Boats & Vessels

All motorized vessels, commercial and private, must be registered, titled, and issued a decal before they can be used in Florida waters. The decal must be affixed to the port side of the boat. Vessel registrations expire at midnight of the owner’s birthday. Vessel registration fees are based on the length of the boat. For more information, see the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Vessel Registration Prices

Some states do not require boats to be titled. Proof of ownership on a used boat from a non-title state is the vessel registration. A notarized bill of sale is required with the registration to transfer ownership.

If a title is required, both it and DHSMV form 82040 (title application form) must be completed for processing. Sales tax will be collected if applicable.

Feet

1-11 & canoes

12-15

16-25

26-39

40-64

65-109

110 or more

12 Month Cost

$10.75

$21.50

$34.00

$83.50

$133.00

$158.00

$195.00

The selling dealer for all new boats must complete the Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO), when applicable. Proof of sales tax paid or proof of exemption must be provided, or sales tax must be collected. The purchaser should bring all documents in to apply for title and registration. 

To transfer a Florida title of a used boat to the new owner, the Transfer of Title by Seller section on the front of the title must be completed. If the vessel is purchased through a dealer, the dealer reassignment also must be completed. The purchaser is required to apply for title and registration. Title and registration fees will be collected along with sales tax if applicable. 

A non-resident boater with a valid out-of-state registration certificate may use his/her vessel in Florida waters for 90 days without applying for a Florida registration. This applies to pleasure boats only. If the non-resident intends to use the craft in Florida longer than 90 days, the boat must be registered in Florida. Contact the Tax Collectors' Office for more information.