Harbor Pilots – Board Information

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation supports the Governor in meeting his obligation to appoint qualified, representative and appropriate people to the important leadership roles within the department’s Professional Boards, Council and Commissions. Members are appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate.

The Board of Pilot Commissioners members work with the department in meeting its mission to “License Efficiently. Regulate Fairly.” There are currently 106 active licensed individuals pursuant to Chapter 310, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 61G14, Florida Administrative Code.

All foreign-flag vessels and certain United States-flag vessels with a draft of seven feet or greater (cruise ships, container ships, tankers, etc.) are required to have a Florida licensed pilot onboard while maneuvering in Florida waters.  Licensed Pilots are required to also hold a U.S. Coast Guard license.

The Board of Pilot Commissioners is composed of 10 members: five members shall be licensed state pilots actively practicing their profession; two members shall be actively involved in a professional or business capacity in the maritime industry, marine shipping industry, or commercial passenger cruise industry; one member shall be a certified public accountant with at least 5 years of experience in financial management; and two members shall be citizens of the state. The latter three board members shall not be involved in, or have any financial interest in, the piloting profession, the maritime industry, the marine shipping industry, or the commercial passenger cruise industry. No member may serve for more than the remaining portion of a previous member’s unexpired term, plus two consecutive 4-year terms.

As the terms of the members expire, the Governor shall appoint successors for terms of four years; and such members shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified. The Governor may remove any member for cause. No person shall be appointed to serve more than two consecutive terms. Any vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the Governor for the unexpired portion of the term.

Each board member shall receive per diem and mileage allowances as provided in Section 112.061, Florida Statutes, from the place of her or his residence to the place of the meeting and return to the residence.

The Board meets approximately four times a year for two days. Prior to each meeting, there is an average of one to two hours of pre-meeting preparation required. Preparation activities may include reviewing agenda items, reviewing application information, reviewing disciplinary information, and/or reading Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Code.