Electric launches were common during this period. One of the most prominent builders was (surprise) the Electric Launch Company, AKA Elco, who were justifiably famous for their PT boats in WWII. Founded in 1892, they are still in business today.

Thank you for the information bryharms! I like the looks of the Royal Palms, but learned why there are not many where I currently live. They do not deal with extreme dry heat very well. Hence they are more popular in Florida & California. Cool Palm!

...is perhaps the hardest car identification in the history of Shorpy!
If my general take is correct, the car lurking in the shadows over there is already practically an antique in 1912. I see a snub nose and a tiller...this is a horseless carriage of some kind, probably from somewhere close to 1903. A decade later, it is a fossil, two or three design generations behind the times.
Any one able to channel those days and take on the challenge??

In answer to Deep6's query, those stately palm trees are entirely natural. They are Royal Palms (aka: roystonea_regia), native to the tropical areas of Florida, Cuba and Mexico. Below them are young coconut palms.

The smooth sheath beneath the fronds is called a crownshaft and is actually the frond base. It wraps around the palm's bud, protecting the future fronds being formed inside. When the frond is shed the outer base goes with it, keeping the sheath fresh and green.

Here's what it looks like in color:

Those Palm trees have an interesting grooming applied!? I live in a palm tree region, but have never seen such a style. Trimmed and painted? How is the top so smooth??

No sign of an engine, sail, oars, or a pole. Any ideas of how that boat was powered?