How Much Does a Fishing Charter Captain Make a Year in Florida?

Are you curious about how much money a fishing charter captain can make in Florida? In this article we'll discuss the salary of a charter boat captain in the Sunshine State as well as the qualifications and licenses needed.

How Much Does a Fishing Charter Captain Make a Year in Florida?

Are you curious about how much money a fishing charter captain can make in Florida? If so, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll discuss the salary of a charter boat captain in the Sunshine State, as well as the qualifications and licenses needed to become one. In order to transport paying passengers (if a fee is paid directly or indirectly) for the purpose of capturing, attempting to capture, or possessing fish or saltwater organisms, a captain's license or rental boat is required. Operators of charter boats, boats and saltwater fishing guides must have an FWC captain or charter boat license to cover their passengers, who are not required to have a recreational saltwater fishing license.

Customers authorized to fish under a boat license are not required to hold a recreational saltwater fishing license either. Surf and freshwater fishing guides and their customers are subject to Florida's recreational fishing license requirements. The FWC does not require additional guide licenses. A charter boat captain who holds a six-passenger license issued by the USCG and an FWC charter boat license for up to 4 people can carry up to two additional passengers ONLY if they are not fishermen.

The additional restrictions imposed on the captain and crew of rental boats and on hired guides to maintain their fish limit under their own valid saltwater recreational fishing licenses are species-specific. Generally speaking, everyone aboard a charter vessel can maintain a legal fish limit if paying passengers fish with a boat license and the crew fishes with their own valid licenses. Contracted guides can also maintain a legal fish limit while on duty, with the exception of bass, grouper and red snapper in federal waters. When it comes to salary, it depends on several factors such as experience, location, and type of vessel. According to PayScale, the average salary for a Fishing Charter Captain in Florida is $50,000 per year.

However, some captains can make up to $100,000 per year depending on their experience and location. In order to become a charter boat captain in Florida, you must have a valid U. S. Coast Guard (USCG) Captain's License or Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). You must also have an FWC Charter Boat License for up to 4 people.

Additionally, you may need an occupational license from your city or county depending on where you are doing business. In conclusion, if you're looking for an exciting career that pays well and allows you to explore the beautiful waters of Florida, becoming a fishing charter captain may be the perfect job for you! With the right qualifications and licenses, you can make up to $100,000 per year as a charter boat captain in Florida.