Clearing customs in a boat Ft Lauderdale?

G. Faulk

New member
Boating from Lauderdale through the Bahamas in three weeks for a little vacation. I have customs figured out in the Bahamas, but coming home where and what is the easiest way to clear back into Lauderdale?

Thanks in advance.
 
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A. get a US customs re-entry sticker ($25 through the mail, good for a year).
B. call customs when you arrive
C. if they want to see you in person the office is on the grounds of the port.
 
I do not know about ft lauderdale, but we come to and from the bahamas every other weeks on a boat into west palm, and all we do is go to port of palm beach and it is a really quick process, otherwise we also go to the airport and check in there when the port is closed. most likely you can go to port everglades off 17th street, and they should be able to hook you up. if you do not have a car, and you are just coming in by boat, roll into port everglades, but make sure you call, because they are not all about random boats coming in there. I have been told to turn around on multiple occasions for getting too close.
 
Unless things have changed:

get the decal http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/pleasure_boats/user_fee/user_fee_decal.xml

Call an 800 number, be prepared to wait

Participants in this program may report their arrival to CBP by calling the number below. Unless directed by a CBP Officer, participants in these programs do not have to report for an in-person inspection
Phone in Arrivals: 1-800-432-1216 or 1-800-451-0393


http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov...reporting_brochure.ctt/reporting_brochure.pdf


THe brochure seems to contradict the web site however. I would call them now and see what they say. It's been a few years since I've done it.
 
Don't be piloting a Renegade, Concept, or any other go-fast center console. It is a total Red Flag with Customs, Homeland Security, Coast Guard, and any other law enforcement official on the water. Just pretend like you didn't see them and hold the throttles down at white knuckle until you out run them. They eventually give up.
 
Just turn off your running lights and come thru wide open at about 4 am. They wont even notice:sifone:

be sure to stop every couple miles, zigzag a little, make a splash, then take off again.. it confuses them.

I believe we might have a few members who may know this routine......:sifone:

Always wanted to try just to see what happens. Now, after 911, it isn't as funny I'm sure.

Any good stories out there?????
 
I believe we might have a few members who may know this routine......:sifone:

Always wanted to try just to see what happens. Now, after 911, it isn't as funny I'm sure.

Any good stories out there?????

Came back with a Gladiator a couple years ago from Bimini to Lauderdale......called, they said come see us and we dragged the trucks and trailers right onto the port property (can't do that anymore!)

Came back on a poker run two years ago, captain called in and they gave him some type of number (like 12-15 digits) and he was trying to memorize it (not happening). He said ok, we are all set and that was it.
 
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