SHIPPING MASTERS

F.S. Ch. 308
in effect

F.S. 308.01 Appointment and duties.

There shall be created in and for the several ports of this state, one or more shipping masters, to be appointed by the mayor with the consent of the common council of each city or incorporated town in this state, whose business it shall be to provide and ship crews for vessels and seamen, in accordance with the laws of the United States, whenever required to do so, by proper authority, representing the vessels or owners.

F.S. 308.02 Bond; penalties.

Before obtaining the license provided for in s. 308.03, said shipping master shall execute a bond, with two good and sufficient sureties, to be approved by the mayor, in the sum of $2,000, payable to the mayor and the mayor’s successors in office, conditioned for the honest and faithful transaction of all business appertaining to the shipping master’s office and occupation; and if any shipping master, or any other person by his or her consent, procurement, advice or connivance, shall be found guilty of harboring, concealing or enticing away any marine or seaman from a vessel, or encouraging any marine or seaman to mutiny or disobey lawful orders, he, she, or they shall, in addition to the punishment provided by law for every such offense under this chapter, forfeit for the use of the port or town for which the shipping master is appointed, not less than $100 nor more than $1,000; the cause to be tried in the proper court on complaint of the mayor or party aggrieved.

F.S. 308.03 License and regulation; penalties.

The mayor and council may grant license in conformity to this chapter, under such rules and regulations as they may prescribe, and such ordinances and orders as in their judgment may be most conducive to the interests of their port, and for the government of the shipping and for the welfare and protection of the marine and seamen, subject to the laws of the United States, and for the direction and government of said shipping masters as they may deem proper; and the same at any time may amend or revoke, and may impose fines for the violation of such rules, ordinances, orders and regulations, provided such fines so imposed by city or town authority under this chapter shall not exceed $50 for each offense in violating said rules, orders and regulations or ordinances.

F.S. 308.04 Acting as shipping master without license; penalties.

Whoever attempts to exercise the calling of a shipping master, or falsely represents himself or herself as a shipping master, in this state, not having been licensed or appointed by law, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
Source: FL Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/Chapter308/AllFetched: 7/8/2026

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