No person is permitted to operate a vessel wherein a fee is paid, directly or indirectly, for attempting to take or possessing any saltwater fish unless they have obtained a Charter Vessel License. Vessels under Florida title must be commercially registered and documented vessels must contain the commercial endorsement. The license must be issued in the name, FL number or DO number of the vessel.

Customers are not required to purchase a saltwater fishing license in their individual name when fishing from a vessel where a Charter Vessel License has been purchased as long as the number of individuals on the vessel does not exceed the number of individuals covered under the license. When a snook and/or lobster permit has been issued in conjunction with the Charter Vessel License, the number of individuals covered under the snook and/or lobster permit would be the same as the number of individuals covered under the Charter Vessel License.

Operation of a for-hire vessel in federal waters (outside of 9 nautical miles on the Gulf and 3 miles on the Atlantic) may require a federal charter/headboat permit when fishing for certain specifies. For additional information on these types of permits, call the National Marine Fisheries Management Service at 1-727-824-5326.

Eligibility

Prior to issuance of a Charter Vessel License, the following must be presented as proof of license eligibility:

• 4 or less customers
  • Current commercial vessel registration, or
  • Certificate of Documentation with commercial endorsement (US Coast Guard form CG-1270)
• 6 or less customers
  • Current commercial vessel registration, or
  • Certificate of Documentation with commercial endorsement (US Coast Guard form CG-1270)
• 10 or less customers
  • Current commercial vessel registration or Certificate of Documentation with commercial endorsement (US Coast Guard form CG-1270), and
  • US Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection
• 11 or more customers
  • Current commercial vessel registration or Certificate of Documentation with commercial endorsement (US Coast Guard form CG-1270), and
  • US Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection

Additional License Information

Annual - begin date is date of purchase; valid for 12 consecutive months