How to Renew Your Florida Ship or Yacht Broker License (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Jul 1
- 5 min read
If you're a licensed Florida Ship or Yacht Broker, renewing your license on time is essential to continue operating legally and serving buyers and sellers throughout the state.
Florida Yacht and Ship Broker licenses are regulated by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and must be renewed every two years. During the renewal process, you'll need to submit your renewal application, pay the required renewal fee, and maintain an active surety bond or approved letter of credit. (My Florida License)
Whether you're licensed as an Employing Broker, Broker, or Yacht Salesperson, this guide walks you through each step of the renewal process.
Step 1: Know Your Renewal Deadline
Florida Yacht and Ship licenses are issued on a biennial (2-year) licensing cycle.
The DBPR typically mails a renewal notice approximately 60 days before your license expires, giving you time to complete the renewal process. You can also renew online through your DBPR account. (My Florida License)
Renewing early helps avoid interruptions to your business.
Step 2: Review Your License Information
Before submitting your renewal, verify that all of your information is accurate.
Review your:
Business name
Brokerage name
Business address
Mailing address
Contact information
License classification
If any information has changed since your last renewal, update it with the DBPR before submitting your renewal paperwork.
Step 3: Renew Your Florida Yacht & Ship Broker Surety Bond
One of the most important renewal requirements is maintaining your Florida Yacht & Ship Broker Surety Bond.
Bond Requirements
Florida requires licensed Yacht Brokers and Employing Brokers to maintain either:
$25,000 Surety Bond, or
Approved Letter of Credit
If you're renewing as a Yacht Salesperson, you'll generally be required to maintain a $10,000 Surety Bond or approved letter of credit. (Florida Legislature)
When renewing, you'll typically submit one of the following:
Bond Continuation Certificate
New Surety Bond
Approved Letter of Credit
Your bond must remain active throughout your licensing period. If your surety bond is canceled or expires, your license may be suspended until a replacement bond is filed. (International Yacht Brokers Association)
Why Florida Yacht Brokers Trust All American Bonds and Insurance
Renewing your broker bond doesn't have to be stressful.
For more than 10 years, All American Bonds and Insurance has helped Florida yacht and ship brokers obtain the bonds they need to stay licensed and compliant.
We proudly offer:
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Step 4: Verify Your Escrow Trust Account (Employing Brokers)
If you're licensed as an Employing Broker, Florida requires you to maintain an escrow (trust) account at a Florida financial institution for client funds.
Before renewing your license, confirm that your escrow account remains active and compliant with Florida law. (My Florida License)
Step 5: Complete the Renewal Application
Approximately 60 days before your license expires, the DBPR sends:
DBPR Form YS 6000-6 – Application for Yacht and Ship License Renewal
Review your application carefully before submitting it.
Verify:
License information
Brokerage information
Business address
Contact information
License classification
Incomplete applications can delay your renewal. (My Florida License)
Step 6: Pay the Renewal Fee
Florida currently requires a $500 renewal fee for Yacht and Ship licenses.
Submit the renewal fee together with your:
Renewal application
Letter of credit (if applicable)
Your renewal cannot be processed until all required items are received. (MyFloridaLicense)
Step 7: Renew Online or By Mail
Florida gives licensees two renewal options.
Online Renewal
Many brokers choose to renew online through the DBPR licensing portal for faster processing.
Paper Renewal
You may also complete and mail DBPR Form YS 6000-6 along with your supporting documents if you prefer a paper application. (My Florida License)
Step 8: Upgrade or Change Your License (If Eligible)
During renewal, eligible licensees may:
Upgrade from Yacht Salesperson to Yacht Broker
Upgrade from Broker to Employing Broker
Downgrade license classifications if appropriate
These changes may also be requested during the licensing period when qualifications have been met. (My Florida License)
Step 9: Submit Before Your License Expires
Don't wait until the last minute.
Submitting your renewal early helps prevent:
License expiration
Business interruptions
Processing delays
Additional paperwork
According to the DBPR, if your renewal is not submitted within 30 days after your license expires, you may be required to apply for a new license rather than simply renewing your existing one. (My Florida License)
Common Renewal Mistakes
❌ Waiting Until the Last Minute
Start your renewal as soon as you receive your renewal notice.
❌ Forgetting to Renew Your Surety Bond
Your bond must remain active throughout your license period.
❌ Incorrect Business Information
Your brokerage name should match your renewal documents and bond.
❌ Forgetting the Renewal Fee
Applications submitted without the required fee cannot be processed.
❌ Not Maintaining an Escrow Trust Account
Employing Brokers must continue maintaining a compliant escrow account.
Benefits of Renewing Early
Renewing your license before it expires allows you to:
✔ Continue operating legally
✔ Avoid interruptions to your brokerage
✔ Maintain your professional reputation
✔ Keep your license in good standing
✔ Avoid having to reapply for licensure
Final Thoughts
Renewing your Florida Ship or Yacht Broker License is an important part of maintaining your ability to legally broker yacht and vessel transactions throughout Florida.
By renewing your surety bond, submitting your renewal application, paying the required fee, and maintaining compliance with DBPR requirements, you can keep your business operating without interruption.
Working with an experienced surety provider like All American Bonds and Insurance makes renewing your Florida Yacht & Ship Broker Bond fast, affordable, and hassle-free so you can focus on serving your clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I renew my Florida Yacht Broker License?
Florida Yacht and Ship licenses are renewed every two years. (My Florida License)
Do I need to renew my surety bond?
Yes. Brokers must maintain an active $25,000 surety bond (or approved letter of credit), while Yacht Salespersons maintain a $10,000 surety bond (or approved letter of credit), throughout their licensing period. (Florida Legislature)
How much is the renewal fee?
The current Florida Yacht and Ship license renewal fee is $500. (MyFloridaLicense)
Can I renew my Florida Yacht Broker License online?
Yes. The DBPR offers online license renewal through its licensing portal, and paper renewal is also available. (My Florida License)
What happens if I miss my renewal deadline?
If your renewal is not submitted within 30 days after your license expires, you may be required to submit a new license application instead of renewing your existing license. (My Florida License)
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