Florida anglers and boaters demand marine electronics that perform across wildly different environments — from the skinny, crystal-clear flats of the Florida Keys to the deep Gulf of Mexico offshore grounds, the brackish backwaters of the St. Johns River, and the vast blue expanse of Tampa Bay. At Pro Marine Electronics, we carry the GPS chartplotters, fish finders, VHF radios, and safety gear Florida boaters rely on year-round.
GPS Chartplotters for Florida Navigation
Florida’s waterways demand accurate charts. Whether you’re threading through the shallow backcountry near Everglades City, navigating the ICW from Jacksonville to Miami, or running offshore to the Dry Tortugas, a quality GPS chartplotter is non-negotiable. The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 series and Humminbird HELIX units come preloaded with LakeVü and BlueChart g3 charts covering every square mile of Florida coastal and inland waters.
Key features Florida boaters need: real-time tidal current data for inlets like Sebastian Inlet and Ponce Inlet, depth contours for Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor, and AutoGuidance technology to route safely around the notorious shallow spots of Florida Bay.
Fish Finders for Florida Fishing
Florida offers some of the most diverse sport fishing in the world — tarpon rolling in the passes, snook holding on mangrove edges, grouper and snapper on Gulf ledges, and trophy largemouth bass in Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. The right fish finder changes everything.
- Garmin LiveScope™ LVS34 — Live sonar that lets you watch bait fish and game fish in real time. Indispensable for sight-fishing tarpon and working dock pilings for snook.
- Humminbird MEGA 360 Imaging — Full 360° sonar coverage ideal for locating bass schools on Lake Okeechobee and Rodman Reservoir structure.
- Lowrance HDS PRO — The preferred chartplotter/sonar combo for serious offshore anglers targeting AJs and grouper on Gulf wrecks and ledges.
VHF Marine Radios — Required on Florida Waters
A VHF marine radio is required equipment for any boat operating on Florida’s navigable waters, and for good reason. Florida’s afternoon thunderstorm season can produce severe squalls with little warning. A Standard Horizon GX2400 or Garmin VHF 215i with DSC distress calling and AIS receive capability keeps you in contact with the USCG Sector Jacksonville, Miami, and St. Petersburg — and with other vessel traffic in busy passes like Boca Grande and Government Cut.
Safety Equipment for Florida Boaters
Florida’s FWC requires specific safety equipment depending on vessel length. We stock USCG-approved life jackets, EPIRBs, flare kits, and personal locator beacons. The Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite communicator is popular among offshore Florida anglers who venture beyond VHF range to the Middle Grounds or the Florida Straits.
Popular Florida Fishing Waters & Gear Pairings
Florida Keys & Florida Bay: Shallow-water chartplotter with precise depth contours. Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 with BlueChart g3 Vision HD charts. Polarized sunglasses and a reliable VHF for busy Keys waters. Tampa Bay & Charlotte Harbor: MEGA Imaging fish finders for spotting grass flats structure and locating redfish and snook. Offshore Gulf of Mexico: High-power sonar for deep structure, AIS-capable VHF, EPIRB, and a satellite communicator. Lake Okeechobee & Inland Lakes: Side Imaging fish finders with LakeVü Ultra HD charts for locating submerged grass lines and spawning beds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a VHF radio on my boat in Florida? Florida law requires vessels 16 feet and over operating on federally controlled waters to carry a working VHF radio or pay the associated fine. Even if not required, a VHF radio is your lifeline in an emergency.
What fish finder works best in Florida’s shallow backcountry? For water under 4 feet, a 2D sonar unit with Down Imaging at high frequency (455/800 kHz) works well. Avoid heavy transducer setups — a Garmin STRIKER Vivid or Humminbird HELIX 5 is ideal for poling skiff fishermen who need minimal weight.
Can I use my GPS chartplotter for both saltwater and freshwater fishing in Florida? Yes. Units like the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 include both BlueChart g3 coastal charts and LakeVü inland charts on a single device — perfect for a Florida angler who fishes both the backcountry and Lake Okeechobee.
Ready to upgrade your Florida boat? Browse our full catalog or contact us for personalized gear recommendations based on where you fish in Florida.