Boat Registration and Licenses in Florida

What to Register

• All motorized vessels used on the state's public waterways.

Exemptions

• U.S. government-owned vessels.

• Vessels used strictly as lifeboats.

• Non-resident boats used on Florida's waterways for 90 days or less.

Requirements and Procedures

You have 30 days from the time of purchase to register your vessel. To do so, head to the county tax collector's office in the county where you live, or where the vessel is located.

Bring with you:

• Completed registration application.

• Manufacturer's Statement of Origin, or its equivalent.

• Receipt showing you paid the sales tax (if applicable).

• Fee payment.

You can also mail the required documents and payment to the county office.

Keep the registration certificate on board whenever you're operating your boat. During the 30-day grace period after purchasing the vessel, be sure to keep your purchase receipt with you when operating the vessel.

Fees

Registration fees vary by the length of the vessel, as follows:

• Class A-1 (vessels less than 12' and all motorized canoes): $12.25

• Class A-2 (12 feet to less than 16 feet): $23

• Class 1 (16 feet to less than 26): $35.50

• Class 2 (26 feet to less than 40 feet): $85

• Class 3 (40 feet to less than 65 feet): $134.50

• Class 4 (65 feet to less than 110 feet): $159.50

• Class 5 (110 feet or longer): $196.50

Please note that some counties may tack on additional fees.

Renewals and Replacements

You have the option to renew your registration for one or two years. For privately owned vessels, the annual registration renewal period begins on the first day of the owner's birth month. For vessels owned by a corporation or dealer, the annual registration period begins in June.

Renew in Person

Bring one of the following, along with your fee payment, to a county tax collector's office to renew your registration:

• Current registration.

• Current decal or number.

• Renewal card.

Renew Online

Simply enter your information and follow the instructions given to renew online.

Renew by Phone

Call (866) GO-RENEW or (866) 467-3639 anytime to renew by phone. Be sure to have the personal identification number printed on your renewal postcard handy. An extra $2.90 fee applies to telephone renewals.

Renew by Mail

Send your renewal card along with your fee payment to the address listed on the card.

Replace Lost Registration

Duplicate registrations are available through county tax collector's office for a $2.25 fee. Just turn in a completed duplicate registration form.

Boater License

If you're younger than 22 and want to operate a boat (including personal watercraft) with a horsepower of 10 or greater, you'll need to have a Boating Safety Education ID Card.

See below for information on how to obtain the safety ID card.

Boater Safety Courses

Fulfill your boater education requirements and receive your ID card by doing one of the following:

• Complete a course given by an approved third-party provider, such as BoaterExam.com

• Complete a course given by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).

Schedules and fees vary with the provider.

Non-residents who don't have the equivalent of a safety ID from their home state may apply for a temporary certificate. For details on this and other safety course matters, call (850) 488-5600.

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