wreck removal, salvage costs, towing on water, and the very specific liabilities of operating a vessel. Without a real marine policy, a sinking, grounding, or on-water injury claim can leave you holding a six-figure bill.
Hull / Agreed Value
Pays the agreed-upon insured value of the boat in a total loss — no depreciation argument. We almost always write agreed value over actual cash value for serious boats so you know exactly what the carrier will pay if the boat is destroyed.
Liability
If you injure someone, hit another boat, damage a dock, or strike a swimmer, liability pays medical bills, repairs, and legal defense. We recommend $500K minimum, $1M for boats over 30 feet, and a personal umbrella stacked on top.
Fuel Spill & Pollution
Federal law makes you financially responsible for cleanup of any fuel or oil discharge from your vessel — even minor spills at the marina. Standard marine policies include $500K–$1M of pollution coverage. Without it, a small dock-side spill can mean a six-figure Coast Guard cleanup bill.
Coverage details that matter
Wreck Removal
If you sink, ground, or capsize, the Coast Guard can order you to remove the vessel — even if it is a total loss. Salvage and removal frequently runs into the tens of thousands. Marine policies pay this; auto and home will not.
On-Water Towing
When you break down 8 miles offshore, a commercial tow can cost $1,500–$5,000. Most boat policies include $1,000–$2,500 of on-water towing or pair with TowBoatUS / Sea Tow memberships.
Hurricane Haul-Out
Many Florida carriers reimburse part of the cost to haul, secure, and store your boat when a named storm is approaching. We make sure this is in the policy if you are anywhere south of Jacksonville.
Navigation limits and the Bahamas crossing
Most standard Florida boat policies are written with a coastal navigation limit — often 75 or 150 nautical miles offshore. Crossing to the Bahamas, cruising to the Keys, or chartering elsewhere usually requires an extended navigation endorsement. We add the right cruising area before you ever untie the lines so you are not running uninsured.
- Standard: 75–150nm offshore, US coastal
- Bahamas endorsement: most carriers offer it free or for a small premium
- Caribbean cruising: requires specific endorsement, sometimes a survey
- Hurricane box restrictions during named-storm season (typically June–November)
Survey requirements for older and larger boats
Most marine carriers require a current marine survey (usually within the last 3–5 years) on boats over a certain age or value — typically boats over 20 years old or insured for over $100K. The survey documents the vessel’s condition and helps the carrier set the agreed value correctly. We coordinate with established surveyors in Palm Beach, Stuart, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.
- Boats 20+ years old: survey almost always required
- Boats valued over $100K: survey on most carriers
- Survey costs $400–$1,500 depending on size and location
- Findings shape both the rate and the agreed value
Frequently asked questions
Is boat insurance required in Florida?
Florida does not require boat insurance by law, but every marina in the state requires liability proof for slip and storage agreements, and every lender requires full coverage on financed vessels. The Bahamas, Bimini, and most cruising destinations also require liability proof at check-in.
How much does boat insurance cost in Florida?
Center consoles in the 22–28 foot range typically run $400–$1,200 per year. Sportfishers and cruisers in the 35–50 foot range run $2,500–$7,500. Yachts over 60 feet are quoted individually based on hull value, crew, and cruising area. Hull value, horsepower, age, your boating experience, and storage location are the biggest drivers.
Does my homeowners cover my boat?
Some homeowner policies include very limited liability and physical damage for small boats (typically under 26 feet and under 25 HP) — but the limits are tiny and the exclusions are large. For any real boat, you need a proper marine policy.
What does agreed value mean?
Agreed value means the carrier and you agree in writing on the boat’s insured value at policy inception. If the boat is a total loss, that is the check you receive — no depreciation argument, no kelley blue book debate. Actual cash value, by contrast, pays depreciated market value. Always pick agreed value if available.
Will my boat insurance cover the Bahamas crossing?
Only if your policy includes a Bahamas navigation endorsement. Most Florida carriers offer it free or for a small premium. We add it before you ever leave the dock if you mentioned the Bahamas at quote time. Cruising to the rest of the Caribbean usually requires a separate endorsement and sometimes a hull survey.
Do you cover charter, fishing guide, or commercial use?
Standard pleasure-use policies exclude commercial activity. If you run a charter, hold a captain’s license, or take paying customers, you need a commercial marine policy. We have access to several commercial marine markets and write a lot of South Florida charter coverage.
What happens if a hurricane is coming?
Most Florida marine policies include hurricane haul-out reimbursement (typically 50% up to $1,000–$2,500) when a named storm watch is issued. We tell you exactly what triggers reimbursement and which marina or boat-yard agreement you need in place ahead of the season.
Florida boat insurance from skiffs to yachts
Tell us about your vessel, where you keep it, and where you cruise. We will shop the marine specialists and email you real numbers — same day for most boats.