Florida Statutes Title XXII. Ports and Harbors § 310.141. Vessels subject to pilotage

(1) All vessels shall have a licensed state pilot or certificated deputy pilot on board to direct the movements of the vessel when entering or leaving ports of this state or when underway upon the navigable waters of the bays, rivers, harbors, and ports of this state, except:

(2) A vessel is docking or undocking when a tug or tugs are assisting the vessel, or the vessel is making use of a bow thruster or other lateral thrust devices incorporated into the vessel itself, in close proximity to the dock, with the vessel under the direction or control of the master, docking master, licensed state pilot, or certificated deputy pilot. If the vessel that is docking or undocking is under the direction or control of the master or docking master, such direction or control must have been delivered from the licensed state pilot or be in the process of being delivered to the licensed state pilot.

(3) Nothing in this section shall be construed to deny the services of a licensed state pilot to a vessel otherwise exempt who applies for such service.