Boater resources
Safety contacts, repair-law notes, and plain tools for the states this directory covers. If anyone is in danger, call 911 first.
Guides & tools
Florida — safety numbers
| Emergency | 911 |
|---|---|
| Distress at sea | VHF Channel 16 (voice MAYDAY) — monitored by the U.S. Coast Guard |
| U.S. Coast Guard (non-emergency) | Contact your local USCG station |
| FWC — report boating violations / accidents | 888-404-FWCC (3922) |
Florida: no estimate law for boats, no mechanic license
Florida's written-estimate law covers auto repair, not boats, and Florida has no license category for boat mechanics — the state marine specialty license covers structures like docks and seawalls. What protects you here is a written estimate agreed before work starts, proof of insurance, and never paying in full up front. On this directory, a checked Florida listing means a real, registered business whose phone and service area we verified — not a state license, because none exists.
Before you hire any marine mechanic
Get the estimate in writing, agree in writing before extra work is billed, and never pay an upfront parts deposit to a business you cannot verify. The full checklist lives in the vetting guide.
Safety numbers are public information from the U.S. Coast Guard and state boating agencies. Agency names are referenced as text only. Repair-law notes are general information, not legal advice.