Question: Do rescue flares that expire in, for example, October require replacement on October 1 or October 31?

Answer: Disposal of Unwanted/Outdated Pyrotechnic Devices
Auxiliarists are sometimes asked to accept out-of-date or otherwise unwanted pyrotechnic devices for disposal. Accepting such materials for disposal is not an authorized mission for the Auxiliary and may result in individual Auxiliarists taking possession of unstable and hazardous materials and becoming personally responsible for their disposal. Although some municipal and volunteer fire departments or law enforcement agencies may accept pyrotechnics for disposal, many will not. Disposal may pose potential health or safety hazards to the individual or to the environment.

If, as a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, you are requested to take possession of such materials for disposal, the request must be respectfully declined. The only appropriate advice that may be given with respect to disposing of the unwanted materials is to caution against throwing them overboard, activating them in the marine environment, or disposing of them in household trash.
It would be appropriate to suggest that the individual contact local law enforcement or fire protection authorities for guidance on disposing of the unwanted materials. Members should not recommend that they be activated on land or retained on board a vessel as back-ups since older flares may become unstable and their burn rates unpredictable..

Question What are the requirements (Federal and Florida) for carrying visual distress signals for inland waters where the point meeting the coastal waters is less than 2 miles.

Answer: Both are the same, signals are not required on inland waters.

However, it is recommended, even though not required, that boats operating on inland waters should have some means of making a suitable day and night distress signal. The number and type of signals is best judged by considering conditions under which the boat will be operating.

You need to remember, you may have a problem where your engine quits and cannot be restarted and with weather conditions, drift out into open waters with catastrophic results if you have no signals to fall back on. Even in inland protected waters, you could end up spending a very uncomfortable night on the waters without being seen. Without lights on a vessel, you also can be the victim of another boat running into you in the darkness as well. It all comes down to common sense.