COVID-19 Fuels Surge in Florida Boating
The cancellation of countless vacations, family trips, and kids’ camps has led COVID-19-homebound Floridians to surprise the market with record sales of boats and yachts in 2020. The sales rush has swept America, and the boating industry couldn’t be happier.
In fact, The New York Times reports that this past May, one Florida boating retailer experienced its single largest sales month in 46 years.
The Benefits of Boating Excursions
Boating allows you to surround yourself with nature and detach from inland worries. You’ll experience a sense of calm and protection in an atmosphere that does not require masks, gloves, or (depending on your guests), social distancing.
It turns out that Florida boating excursions—hitting the water and chasing the endless horizon—are a wonderful option to have fun and create great memories.
With 2021 models already arriving in showrooms, there doesn’t seem to be a slowdown in the sales trend.
Business Observer cites another Florida boat (and RV) dealer. He explains that despite the uncertainty of COVID-19, the public’s air of being “pretty dang passionate about boating” hasn’t diminished. He also notes that keeping inventory on hand has, in fact, become his biggest challenge.
Florida Boating Safety Regulations and Requirements
A surge of first-time marine craft buyers are contributing to a surge of near-empty boat lots. These buyers are taking to the waters with their hands on the wheel for the first time. As a result of the buying trend, there is an increased interest in boat safety. Start with these steps.
Before you take that recently purchased new or used vessel into the water the first time, Florida boating laws have a few requirements.
Boating Education Courses
Florida does not have a boating license. However, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 is required to either have successfully completed a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating education course, or have passed an equivalent course or temporary certificate examination.
Registration and Titling
All motorized vessels operating on Florida’s public waterways are required to be titled and registered within 30 days of purchase. The owner must also show proof of the date of purchase.
Florida Farm Bureau Insurance Makes Boating Safer
Knowing that your new (or used) boat—and your family—are protected when you head for the sands’ edge is crucial to making it a great experience. Farm Bureau insurance can help.
Our agents can assist you in navigating the many options Farm Bureau insurance offers. We provide insurance options for all types of watercraft, from jet skis to fishing boats, houseboats and even canoes and kayaks. Our coverage includes physical damage, liability, medical payments, and more.
Contact a Florida Farm Bureau insurance Agent today to get a free, no risk quote. Use our Agent Finder to find a local agent near you.