Marine and coastal insurance
Marine & Coastal

Protecting South Florida's
Marine Industry

Yacht owners, marina operators, and charter captains face risks unique to South Florida waters. We understand your industry because we live it.

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Industry Overview

Unique Risks in Marine & Coastal Operations

South Florida is the boating capital of the world, with more registered vessels than any other state and a coastline that drives billions in maritime commerce. From luxury yachts in Fort Lauderdale to commercial fishing fleets in the Keys, every vessel and marine business faces a unique set of risks — hurricanes, saltwater corrosion, liability exposure, and the unpredictable nature of open water.

Marina operators, charter companies, boat builders, and individual vessel owners each carry distinct liability profiles. A single grounding, collision, or storm event can result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in hull damage, environmental cleanup costs, and third-party claims. Without proper marine coverage, one incident can sink an entire business.

SMAART Insurance works with marine businesses and vessel owners across South Florida to build insurance programs tailored to your specific operations, navigation areas, and risk exposures — from Biscayne Bay to the Bahamas and beyond.

Key Industry Facts

  • Florida has over 950,000 registered vessels — the most of any state in the U.S.
  • South Florida is home to more megayachts than any other region in the Western Hemisphere.
  • Hurricane season (June–November) drives the majority of marine insurance claims in Florida.
  • The Jones Act requires specific crew injury coverage for commercial vessel operators.
  • Marinas can be held liable for pollution and environmental damage from vessels in their care.
Did You Know?
$32B+

Annual economic impact of Florida's recreational boating industry — making marine insurance a critical component of protecting the state's maritime economy.

Coverage Lines

Coverage Solutions for Marine & Coastal

From yacht hull coverage to marina liability, we structure programs that keep your vessels protected and your marine business running.

Yacht & Luxury Vessel

Hull, machinery, and agreed value coverage for high-value yachts and luxury vessels navigating South Florida waters.

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Charter Boat Insurance

Commercial marine coverage for charter operations including passenger liability, crew protection, and hull insurance.

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Marina & Boatyard

Property and liability coverage for marinas, boatyards, and dock facilities including vessels in your care, custody, and control.

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Marine Trades

Specialized coverage for boat builders, repair facilities, and marine service providers working on vessels of all sizes.

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Protection & Indemnity

Liability coverage for crew injuries, pollution incidents, wreck removal, and third-party claims arising from vessel operations.

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Cargo & Freight

Coverage for goods and cargo in transit over water, protecting against loss, damage, and delay during maritime shipping.

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Personal Watercraft

Insurance for jet skis, small boats, and personal watercraft including liability, hull damage, and theft protection.

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Marine Umbrella

Excess liability coverage that extends the limits of your primary marine policies for catastrophic claims and large losses.

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Our Advantage

Why SMAART for Marine & Coastal

South Florida Marine Expertise

Deep knowledge of local waters, marinas, and maritime regulations allows us to tailor coverage to the specific exposures of South Florida's marine environment.

Hurricane Preparedness Programs

Haul-out planning, storm surge coverage, and vessel protection protocols that help reduce risk and ensure faster recovery after named storms.

Claims Advocacy on the Water

Dedicated marine claims specialists who understand vessel repair, salvage operations, and maritime law to advocate for the best outcome on every claim.

View all marine insurance coverage options and get a quote → Marine & Yacht Insurance Policies

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Florida does not mandate marine insurance by law, but lenders require it for financed vessels. Additionally, most marinas and yacht clubs require proof of liability coverage before granting slip access. Commercial operators need specific policies to meet U.S. Coast Guard and state licensing requirements.
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Not sure what coverage you need?

Our licensed advisors will assess your risks and recommend the right protection — at no cost.

Call (305) 819-3675

Protect Your Marine Business

Our marine insurance specialists are ready to build a program that covers every vessel, every voyage, and every aspect of your coastal operations.

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