Doing Business from/on a Live Aboard in Florida

[Kathy Cat]

Hi,
I'm new to forums so am not sure if I am posting the question in the right place to get the best feedback however as it is about a Live aboard, I thought I would start here. Please be kind and direct me to the correct forum or thread if I am in the wrong place.
Anyway, here is what I would like to know: I would like to start a delivery service using my live aboard for goods & services but nothing involving hauling people. Can you run a business from your live aboard just as you can have a business office in a land home? If so, besides the normal requirement of owning a business, is there any other special license needed to operate the business on the water? Is your business taxed as if you were on land? If not how is it taxed and by who?
Anyone have experience with doing such in Pinellas County, FL?

[denverd0n]

I don't get it. You're going to deliver things ONLY within Pinellas County? Seems like there wouldn't be much market, since a truck would certainly be quicker and probably a lot cheaper.

But the bottom line is that if you want to haul cargo by vessel, the Coast Guard is going to have a lot to say about your boat, your business, and your qualifications. And the state of Florida is going to want you to have a business license and pay business taxes. And the federal government is going to want all of the usual taxes that depend on how the business is structured.

In other words, if you think you can avoid all of the hassles related to running a land-based business just by moving to a boat, you can't.

Good luck to you, in any case.

[Kevin84]

If you are using your vessel for any commercial purpose, you will need to have the vessel inspected for safety purposes as well as holding a master's license. There are a number of Federal Regulations you will have to meet. Best bet, contact your local USCG Station and speak to an officer about the Regs you would have to comply with.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[Tx J]

Originally Posted by Kathy Cat

Hi,
I'm new to forums so am not sure if I am posting the question in the right place to get the best feedback however as it is about a Live aboard, I thought I would start here. Please be kind and direct me to the correct forum or thread if I am in the wrong place.
Anyway, here is what I would like to know: I would like to start a delivery service using my live aboard for goods & services but nothing involving hauling people. Can you run a business from your live aboard just as you can have a business office in a land home? If so, besides the normal requirement of owning a business, is there any other special license needed to operate the business on the water? Is your business taxed as if you were on land? If not how is it taxed and by who?
Anyone have experience with doing such in Pinellas County, FL?

As a former Mexican border dweller (IVO: SPI, Boca Chica to Laredo, TX), I find this highly amusing...
I've seen smuggling ops going both ways for many decades (up close), and it's gotten downright nasty the last few decades.
Members of certain enforcement organizations are actually monitored (yes, personally), and even threatened, by "cartels" nowadays...

No offense intended, just not clear on your plan and couldn't resist.

[Hudson Force]

I am also confused about your business plan. Are you expecting to profit by delivering materials by means of your sailboat? Give us an example of what you have in mind.

[tbodine88]

Originally Posted by CaptForce

I am also confused about your business plan. Are you expecting to profit by delivering materials by means of your sailboat? Give us an example of what you have in mind.

When I was in Antigua, I heard about a large sail boat that delivered Coca-Cola to St Kitts from Antigua, and some how made a living, but then he wasn't in the US.

[avb3]

Originally Posted by Kathy Cat

Hi,
I'm new to forums so am not sure if I am posting the question in the right place to get the best feedback however as it is about a Live aboard, I thought I would start here. Please be kind and direct me to the correct forum or thread if I am in the wrong place.
Anyway, here is what I would like to know: I would like to start a delivery service using my live aboard for goods & services but nothing involving hauling people. Can you run a business from your live aboard just as you can have a business office in a land home? If so, besides the normal requirement of owning a business, is there any other special license needed to operate the business on the water? Is your business taxed as if you were on land? If not how is it taxed and by who?
Anyone have experience with doing such in Pinellas County, FL?

Are at all familiar with Pinellas County?

Check the charts. That are precious few places to of load north of the Vinoy marina on the bay side, and not a whole bunch more on the gulf side that have enough draft for a sailboat.

Not a viable business in my opinion.

[Wonderinlost]

Hrmmmm.... delivering other kats for the solo sailor? Or a thrid member for the crusing couple?