As Canadian boaters our AIS and VHF worked just fine through the Loop. As for the license, quite a few boaters use VHF radios without a license for years. Actually never heard of anyone actually being charged in over 50 yrs of boating.
Antenna
I am very interested in your antenna. I can purchase now but can you hold it until late October. We will be in Zephyrhills by that time for the winter.