Florida is home to one of the largest boating industries in the world. With its extensive coastline, thriving tourism, and luxury yacht market, yacht and ship brokers play a vital role in the state’s economy. But with opportunity comes responsibility. Florida law requires brokers and salespersons to hold valid licenses, comply with consumer protection rules, and follow the DBPR Yacht and Ship Brokers Act. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) actively investigates and prosecutes violations, which means even experienced professionals can find themselves facing complaints, suspensions, or revocations.
At Elevate Legal Services, PLLC, we help yacht and ship brokers across Florida protect their licenses and careers. If you’ve received a DBPR Notice of Violation as a yacht broker or are defending against a DBPR investigation, you need experienced legal representation. Contact us today at 561-770-3335 or email [email protected] to schedule a consultation with a Florida Yacht Broker DBPR defense attorney.
Florida Yacht and Ship Broker License Requirements
To operate legally, brokers and salespersons must comply with the Florida Yacht and Ship Broker license requirements under Florida Statute Chapter 326. These rules require yacht brokers:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Demonstrate good moral character and financial responsibility.
- Submit a background check.
- Post a surety bond (usually $25,000 for brokers).
- Apply through the DBPR with the necessary fees.
Salespersons working under brokers must also be licensed, creating a clear legal distinction between the two. Understanding the difference between a yacht broker and a salesperson in Florida is important: brokers can operate independently and manage escrow, while salespersons must work under a licensed broker.
Once licensed, brokers must comply with ongoing renewal obligations. The Florida yacht broker license renewal process typically requires annual filings, updated bonding, and payment of fees. Missing a deadline or failing to keep your license active may lead to disciplinary action by the DBPR.
Escrow Accounts and Consumer Protection
One of the most heavily regulated areas of yacht brokerage is the handling of client funds. Yacht broker escrow account rules in Florida are strict and non-negotiable. Brokers must open and maintain designated escrow accounts for deposits, hold funds securely, and avoid commingling personal or business money with client funds. Any allegation of escrow mishandling, even if accidental, can trigger a DBPR complaint requiring a yacht broker lawyer for defense.
The DBPR takes escrow issues seriously because they directly affect consumer protection. A simple accounting error could lead to accusations of fraud, putting your license at risk. That’s why proactive compliance and careful bookkeeping are critical for every Florida broker.
Understand your escrow obligations under Rule 61B-60 (Florida Administrative Code) requirements for trust accounts, handling of client funds, and potential penalties are clearly laid out in Chapter 61B-60 Yacht and Ship Brokers.
Common DBPR Complaints Against Yacht & Ship Brokers
The DBPR receives complaints from clients, competitors, or auditors. Some of the most common allegations include:
- Fraud or Misrepresentation: Failure to disclose vessel defects, inflating values, or misleading buyers.
- Unlicensed Activity: Acting as a broker without a license, or allowing salespeople to operate without proper credentials.
- Contract Disputes: Disagreements over commissions, closing terms, or documentation.
- Escrow Violations: Mishandling client funds or failing to follow escrow account rules.
If you are accused of any of these, the consequences are serious. Hiring a DBPR complaint yacht broker lawyer can protect you from heavy fines, suspension, or even permanent loss of your license.
Responding to a DBPR Notice of Violation
A DBPR Notice of Violation for yacht brokers is not something to ignore. You typically have only 21 days to respond and preserve your right to contest the allegations. During this critical time, it is essential to consult with a Florida Yacht and Ship Broker license defense attorney who understands the process.
At Elevate Legal Services, PLLC, we guide clients through the Election of Rights form, help them decide whether to request a hearing, and prepare the strongest possible defense. Our team provides legal representation for Florida yacht brokers at every stage, from informal negotiations to formal administrative hearings.
Suspension and Revocation Defense
The DBPR has broad authority to suspend or revoke licenses for serious violations. A suspension may temporarily halt your ability to operate, while revocation is permanent.
If you are facing suspension, working with a Florida yacht broker license suspension attorney can help reduce penalties or negotiate alternatives such as fines, probation, or remedial education. In cases of revocation, your career is on the line—this is when you need a skilled yacht broker license revocation lawyer who can challenge the DBPR’s evidence and protect your livelihood.
Administrative Hearings and Appeals
If the DBPR proceeds with charges, you may request a hearing before the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH). At these hearings, an administrative law judge reviews the evidence and issues a recommended order. The DBPR then makes the final decision.
Our attorneys at Elevate Legal Services, PLLC, represent clients in these hearings, cross-examine witnesses, and present evidence on your behalf. If the DBPR issues an unfavorable final order, we can pursue appeals in the Florida District Court of Appeal. With experienced Florida Yacht Broker DBPR defense attorneys, you are not alone in this complex process.
Compliance Strategies for Yacht & Ship Brokers
Avoiding DBPR complaints starts with strong compliance practices. Brokers should maintain accurate escrow records, use well-drafted contracts, and disclose all known vessel conditions to buyers. Regularly reviewing the DBPR Yacht and Ship Brokers Act and staying current on Florida Statute Chapter 326 ensures you understand your obligations.
It’s also critical to keep your license status current. Using the DBPR online license search in Florida, clients can easily verify your credentials. Keeping your information up to date builds consumer confidence and avoids unnecessary complaints.
Why Hire Elevate Legal Services, PLLC?
When the DBPR investigates, you need more than generic legal advice; you need attorneys who understand administrative law, licensing rules, and the boating industry. At Elevate Legal Services, PLLC, we provide tailored defense strategies for yacht and ship brokers across Florida.
Whether you need a Boca Raton yacht broker legal defense, statewide representation for a complaint, or guidance on compliance, our firm has the experience to protect your license and your business.
Conclusion
The yacht and ship brokerage industry in Florida is highly competitive and tightly regulated. Your license is your livelihood, and any DBPR action, whether it’s a complaint, suspension, or revocation, threatens your career. With the help of legal representation for Florida yacht brokers, you can defend your license, protect your reputation, and continue your business with confidence.
At Elevate Legal Services, PLLC, we defend professionals against DBPR complaints and guide them through hearings, appeals, and compliance. Don’t face the DBPR alone. Call us today at 561-770-3335 or email [email protected] to speak with an experienced Florida Yacht and Ship Broker license defense attorney.
