Terms of Service & Charter Agreement
Last Updated: August 2026 • Fort Lauderdale Boat Rental (ftlauderdaleboatrental.com)
1. Agreement to Terms
These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("Renter", "Charterer", "Guest", or "User") and Fort Lauderdale Boat Rental ("Company", "we", "us", or "our"), governing your access to and use of ftlauderdaleboatrental.com, our online booking portal, digital check-in systems, and charter operations.
By creating a reservation, making a payment, signing a digital liability waiver, or boarding any chartered vessel, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms, our Bareboat Charter Agreement, and our Privacy Policy.
2. Reservations, Payments & Deposits
Online Booking: Reservations are booked directly through our platform by selecting a vessel, date, time slot, excursion destination, and optional amenities/add-ons (e.g., water toys, catering).
Payment Processing: All credit and debit card transactions are securely processed via Stripe. To confirm your booking, the designated deposit or full charter cost (as specified during checkout) must be successfully authorized and captured.
Balance Due: Any remaining balance, including applicable sales tax (Florida 7%), designated captain fees, security deposits, or onboard add-on charges, must be settled prior to vessel departure.
Security & Damage Deposits:A pre-authorization or refundable security deposit may be held on the Renter's payment method to cover potential vessel damage, excessive cleaning, lost gear, or unreturned equipment. Holds are released following post-charter vessel inspection.
3. Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy
Standard Charter Cancellation Schedule:
- 7+ Days in Advance: Full refund minus a $50 non-refundable administrative processing fee.
- 3 to 7 Days in Advance: 50% refund of the total charter amount paid.
- Less than 72 Hours (3 Days): All payments are non-refundable and forfeit.
Rescheduling requests are subject to vessel availability. Requests made with less than 72 hours' notice may incur a rescheduling fee.
4. Weather, Safety & Small Craft Advisories
Boating safety is paramount. The designated USCG-licensed captain maintains final authority over navigation and safety decisions ("Captain's Prerogative").
- Severe Weather Cancellations: If the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or the U.S. Coast Guard issues an active Small Craft Advisory, named storm/hurricane warning, or if sustained winds exceed 25 mph at the departure location, the charter will be rescheduled at no extra charge, or a full refund of the base rental rate will be issued.
- Passing Tropical Showers: South Florida experiences brief, localized showers. Standard light rain or scattered clouds do not constitute grounds for refund unless a Rain Guarantee option was purchased at least 5 days in advance.
5. Bareboat Charter Regulations & Captains
In compliance with United States Coast Guard (USCG) bareboat / recreational charter regulations (46 U.S.C. § 2101):
- Charterer Authority: The Charterer enters into a bareboat charter agreement and selects a qualified, independent USCG-licensed Master/Captain from an approved roster or provides a qualified captain subject to prior vessel orientation.
- Passenger Manifest Limits: In accordance with federal regulations, recreational bareboat charters are limited to a maximum of 12 passengers plus the captain and necessary crew. Overloading a vessel is strictly prohibited.
- Master of the Vessel: The licensed captain has total operational control regarding vessel navigation, route safety, passenger conduct, anchoring, and docking.
6. Digital Liability Waivers & Boarding Check-In
Prior to boarding at our departure dock (2637 Flamingo Ln, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312), the primary Renter and all adult passengers must complete the Digital Boarding Check-In and Liability Release Waiver.
Minors must have waivers executed by their parent or legal guardian. Failure to complete required safety waivers prior to departure may result in boarding delays or charter cancellation without refund.
7. SMS & Mobile Messaging Terms
By providing your mobile telephone number during the booking or contact process, you expressly consent to receive transactional and operational SMS text messages from Fort Lauderdale Boat Rental (e.g., booking confirmations, reservation lookups, digital boarding passes, marina directions, and weather alerts).
- Message Frequency: Message frequency varies based on your reservation activity.
- Standard Rates: Message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier plan.
- Opt-Out: You may reply STOP at any time to opt out of SMS communications. Reply HELP for assistance.
- No Third-Party Sharing: Your phone number and SMS consent will never be sold, rented, or shared with third parties for marketing.
8. Onboard Conduct & Prohibited Items
To ensure the safety of all guests, crew, and waterways:
- Illegal Substances: Possession or use of illegal drugs (including recreational marijuana on federal navigable waterways) is strictly prohibited.
- Life Jackets: Children under 6 years of age must wear a USCG-approved life jacket at all times while the vessel is underway.
- Wake & Environmental Stewardship: Trash or plastics must never be disposed of overboard. Respect marine wildlife and sandbar ecosystems.
- Captain Termination Authority: The captain reserves the right to terminate any charter immediately without refund if passengers engage in violent, reckless, or hazardous behavior.
9. Contact & Questions
For inquiries regarding these Terms of Service, booking modifications, or charter agreements, please contact us: