Transferring Boat Registration To Florida: A Step-By-Step Guide

Florida is known for its sparkling waters and boating is a quintessential part of the state's culture. If you own a boat in Florida, you must ensure it is properly registered to operate it legally. Here is a guide to registering your boat in Florida and changing your boat registration to Florida.

Registration requirements

All motorized vessels operating on Florida’s public waterways must be titled and registered. This must be done within 30 days of purchase to ensure legal operation. Operating an unregistered vessel after 30 days is a second-degree misdemeanour.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) is responsible for issuing vessel registrations and titles. Applications for titles and registrations must be filed at a county tax collector or license plate agent office.

To register your boat, you will need:

• A completed boat registration application
• Proof of ownership (e.g. Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin, Federal Marine Document, or bill of sale)
• Your vessel's title (if applicable)
• Payment for the applicable FLHSMV boat registration fees

Owners have the option of registering their vessel for either one year or two years.

The following boats and vessels are exempt from boat registration in Florida:

• Vessels stored and used solely on private lakes or ponds
• Non-motorized vessels less than 16 feet long
• 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 ship’s lifeboat
• Non-motorized canoes, kayaks, and racing shells or sculls regardless of length

Vessels that are exempt from Florida registration include:

• Boats less than 16 feet in length and not powered by a motor
• Regardless of length, all non-motor-powered vessels used only on private ponds and lakes
• Boats owned by the U.S. government
• Lifeboats used solely for that purpose
• Non-resident vessels used on Florida waters for no more than 90 consecutive days

If you are unsure whether your boat requires titling and registration, you can contact the FLHSMV at (850) 617-2000.

Exemptions

The following types of vessels are exempt from registration in Florida:

• Vessels operated, used, and stored exclusively on private lakes and ponds.
• Vessels owned by the US government.
• Vessels used exclusively as a ship's lifeboat.
• Non-motor-powered vessels less than 16 feet in length.
• Non-motor-powered canoes, kayaks, racing shells, or rowing sculls regardless of length.

It is important to note that even if your vessel is exempt from registration, you may still be required to obtain a Florida boat license if you plan to operate the vessel on Florida's public waterways. Additionally, if you have a boat trailer that weighs over 2,000 pounds, you must follow the Florida boat trailer registration rules.

The following types of vessels are exempt from titling in Florida:

• Vessels operated, used, and stored exclusively on private lakes and ponds.
• Vessels owned by the US government, the State of Florida, or any of its political subdivisions.
• Non-motor-powered vessels less than 16 feet in length.
• Federally documented vessels.
• 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 Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
• Vessels from another country that are temporarily stored, used, or operated in Florida for 90 days or less.
• Vessels used solely for demonstration, testing, or promotional purposes by an authorized dealer or manufacturer.

If your vessel is exempt from titling but not from registration, you must still obtain a title at the same time as registering your vessel.

How to register

To register your boat in Florida, you must visit your local tax collector or license plate agent office. You will need to provide proof of ownership, an issued title, and pay the proper registration fee.

The proof of ownership document can be one of the following:

• Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin
• Federal marine document
• Builder's contract
• Your vessel's title (if applicable)
• Executed bill of sale
• Statement of the vessel's builder
• Dealer's bill of sale
• Another document acceptable to the FLHSMV

Owners have the option of registering their vessel for either one year or two years. The cost of registration depends on the length of the boat and whether it is equipped with an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon or when the owner has a Personal Locator Beacon.

Registration numbers must be painted or permanently affixed to each side of the bow, above the waterline. The number must be in bold, block letters and be at least 3 inches high. The colour of the number must contrast with the colour of the boat, and it must be read from left to right.

Costs

The costs of registering your boat in Florida vary based on its type and length. Below is a breakdown of the fees involved:

Boat Registration Fees

• Electronic copy: $5.25
• Expedited title: $11
• Per lien recorded on a title: $1 in addition to the original title fee
• Fee for titling a previously out-of-state vessel: $4 in addition to the initial titling fee
• Registration service fee: $2.25
• Florida's Real-Time Vehicle Information System (FRVIS) fee: $0.50

The original/renewal registration fees are based on the length of your boat:

• Class A-1 (vessels less than 12 ft and all motorized canoes): $5.50
• Class A-2 (12 ft to 16 ft): $16.25
• Class 1 (16 ft to 26 ft): $28.75
• Class 2 (26 ft to 40 ft): $78.25
• Class 3 (40 ft to 65 ft): $127.75
• Class 4 (65 ft to 110 ft): $152.75
• Class 5 (110 ft or longer): $189.75

Please note that some counties in Florida, including Broward, Charlotte, Collier, Dade, Hardee, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Monroe, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, and Volusia, charge an additional optional county fee.

Boat Titling Fees

• Electronic title: $5.25
• Paper title: $7.75
• Expedited title: $11
• Per lien recorded on a title: $1 in addition to the original title fee
• Titling fee for vessels previously registered outside of Florida: $4 in addition to the initial titling fee

Other Costs

If you purchase your vessel through a dealer, you will need to pay sales tax on the vessel, motor (inboard or outboard), trailer, and all accessories. If you purchase the vessel through a private sale, sales tax is due on the vessel, inboard motor, and trailer. However, an outboard motor and accessories may be exempt from sales tax if they are separately itemised and priced on the bill of sale.

If you have purchased a homemade vessel, you will need to pay a registration fee based on the length of the vessel, as well as any applicable sales tax.

Safety and education

Florida has specific safety and education requirements for boat owners and operators. Here are the key points to keep in mind:

Boating Safety Education:

• Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, who wishes to operate a boat in Florida with an engine of ten horsepower or more, is required to complete a boating safety course and obtain a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card. This card certifies that the holder has successfully completed the necessary safety education.
• The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) oversees the Boating Safety Education ID Card program.
• The ID card is not a boating license, and it does not expire.
• To obtain the ID card, individuals must complete an approved boating safety course, such as those offered by At the Helm Training, Master's Boating School, or the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.
• After completing the course, individuals can request their ID card by submitting proof of course completion, along with their name, date of birth, return address, and phone number, to the FWC via email or mail.
• Online course providers and some classroom instructors may automatically submit a request for the ID card on behalf of their students.

Boating License Requirements:

• Florida does not require a separate boating license. However, individuals born on or after January 1, 1988, must meet specific requirements to operate a vessel with a motor of ten horsepower or more.
• These individuals must either complete a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating education course or pass an equivalent course or temporary certificate examination.
• In addition, they must possess a boating education ID card and a photo identification card.
• Non-residents who meet their home state's safety requirements may not need a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card. They can provide proof of completing an equivalent course or examination.
• Visitors to Florida who wish to rent a vessel can obtain a temporary certificate, valid for 90 days, from approved vendors listed on the FWC website.

Frequently asked questions