All vessels operated on the waters of
Florida with mechanical propulsion
devices (such as gas or electric
outboard motors) must be registered
and/or numbered in Florida, except as
follows:
- Vessels used exclusively on
private lakes or ponds
- Vessels owned by the Federal
Government
- Vessels used exclusively as life
boats
- Non-motor powered vessels less
than 16 feet
- Vessels with a current number
from another state or country
temporarily using Florida waters.
(Less than 90 consecutive days.)
- Vessels must be registered and
numbered within thirty (30) days of
purchase.
All registrations must be renewed
each year on the last day of the month
prior to the birth month of the owner.
Apply for your title and registration
with the county tax collector’s office.
You may download forms at:
http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/html/forms.html
In addition, all vessels, except
documented vessels and non-motor-powered
vessels less than 16 feet, must be
titled in Florida.
You will need to know your Hull I.D.
number to title and register your boat.
If you have a homemade boat, contact the
Florida Department of Highway Safety and
Motor Vehicles or your tax collector's
office for a HIN.
Upon registration, you will be issued a
certificate of number and a validation
decal. The certificate must be on board
whenever the boat is used. The boat's
number must be properly displayed as
follows on both port and starboard side.
The validation decal must be displayed
within six inches of the number on the
port side either before or after the
numbers.
It is illegal to operate or give
permission to operate your vessel unless
it is registered and numbered.
Documented vessels without a state
registration in full force and effect
must also obtain a Florida registration
and display the validation decal on the
port side of the vessel when using
Florida waters.
All vessels are required to have a
Certificate of Title that proves
ownership except:
- Vessels used exclusively on private
lakes and ponds.
- Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast
Guard
- Non-motorized vessels less than 16 feet
in length
- If you change your address, you must
notify the county tax collector within
30 days.
Vessels must be registered and numbered
within 30 days of purchase.
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