Florida yacht broker checks belong before the deposit
A Florida yacht or large-boat deal can involve a broker, salesperson, employing broker, bond, escrow, survey, and title papers.
Florida’s yacht broker law covers pleasure boats longer than 32 feet. A person paid to arrange a used-yacht sale usually needs a Florida broker or sales license. A listed exception may change that answer.
An owner may sell the owner’s own yacht without that broker license. A sale of a new yacht is another listed exception. Because of those lines, first check the boat, seller, paid person’s role, and whether the yacht is new or used.
Before sending a deposit, search the broker or salesperson in DBPR. Match the license name, firm, address, and status to the contract. Money received by the broker for the deal must stay in a proper Florida trust account until it is paid out. The closing should also give an itemized statement.
A license check does not prove who owns the boat or what shape it is in. It does not clear a lien, Coast Guard record, or Florida title. Keep the listing, contract, receipt, survey, sea trial, title papers, closing statement, and license record together. The boat can be exciting while its file stays clear.
Official sources
- DBPR - Yacht and Ships Licensing
- DBPR - Yacht and Ships FAQs
- Florida Statutes - Yacht and Ship Brokers
Last checked against these sources: August 2, 2026.
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