Florida boat
registration summary presents an overview of boat titling, registration,
loan perfection, and operational requirements for the State of
Florida. More detailed information, forms, guidelines, and other
resources are obtainable by downloading a
Boat Registration Kit
for this state. You will also find an extensive listing of general
purpose boat and trailer registration forms on our Forms
page.
Please visit our
State page for additional
articles and information about registering or titling boats, trailers,
and outboard motors.
The information presented here is subject to change and should be
confirmed with the respective state agency.
Please
read our
terms of use before proceeding.
|
Boat Registration Statistics |
There are
approximately 889,895 boats registered in
Florida. This state ranks 1st among nationwide boat
registrations. |
|
Boat Registration Numbering |
The boat
registration number prefix for Florida is "FL". |
|
Registration Agency |
Division of Motor Vehicles. |
|
Registration Requirements |
All boats
must be registered in Florida except those under 16' without motors.
Military personnel are exempt from boat registration until their
out of state registration expires.
Registration is required on Coast Guard documented vessels. Boat
registrations are issued on an annual basis. Florida residents
must register a newly acquired boat at the Department of Highway
Safety and Motor Vehicles within 30 days. |
|
Title Requirements |
Boat titles
are issued on all registered boats in Florida except those which are Coast
Guard documented. |
|
Abandoned Boats |
Florida has
provisions for acquiring title to boats that have been abandoned
on private property. Further information on abandoned boats can
be found in our
boat registration
kit for this state. |
|
Conditional Titling |
Florida does
not have provisions for conditional or bonded boat titling. A
court order is required where proof of ownership can not be otherwise
established. |
|
Electronic Titling |
Florida has
an electronic titling program in lieu of paper certificates. |
|
Boat Taxes |
Sales or use
tax is levied on all first time registrations and ownership
transfers in Florida. Tax rates vary by county. A documentary stamp tax is
also required for boat loan contracts which are executed within
the State of Florida. Additional information on boat taxes can be found in
our
boat registration
kit for this state. |
|
Loan Perfection |
Security
interests on non-documented boats which are state titled must be
recorded on the state title records. On
Coast Guard documented vessels, a preferred mortgage must be
recorded on the vessel's abstract of title. A UCC financing
statement must be filed if the boat is neither titled or
documented. |
|
Boat Records |
Boat
registration records are maintained for 10 years. Detailed
information on how to obtain verbal and written reports can be
found in our
boat registration
kit for this state. |
|
Ownership Designations |
Co-owners are
recognized by "and" or "or" designations. Other types of joint
tenancy are also recognized. |
|
Residency Requirements |
A boat must
be located in Florida to qualify for registration and titling,
but owner residency is not required. |
|
Reporting Requirements |
The sale,
abandonment, theft, or destruction of a Florida registered boat
must be reported to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor
Vehicles within 30 days. |
|
Hull Inspections |
Hull
identification numbers must be inspected by a Florida law
enforcement official if
there is a discrepancy. |
|
Outboard Motors |
Florida does
not require registration and titling on outboard motors. |
|
Boat Trailers |
Boat trailers
are registered in Florida. Titles are required on boat trailers
weighing over 2,000 lbs. |
|
Notary Public |
An embossing
seal or inked stamp must be employed by notaries in this state. |
|
Dealer Licensing |
Boat dealers
and brokers are licensed and must provide a $25,000 surety bond. |
|
Visitation Period |
A visitation
period of 90 days is allowed in Florida for any vessel already covered by a registration
number in full force and effect which has been awarded by:
(1) Another state pursuant to a federally approved numbering
system; (2) The United States Coast Guard in a state without a
federally approved numbering system; (3) or The United States Coast
Guard for a federally documented vessel with a valid
registration in full force and effect from another state. |
