Don’t Let a Rental Company Blame You for Their Negligence — Know Your Rights.
Share:
If you’ve ever been out on the water in Florida, you know how easily a fun day can turn into a dangerous one. And with the booming popularity of boat rentals, jet ski rentals, guided tours, and vacation packages, more people than ever are operating vessels with little training — or renting equipment from companies that prioritize profit over safety.
So what happens when a rented boat malfunctions?
When a jet ski renter wasn’t trained properly?
When a rental company puts a beginner on the water with zero oversight?
Or when passengers are hurt because another rental operator acted recklessly?
These accidents aren’t just scary — they raise complex legal questions about who is responsible. And the answers may surprise you.
If you or someone you love was injured in a boating accident involving a rental company, this guide breaks down everything you need to know: who may be liable, what rental companies must legally do, and what your rights are as a renter or passenger.
The Rise of Rental-Related Boating Accidents in Florida
Florida leads the nation in boating accidents — and a growing number involve rental vessels. From inexperienced tourists on jet skis to malfunctioning pontoon boats, these accidents often happen because rental companies fail to follow mandatory safety rules.
Why rental-related boating accidents are increasing:
- Tourists with little or no boating experience
- Companies renting out high-speed vessels to beginners
- Poor maintenance on frequently rented equipment
- Failure to provide proper safety instruction
- Overcrowded waterways in popular destinations
- Pressure to turn over rentals quickly without inspections
Many victims assume boating accidents are “just bad luck,” but in reality, many are preventable and legally actionable.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents Involving Rental Companies
Rental-related accidents often involve a mix of dangerous conditions and negligent practices. Some of the most frequent causes include:
Inadequate Training or Safety Briefings: Florida law requires rental companies to provide specific safety instructions before renters head out. Many ignore or rush through this process.
Poorly Maintained Equipment: Boats and jet skis rented out continuously suffer heavy wear and tear. When companies skip maintenance, engines fail, steering locks up, or brakes malfunction.
Lack of Necessary Safety Gear: Life jackets, fire extinguishers, navigational lights, and communication devices must be provided — and must be functioning. Missing or defective safety gear is a major liability.
Malfunctioning or Old Vessels: If the vessel is outdated, damaged, or not seaworthy, the rental company can be held responsible for injuries caused by mechanical failures.
Unsupervised or Overly Risky Rentals: Some businesses rent jet skis to minors, intoxicated individuals, or people who clearly lack the ability to operate them safely.
Collisions Caused by Other Renters: When inexperienced tourists collide with another boat or run into swimmers, liability may extend to the rental company for improper training or negligent entrustment.
What Rental Companies Are Legally Required to Do
This is where many consumers are shocked: boat and jet ski rental companies in Florida have strict legal duties. Under Florida law, rental companies must:
Provide Operational Training: They must give renters a safety briefing covering navigation rules, emergency procedures, and proper vessel operation.
Verify Boater Education Requirements: Anyone born after January 1, 1988, must have a Boater Safety Education ID Card or a temporary certificate — and rental companies must verify it.
Inspect the Vessel Before Each Rental: This includes checking brakes, steering, fuel systems, lights, life jackets, and engine performance.
Ensure the Vessel Is Seaworthy: If the boat or jet ski is unsafe, damaged, or missing parts, it cannot legally be rented.
Warn Renters About Weather Conditions: Ignoring bad weather or sending renters out during unsafe conditions can expose companies to liability.
Refuse Rentals to High-Risk Individuals: This includes visibly intoxicated renters, underage operators, and people who clearly lack the skill to operate the vessel safely.
When companies cut corners, they put renters, passengers, and everyone else on the water at risk.
Who Can Be Held Liable After a Rental-Related Boating Accident?
After an accident, several parties may share responsibility depending on the circumstances:
1. The Rental Company: They are often the primary negligent party when the accident involves poor maintenance, inadequate training, faulty equipment, or negligent entrustment.
2. The Renter (Operator): If the operator behaves recklessly — speeding, hitting wakes too fast, ignoring no-wake zones — they may also be liable.
3. Manufacturers: If a mechanical defect caused the accident, the manufacturer or distributor may be responsible.
4. Other Boaters: Collisions involving another vessel may involve third-party negligence (such as distracted or intoxicated boaters).
5. Tour Companies or Guides: If the accident occurred during a guided rental tour (common for jet skis), the tour operator may be responsible for unsafe practices or poor supervision.
Common Injuries in Boat & Jet Ski Rental Accidents
Rental-related boating injuries are often severe because vessels move at high speeds, lack physical protection, and can eject riders into the water. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Drowning or near-drowning
- Broken bones
- Lacerations from propellers
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burn injuries from explosions or fuel leaks
- Soft-tissue injuries from falls, collisions, or sudden stops
These accidents often require extensive medical care, long-term rehabilitation, and create financial burdens that victims should not have to shoulder alone.
What Compensation Can Victims Seek?
Victims of rental-company negligence may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Hospitalization and surgeries
- Lost wages and diminished earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Scarring or permanent disability
- Property damage
- Wrongful death
The amount depends on the severity of injuries, the type of negligence involved, and how the accident occurred.
What to Do If You’re Injured in a Rental Boat or Jet Ski Accident
If you’re injured, taking the right steps immediately can make a major difference in your case:
- Seek medical attention immediately — even if injuries seem minor.
- Report the accident to law enforcement, the rental company, and FWC.
- Take photos and videos of the scene, damage, and vessel defects.
- Get names of witnesses and contact info.
- Preserve all rental documents and waivers you signed.
- Do NOT speak to the rental company’s insurance without a lawyer.
Rental companies often rush to blame the victim. Protect yourself early.
When to Call a Lawyer (Hint: Immediately)
Boating accidents involving rental companies can involve multiple insurance policies, complex waivers, and finger-pointing between parties. You should absolutely speak to a lawyer if:
- A rental company blames you for the accident
- You were injured due to poor instructions or malfunctioning equipment
- Another renter caused the crash
- You signed a confusing waiver
- You were offered a quick settlement
- You suffered serious or permanent injuries
Rental companies care about limiting liability — not helping victims.
A personal injury attorney can investigate the equipment, inspect the vessel, demand maintenance logs, preserve electronic data, interview witnesses, and hold negligent parties accountable.
Injured on a Rental Boat or Jet Ski? Don’t Let the Company Get Away With It.
If a rental boat or jet ski malfunctioned, if you weren’t properly trained, or if another inexperienced renter caused your crash, you may have a powerful claim — even if the rental company says otherwise. Rental companies are quick to deny responsibility, but the law often tells a very different story.
At DuFault Law, we know exactly how to uncover negligence, expose maintenance failures, and hold irresponsible rental operators accountable. We fight to recover the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term injuries.
- Call us at (239) 422-6400
- Email us at contact@dufaultlaw.com
- Or Visit our Contact Page to schedule a consultation
Comments are closed