With its endless coastline, sparkling lakes, and legendary fishing, Florida is a boating paradise. But before you launch your boat, jet ski, or personal watercraft, there’s one step you can’t skip: registering your vessel with the state. Whether you’re a first-time boat owner or a longtime mariner, understanding Florida’s vessel registration laws will save you headaches—and help you avoid fines. Let’s cover what you need to know, from who must register to fees, renewals, and must-know tips for smooth sailing.
Who Needs to Register a Vessel in Florida?
Florida law requires registration of nearly every boat and watercraft operated on public waters:
- Required: All motor-powered boats, personal watercraft (PWC) like Jet Skis, sailboats with auxiliary engines, and homemade boats (once built).
- Not Required: Non-motorized canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and vessels owned by the U.S. government. Boats registered in another state and using Florida waters for less than 90 days are also exempt.
Documented Vessels: Even if your boat is documented with the U.S. Coast Guard, it must also be registered in Florida if it’s used primarily here.
How to Register Your Boat in Florida
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Gather Required Documents:
- Proof of ownership (bill of sale, manufacturer’s statement of origin, or previous registration/title)
- Hull Identification Number (HIN) for all boats built after 1972
- Completed application for registration (available from your county tax collector or the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV))
- Payment for the registration fee (see below)
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Register at the County Tax Collector’s Office:
- Registration is handled by your local county tax collector or tag agency. Some counties allow you to begin the process online, but first-time registration must usually be completed in person.
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Get Your Registration and Decals:
- You’ll receive a Certificate of Registration and a decal showing the expiration date. The certificate must be kept on board when operating, and the decal must be displayed on the port (left) side of the vessel near the registration number.
Florida Vessel Registration Fees (2024)
- Less than 12 feet: $5.50–$16.25
- 12–16 feet: $16.25–$28.75
- 16–26 feet: $32.50–$78.25
- 26–40 feet: $78.25–$127.75
- 40–65 feet: $127.75–$152.75
- 65–110 feet: $152.75–$189.75
- Over 110 feet: $189.75–$227.75
Fees vary based on vessel length and whether you choose a one-year or two-year registration. Discounts are available for boats with Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) or an approved Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).
How and Where to Display Your Registration Number and Decal
- The registration number must be painted or affixed to both sides of the bow, in block letters at least three inches high and contrasting in color with the hull.
- The validation decal is placed within six inches of, and either before or after, the registration number on the port side.
- Numbers and decals must always be clearly visible and kept in good condition.
Renewals, Transfers, and Replacement Certificates
- Renewals: Vessel registration is valid for one or two years. Renew online, by mail, or in person before your registration expires to avoid late fees and penalties.
- Transfers: When you buy a used boat, you must transfer registration within 30 days. The seller should provide a bill of sale and sign over the registration or title.
- Lost or Damaged Certificates/Decals: Request duplicates from your local tax collector for a small fee.
- Change of Address: Notify your tax collector within 30 days of moving.
Special Cases and Exemptions
- Homemade Boats: Must be inspected by the FLHSMV for assignment of a HIN before registration.
- Coast Guard Documented Vessels: Must obtain a state registration and display the Florida decal.
- Non-motorized Craft: Not required to register unless a motor is added.
Boater Safety Requirements
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 must carry a Boating Safety Education ID card to operate a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or more. Take a state-approved course—available online and in-person—before you launch.
Penalties for Not Registering
Operating an unregistered or expired vessel can result in fines, tickets, or even being barred from launching at public ramps. Registration also protects your ownership and aids recovery if the boat is stolen.
Buying or Selling a Boat in Florida
- Complete a Bill of Sale: Include both parties’ names, vessel description (HIN, make, model, year, length), and sale price.
- Transfer Registration: The buyer must apply to transfer registration within 30 days. The seller should remove their name from the vessel’s record at the tax collector’s office.
- Resolve Any Liens: Ensure any loans are satisfied and the lien is cleared before sale.
Tips for Hassle-Free Registration
- Double-check paperwork before submitting—errors with the HIN or missing documents can delay registration.
- Renew early, especially before peak boating season, to avoid expired decals.
- Keep your Certificate of Registration on board at all times.
- For homemade or rebuilt boats, contact your local FLHSMV office before applying.
Helpful Resources
- FLHSMV Vessel Registration – Official forms, rules, and online renewal.
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Boating – Safety courses, regulations, and ramps.
- Florida Boating Safety Course – State-approved online training.
Final Thoughts: Set Sail the Legal Way in Florida
Registering your boat in Florida is your ticket to year-round adventure on some of the country’s most beautiful waters. With your paperwork sorted, you’re ready for fishing, cruising, water sports, or just kicking back in the sunshine. Stay safe, renew on time, and always keep your registration handy—you’ll thank yourself later!
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