Registering a Florida Boat

Florida law requires all vessels to be titled and if motorized also registered. To title a Florida boat, the following documents must be brought into our office:

• Proof of Ownership - For a new boat this is the Manufactures Certificate of Origin completed by the selling dealer. For used boats, it is the Fl Title certificate. Form 1 and 2 on the back of the title must be completed as well as the dealer reassignment when applicable. Seller section does not have to be notarized. Identification is required for notarization of signature. All registered owners must sign the application forms even if their names are joined by the word "or".
• Sales tax must be paid unless the transaction is exempt and then an exemption form will need to be completed by the purchaser. Sales tax is 6.5%.

For current fees see the DHSMV Sample Registration Fee Calculations at http://www.flhsmv.gov/feeSamples.htm#ves

Registering An Out of State Boat

Florida law states that all vessels be titled and motorized vessels must be titled and registered. The following documents must be brought into our office to title and register an out of state boat:

• Proof of ownership - Title certificate, or for a non-title state, we will need the current registration. If you have just purchased the boat, we will need a notarized bill of sale from the previous owner as well as the current registration showing out of state registration number.
• Identification is required for notarization of signatures. All registered owners must sign the application forms even if their names are joined by the word "or".
• Proof of Sales Tax - If you have owned the boat for less than 6 months, you must show proof that you have paid sales tax equal to 6.5% or the difference will be collected. Sales tax is calculated on the purchase price less any trade in allowance. The rate of sales tax is 6.5%.

For current fees see the DHSMV Sample Registration Fee Calculations at http://www.flhsmv.gov/feeSamples.htm#ves

Renewing Your Boat Registration

Your boat registration expires on your birth date of each year, unless the boat is titled in a business name. Boats registered under business name expire on June 30th each year.

To renew in person, you (owner) will need to bring your previous boat registration.We need all owners Florida DL # or Federal Employer ID# for companies.

For current fees see the DHSMV Sample Registration Fee Calculations at http://www.flhsmv.gov/feeSamples.htm#ves

Boat Trailer Registration

Boat trailers are issued registrations based on the empty weight of the trailer. If the trailer weight is under 2000 pounds the state of Florida does not title the trailer. Trailers can be weighed at various businesses in the county as well as at the landfill located on US 98 North.

• If you purchase a used trailer under 2000 pounds, we would need a notarized bill of sale and a copy of the previous registration. If the registration is not available you would be required to have the trailer weighed.
• If you purchase a new trailer, the dealer will provide you with a MSO sales tax statement that shows the description of the trailer including the empty weight and payment of sales tax.