How Much Does Boat Registration Cost In The State Of Florida
| VESSEL CLASSIFICATION |
* as of August 2020
Registration fees also include an additional $2.25 service fee and $.50 FRVIS fee.
An additional $50 commercial vessel license fee is required of all non-residents or aliens unless specifically exempted.
The Florida counties of Broward, Charlotte, Collier, Dade, Hardee, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Monroe, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota and Volusia charge the optional county fee.
Documents That Prove Boat Ownership
Titling and registering any vessel requires proof of ownership, including official sales receipts and other vital information. Other documents you must prepare include a Manufacturers Certificate of Origin, an executed bill of sale, a federal marine document, and a builders statement.
It is essential that the document has a detailed description of your boat, including the manufacturer or builders complete name, the year of build, boat type, propulsion system, hull material, hull identification number, type of fuel, boat length, and intended vessel use.
Applying For Vessel Title For In
A vessel not exempt from titling must be titled at the same time it is registered. To issue a Florida Certificate of Title for a new or used vessel purchased in or outside of Florida, the owner of the vessel must bring the appropriate titling fee and the following documents into a tax collector or license plate agent office:
New vessel Manufacturers Certificate of Origin or its equivalent statement of builder, or if the vessel is purchased in a state that does not require an MCO, the proof of ownership is an executed dealers bill of sale. The proof of ownership must include a complete description of the vessel, including manufacturers name, year, type, hull material, propulsion, fuel, use of vessel, hull identification number and length.
Used vessel currently titled in FL Florida title accurately completed for transfer to purchaser.
Used vessel currently titled out of state Out-of-state title accurately completed for transfer to purchaser.
Used vessel from a state that does not require title Current registration from that state and a bill of sale from the current registrant. Bill of sale must include complete description of the vessel including manufacturers name, year, type, hull material, propulsion, fuel, use of vessel, hull identification number and length.
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Do All Florida Vessels Require Titling And Registration
No, there are some exemptions. The main exception is for nonmotorized powered vessels less than 16 feet in length. If a vessel is exempt from titling and registration, then you won’t be able search for that vessel’s record, even if it has a HIN. Visit the FLHSMV website for a complete list of exemptions.
Renewing Your Florida Boat Registration
Florida boat registration renewal is possible online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website, by mail or in person at a local county tax collectors office. Registration renewal is available up to three months in advance of the documents expiration date, and boaters can request either a one-year or a two-year registration document.
The owner of the vessel must complete boat registration renewal on his or her birth month every year or every two years, based on the length of the documents validity. If multiple individuals own the boat, the first-named owners birth month will determine when renewal is necessary.
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What Boats Are Exempt From Titling In Florida
The following boats and vessels are exempt from titling in Florida:
- Vessels stored and used solely on private lakes/ponds
- Non-motorized vessels less than 16 feet in length
- Federally documented vessels and vessels owned by the United States government, the State of Florida or any of its political subdivisions
- Vessels used solely for demonstration, testing or promotional purchases by an authorized dealer or manufacturer
- Vessels already lawfully registered in another state or by the Coast Guard, as long as the vessel will be in Florida for 90 days or less
- Amphibious vessels already titled by the Department of Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
- Vessels from another country that are temporarily stored or used in Florida for 90 days or less
Are There Fees Associated With Registering A Boat In Florida
The fees youll pay for to register your boat in Florida are relatively small, but get a little more expensive based on the size of your boat. As of 2019, fees rage from $5.50 to $189.75. If your boat is equipped with an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon or you possess a Personal Locator Beacon, youll receive a discounted rate on vessel registration fees.
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Fl Boat Registration Requirements
To register your boat, head to the license plate agent or county tax collector’s office nearest to you with the following:
- Completed boatregistration application.
- Not offered online; can only be obtained in person at from the license plate agent/tax collector office.
Please note that some counties may tack on additional fees.
Knowledge Of Vessels Exempt From Florida Titling And Registration
The Florida government has a set of rules exempting boats from its titling and registration requirements. It would be wise to access this information before contacting your countys tax collector or an authorized license plate agent.
For example, vessels used exclusively on private bodies of water, such as lakes and ponds, do not require titling and registration.
Non-motorized watercraft shorter than 16 feet are also exempt from titling and registration. Hence, if you have a 12-foot boat without any form of motor or engine, you will not need to worry about having it titled and registered.
Federally documented boats are also exempt from registration and titling requirements.
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S To Registering Your Vessel In Florida
Florida law requires all motorized boats that operate on its public waterways to be titled and registered with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. You have 30 days after buying the boat to title and register it, but until the process is complete, be sure to keep a proof of purchase aboard at all times, as operating an unregistered boat after 30 days is a second-degree misdemeanor in Florida.
Below is an overview of the steps involved in registering your vessel.
1. Visit your local license plate agency or county tax collector
You must apply for titling and registration at your local license plate agency or county tax collector.
2. Title the vessel
A Florida Certificate of Title must be issued prior to registration. In addition to the appropriate titling fee, you have to present the following documents:
- For new vessels: a Manufacturers Certificate of Origin. If it was built in a state that doesnt require this certificate, you may present an executed dealers bill of sale instead. Any proof of ownership must include a complete description of the boat, including its hull identification number and the name of the manufacturer.
- Used vessels titled in Florida: documentation confirming that title was transferred to you.
- Used vessels titled out of state: out-of-state documentation confirming correct title transfer
3. Register the vessel
- A manufacturers statement of origin
- A builders contract
Where Do You Place Boat Registration Numbers In Florida
Boat registration numbers must be: Displayed on the forward half of your vessel well above the waterline. Painted or applied as a decal, where law enforcement officials can read it. Letters and numbers in BLOCK style, at least 3 inches in height, and must contrast in color with the hull.
Rick Randall
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Apply For Vessel Registration
You can apply for an Fl boat registration together with the vessel title with an authorized license plate agent or a county tax collector.
Since your boat does not have a title yet, you must produce documents that establish proof of vessel ownership.
It can include a builders contract, a federal marine document, an executed bill of sale, a manufacturers statement of origin, or other acceptable documents.
Vessel & Watercraft Titles & Registration Information
The Tax Collector of Indian River County serves as an agent for the State of Floridaâs Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and must follow the procedures set forth in the Florida State Statutes and Administrative Rules. In order to assist the public, the Tax Collectorâs office is providing general information regarding vessels & watercrafts. For more specific or detailed information, please access the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website or contact the Indian Tax Collectorâs office.
Florida law requires that all motorized vessels & watercrafts used in Floridaâs waterways must be titled and/or registered.
Forms may be obtained from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles form website or by contacting the Tax Collectorâs office.
Vessel & Watercraft Titles
To title and registera vessel or watercraft in the applicant’s name, please bring in the following items to the Tax Collectorâs office:
- NEW Vessel or Watercraft: the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin completed by the selling dealer.
- USED Vessel or Watercraft: the title properly completed for transfer by the seller, the registration in the name of the seller, and a bill of sale from seller to purchaser.
Every person applying for ownership on a new or used vessel or watercraft must complete one of the following:
- The Application for Disabled Parking Permit may be obtained at theTax Collectorâs office.
Title application fees range from $8.25 and up.$8.25
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How Fees Are Determined
Hull length and use determines boat registration fee. Trailer weight determines trailer registration fee. Florida requires all trailers to be registered. Boat trailers weighing 2,000 lbs. or more require a registration certificate and title. Homemade boat trailers require a certified weight slip. A portion of the registration fee helps the state protect its water resources and boating amenities. Florida Statute provides for reduced vessel registration fees for a recreational vessel that is equipped with an Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon , or for a recreational vessel when the owner possesses a Personal Locator Beacon . To qualify for reduced registration fees, a recreational vessel owner must provide documentation that the vessel is equipped with an EPIRB, or documentation that the vessel owner owns a PLB.
Florida boat registration numbers are permanent. The numbers remain with the vessel as long as its operated or stored in Florida, even if the ownership changes.
Boater Safety Courses In Florida
After obtaining documented vessel registration in Florida, operators must focus on safely using their boats at all times. Boaters with valid boat registrations who are convicted of two non-criminal vessel safety violations within a one-year period are required to complete a boater education course that is approved by the state of Florida and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators .
Courses are available online and in person, and proof of course completion must be sent to the FL Commissions Boating and Waterways Section. Additionally, vessel operators convicted of a criminal boating infraction or a violation that caused a boating accident must complete the standard boater education class along with a four-hour violator course.
Note: Boating safety education courses and exams are also required for first-time boaters who wish to obtain licensure.
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What Else Do I Need To Know About Boat Registration In Florida
Operating an unregistered boat after 30 days of ownership transfer or purchase is a second-degree misdemeanor.
Your boats registration number should be painted or permanently attached to both sides of the bow on the forward side of your vessel. It must be in block letters/numerals at least 3 inches high.;
The hull identification number must be shown permanently on the outboard side of the transom or outermost starboard above the waterline of the vessel.
Every motorized vehicle must be registered, so keep up with the necessary regulations to stay legal and safe on Florida waters. Theres nothing as fun as a boat day especially one where youre safe, registered and happy so use BOATsmart! as your boating safety friend.
What Boats Are Exempt From Boat Registration In Florida
The following boats and vessels are exempt from boat registration in Florida:
- Vessels stored and used solely on private lakes/ponds
- Non-motorized vessels less than 16 feet in length
- Federally documented vessels and vessels owned by the United States government, the State of Florida or any of its political subdivisions
- Vessels used exclusively as a ships lifeboat
- Non-motorized canoes, kayaks, racing shells/sculls regardless of length
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How Do You Avoid Sales Tax On A Boat In Florida
Specifically, if a nonresident purchaser comes to Florida , buys a boat , and fills out the correct paperwork, the purchaser does not have to pay Florida sales tax on the boat . The key to obtaining this benefit is the purchase MUST be through a Florida dealer and all the required paperwork must be completed.
Exemptions From Registration And Titling In Florida
Florida boat registration is not a requirement for all vessels. Registration is dependent on the type of vessel, its use and its owner. For instance, is not necessary to register a canoe in Florida. The other types of vessels exempt from registration in FL include:
- Vessels with boat registration numbers from other states, so long as these boats are not operated/stored in Florida waters for a period longer than 90 days.
- Vessels used solely as lifeboats for a ship.
- Boats owned by the United States government.
- Vessels used only on private ponds and lakes.
- Vessels that are not motor-powered and are less than 16 long.
- All kayaks, canoes, rowing sculls and racing shells that are not motor-powered.
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Boat Registration Numbers And Stickers Placement
Boat registration numbers must be:
- Displayed on the forward half of your vessel well above the waterline;;;
- Painted or applied as a decal, where law enforcement officials can read it.
- Letters and numbers in BLOCK style, at least 3 inches in height, and must contrast in color with the hull.;
- Letters and number that read from left to right and have a space or hyphen to separate letters and numbers.;;
Boat egistration stickers must be:
- Renewed upon expiration.;
- Within 6 inches of, either in front of or behind, the registration number, on the port side of the watercraft;
- Displayed in line with the numbers
- Show the expiration date
Can You Register A Boat Online In Florida
A Florida boat license is documentation that a boat belongs to you and that it is a valid vessel to have on Florida waters. In addition, you will need to pay a fee with your registration . The easier way to acquire a boat registration is to get an online boat license .
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What Kind Of Boat Must Be Registered
Generally, boats must be registered in their state if they have a gasoline, diesel or electric motor, including a trolling motor. Personal Watercrafts are;considered;motorized crafts and needs to be registered in most states. Sailboats without auxiliary power must be registered if over a certain size like eight feet, but that differs by state. The registration requirements for kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, rowboats and other human-powered craft also differ by state but most dont need to be registered.
Applying For Vessel Registration
Applications for vessel registration are to be filed with the county tax collector or license plate agent. When applying for registration, the owner must establish proof of ownership by submitting an executed bill of sale, a builders contract, a manufacturers statement of origin, a federal marine document or another document acceptable to the FLHSMV. If the vessel is required to be titled, the title must be issued prior to the issuance of the registration.
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Fee Reduction Qualifications Documentation And Processing Transactions
To qualify for reduced registration fees at the time of registration, a recreational vessel owner must provide documentation that the vessel is equipped with an EPIRB, or documentation that the vessel owner owns a PLB.
