Who is responsible for injuries caused by a rented boat or Jet Ski in Florida?

Liability for a rental vessel accident can involve multiple parties depending on the circumstances. The negligent operator who caused the crash holds direct responsibility under Florida tort law. Additionally, under Fla. Stat. § 327.54, commercial liveries that lease watercraft must comply with strict safety regulations, including providing required safety equipment, delivering operational instructions, and verifying proper boater safety certification. If a rental company leases an unseaworthy or mechanically flawed watercraft, or rents to an incompetent operator without mandated instruction, the company itself may share liability. Jeffrey S. Altman and The Altman Law Firm evaluate rental agreements and maintenance histories to identify all responsible entities.