Boat Registration

With its intricate waterways and long coastline, Florida is home to many boat owners. And just like a motor vehicle, your vessel needs to have proper paperwork and registration.

After the purchase of a boat, you have 30 days to apply for registration and title from your local county tax collector's office, either in the county where the boat is located or where you reside. Even though you have about a month to complete your application, you'll still need to carry a copy of the bill of sale with proof of purchase date on the vessel at all times.

To apply for registration and title (both are required), complete the Application for a Certificate of Title and submit it, along with a Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (or equivalent), to the tax collector's office. Then, pay the applicable fees.

Fees for Titling and Registering a Boat in Florida

• Class A-1 (vessels less than 12 feet in length, and motorized canoes): $7.25

• Class A-2 (vessels 12 to 15 feet in length): $14.25

• Class 1 (vessels 16 to 25 feet in length): $22.25

• Class 2 (vessels 26 to 39 feet in length): $54.25

• Class 3 (vessels 40 to 64 feet in length): $86.25

• Class 4 (vessels 65 to 109 feet in length): $102.25

• Class 5 (vessels 110 or more in length): $126.25

The above fees include various state-mandated charges. Some counties impose additional surcharges, so contact your local office to know the exact fee required.

Sales Tax

If you purchase a vessel, you'll need to pay state sales tax when you apply for registration and the title. If you've already paid sales tax in another state, simply provide show the tax collector a receipt of tax paid and you'll only be charged the difference, if applicable.

Registration Classification

Unless your vessel is used for commercial purposes, it will be classified as a pleasure craft. A commercial vessel is defined as "any vessel primarily engaged in the taking or landing of saltwater fish or saltwater products, freshwater fish, or freshwater products from within and without the waters of this state for sale either to the consumer, retail dealer, or wholesale dealer; or any vessel engaged in any activity wherein a fee is paid by the user, either directly or indirectly, to the owner, operator, or custodian of the vessel."

If the classification of your vessel changes at any time, you'll need to submit a completed classification change request and submit it with your current registration certificate and applicable fees to your county tax collector's office.

Registration and Titling Exemptions

Certain vessels are not required to be registered or titled in Florida. The following do not require registration (but may require titles; see below): vessels without motors, vessels used strictly in private lakes or ponds, U.S. government-owned vessels, and vessels used strictly as lifeboats for other vessels.

Vessels that don't require titling include: unmotored vessels less than 16 feet in length, U.S. government-owned vessels, vessels used strictly in private lakes or ponds, vessels used strictly for demonstrations by a dealer or manufacturer, vessels owned by the State of Florida, vessels from another country (with a temporary 90-day permit), and vessels already registered in another state or jurisdiction (as long as it won't be operating in Florida waters for more than 90 days).

Title Transfers

If you purchase a used boat from a previous owner, you must have the title transferred into your name and register the vessel. Complete the application form and submit it with applicable fees to your local county tax collector's office.

Registration Numbering and Decal

A registered vessel receives a number that will remain the same as long as it stays in the state, even if ownership changes. The number must be painted legibly on both sides of the vessel's bow, and must be in block letters and numbers at least three inches high. Also, you'll need to separate the prefix and suffix lettering with a space equal to the width of the digits. For example, the number should look something like this: FL 1234 AB.

Each year that you register your vessel, you'll receive a decal much like the decal for your car license plate. Place the decal on the port (left) side of the vessel, either before or after the registration number.

Renewing Registration

For privately owned vessels, the annual registration renewal period begins on the first day of the owner's birth month, and ends at midnight on the last day of that month. For vessels owned by a corporation or dealer, the annual registration period is the month of June.

Duplicate Titles and Registration

To acquire a duplicate title for your boat if the original is lost, stolen, or destroyed, complete the Application for Duplicate Title and bring it, along with a $6 fee, to your local county tax collector's office.

Duplicate certificates of registration can be obtained at your local tax collector's office, too. Complete the Application for Vessel Duplicate Registration and submit it, with a $2.25 fee.

Hull Identification Numbers

Much like a vehicle identification number for your car, a hull identification number (HIN) is required on all vessels in the state of Florida. This number must be permanently marked on the outboard side of the transom, or the outermost starboard side at the end of the hull.

If you purchase a vessel from a dealer, this number should already be assigned and marked on the boat. If you have built the vessel yourself, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will assign you one. Call (850) 617-2000 for specific details and conditions.