Disclaimer

  • Boat Registration and Licenses

     
    Sponsored By
    Enter your Zip Code below to find out how much you can save on your Boat Insurance Rates.
    • Boat and PWC insurance
    • Quote and buy online--anytime
    • 24/7 quotes, claims, service

    Top What to Register

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

    Top Exemptions

    • U.S. government-owned vessels.
    • Vessels used strictly as lifeboats.
    • Non-resident boats used on Florida's waterways for 90 days or less.

    Top 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:

    • 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.

    Top Fees

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

    • Class A-1 (vessels less than 12' and all motorized canoes): $7.25
    • Class A-2 (12' ―15'): $14.25
    • Class 1 (16' ― 25'): $22.25
    • Class 2 (26' ― 39'): $54.25
    • Class 3 (40' ― 64'): $86.25
    • Class 4 (65' ―109'): $102.25
    • Class 5 (110' or longer): $126.25

    Please note that some counties may tack on additional fees.

    Top Renewals and Replacements

    Registrations are valid one year. 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.

    Top 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.

    Top 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.

    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.

     
    Sponsored Links

    Our content is updated based on input from users like you. Help make it better!

    Give your input
    Products & Services Products & Services
    • Driving Record

      Driving Record

      Obtain a copy of your driving record. Find quality services for obtaining a copy of your driving record.

    • Drivers Education

      Drivers Education

      Take an online course or in-class instruction to learn the basics about driving.

    • Motorcycle Insurance

      Motorcycle Insurance

      Quickly shop online to find a coverage plan that meets state requirements and your budget.

    • Motorcycle Safety Course

      Motorcycle Safety Course

      Get expertly trained on everything from turning and shifting to swerving and emergency braking.

    • Vehicle History Reports

      Vehicle History Reports

      Review the history of a used vehicle before you determine whether it's priced appropriately.

    Insurance Center Insurance Center Icon

    Find a lower rate on auto insurance!

    Compare Quotes