Terms of Service for Detour Charters LLC

Last Updated: July 29, 2025

Welcome to Detour Charters LLC! We provide private boat charter excursions and related services in Port St Joe, Florida, region. By booking or participating in any charter or service offered by Detour Charters LLC (hereinafter referred to as "we," "us," "our," or "the Company"), you ("the Client," "you," or "your party") agree to be bound by the following Terms of Service. Please read them carefully.

1. Booking and Payment

Reservations: All charters must be reserved in advance. Bookings are subject to availability and confirmation by the Company.
Deposit: A deposit of 50% of the trip’s price is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation.
Full Payment: The remaining balance is due in full at the time of the trip, but can be paid anytime between booking and depature time.
Pricing: All prices are quoted in U.S. Dollars and are subject to change without prior notice. Quoted prices do not include gratuities or special requests to extend trips beyond the published itinerary and timing.

2. Use of Waivers

Waivers: Detour Charters requires the use of waivers for participation in any of its tours, charters and trips. Waivers must be signed by all passengers over the age of 18 (Parents/Guardians can sign for minors). In signing a waiver, all passengers must provide their name, address, date of birth and email.

3. Cancellation and Refund Policy

Cancellation by Client:
- Cancellations must be made by phone call or text to 850-894-0092.
- Cancellations made 7 days before the trip date will have the deposit refunded minus a $25 service fee.
- Cancellations made between 7 and 2 days before the trip date will be refunded 50% of the deposit amount.
- Cancellations made within 48 hours of the scheduled departure time will result in a forfeiture of the full deposit amount.
- Clients are expected to show up on time at the agreed upon meeting location. Late arrival by the Client's party will result in a reduction of charter time, and no refunds, reduction of fees, or extensions will be granted. If the Client has not arrived at the meeting location or contacted the Captain within 30 minutes after the scheduled departure time, the party will be considered a no-show and the deposit will be forfeited.
Cancellation by Captain:
- The safety of our clients is the primary priority in all Detour Charters’ activities. The Captain reserves the sole right to cancel or postpone a charter due to unsafe weather conditions such as lightning, heavy winds, impending thunderstorms, fog, tropical storms and hurricanes or unforeseen mechanical issues.
- In such cases, the clients can either reschedule the charter for a different date or receive a full refund of all payments made for the trip.
- If rescheduling is not possible, a full refund of all payments made will be issued. The Company is not responsible for any other costs incurred by the Client (e.g., travel, accommodation).
- "Unsafe weather" will be determined by the Captain and not solely by forecast. Light rain or scattered showers typically do not warrant cancellation.

4. Client Responsibilities and Conduct

Compliance with Captain's Instructions: All members of your party must follow the instructions and commands of the Captain for safety reasons.
Prohibited Items/Activities:
- Illegal drugs or substances are prohibited on board.
- Firearms, weapons, and fireworks are not permitted.
- We all love our furry friends, but due to the unpredictable nature of boat travel and the marine environment, pets are not allowed on chartered trips.
- Excessive alcohol consumption leading to unruly or dangerous behavior is not permitted. The Captain reserves the right to cut short any charter due to intoxicated or disruptive guests without refund.
- No jumping or diving from the vessel without the Captain's explicit permission.
Child Supervision: Children under 18 years of age must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times. Life jackets for children are mandatory and will be provided.
Personal Belongings: The Company is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings.
Medical Conditions: It is the Client's responsibility to inform the Company prior to the charter of any medical conditions, allergies, or physical limitations of any member of their party that could affect their safety or participation in the excursion.

5. Safety and Liability

Safety Briefing: A safety briefing will be conducted by the Captain prior to departure. All guests must understand the safety procedures, location of safety equipment, and emergency protocols.
Life Jackets: Life jackets are provided for all guests. Children are required to wear them at all times while underway. Adults are encouraged to wear them and must wear them if instructed by the Captain.
Assumption of Risk: You acknowledge that participating in a boat charter involves inherent risks, including but not limited to, those associated with water activities, sun exposure, motion sickness, marine life, and unforeseen accidents. By boarding the vessel, you voluntarily assume all such risks.
Release of Liability: To the fullest extent permitted by Florida law, you agree to release, indemnify, and hold harmless Detour Charters LLC, its owners, operators, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including attorney's fees) arising out of or in connection with your participation in the charter, including but not limited to personal injury, illness, death, or property damage, unless caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Company.
Emergency Services: In the event of a medical emergency, the Captain will make all reasonable efforts to secure necessary medical attention, but the Client is responsible for any associated costs.

6. Photography and Marketing

Photo/Video Release: Occasionally, Detour Charters may want to use photographs and/or video taken during chartered activity for promotional uses. Such photographs and/or videos will be captured and used in a tasteful and limited manner for Detour Charters LLCs’ marketing efforts, without compensation to the client. However, the company completely understands and respects the Clients’ right to decline having their (and any members of their party) images and likeness used in a public manner. Please indicate your preference regarding photo and video capture and use to the Captain.

7. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

Governing Law: These Terms of Service shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to its conflict of law principles.
Jurisdiction: Any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms of Service or your charter with Detour Charters LLC shall be exclusively brought in the state or federal courts located in [Your County, Florida].
Severability: If any provision of these Terms of Service is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

8. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to update or modify these Terms of Service at any time without prior notice. The most current version will always be posted on our website. Your continued use of our services after any such changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.

9. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:

Detour Charters LLC, 850-894-0092, info@detourcharters.com, www.detourcharters.com.