Follow these steps to ensure that you’re legally registered to operate a boat in Florida.

Florida is famous for its sparkling waters, whether you’re a beach fanatic, a river fiend or a lake lounger. Boating in Florida is a quintessential part of being a Floridian, and it’s a state known for the sheer amount of water that it holds. While you should always watch out for gators (seriously!), there’s not much better than a boat day in the great state of Florida.

However, if you’re going to take your boat out on Florida waters, it needs to be properly registered to ensure legal operation. Here’s BOATsmart!’s guide to getting your boat ready to be legally taken out on the beautiful waters that call Florida home.

How Do I Know If My Boat Needs to Be Registered? 

All used and new motorized boats in the state of Florida will need to be properly titled and registered to ensure legal operation within 30 days of purchase.

What Boats Are Exempt From Boat Registration in Florida?

The following boats and vessels are exempt from boat registration in Florida:

  • Vessels stored and used solely on private lakes/ponds
  • Non-motorized vessels less than 16 feet in length
  • Federally documented vessels and vessels owned by the United States government, the State of Florida or any of its political subdivisions
  • Vessels used exclusively as a ship’s lifeboat
  • Non-motorized canoes, kayaks, racing shells/sculls regardless of length

What Boats Are Exempt From Titling in Florida?

The following boats and vessels are exempt from titling in Florida:

  • Vessels stored and used solely on private lakes/ponds
  • Non-motorized vessels less than 16 feet in length
  • Federally documented vessels and vessels owned by the United States government, the State of Florida or any of its political subdivisions
  • Vessels used solely for demonstration, testing or promotional purchases by an authorized dealer or manufacturer
  • Vessels already lawfully registered in another state or by the Coast Guard, as long as the vessel will be in Florida for 90 days or less
  • Amphibious vessels already titled by the Department of Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
  • Vessels from another country that are temporarily stored or used in Florida for 90 days or less

How Do I Register My Boat in the State of Florida?

When registering your boat in Florida, you’ll need:

  • Proof of boat ownership (an executed bill of sale, a builder’s contract, a manufacturer’s statement of origin, a federal marine document or another document acceptable to the FLHSMV)
  • An issued title (required prior to registration)
  • The proper registration fee

Register your boat by visiting your local tax collector or license plate agent office. 

How Do I Title My Boat in the State of Florida?

When titling your boat in Florida, you’ll need:

  • Correct titling fee
  • The following documents, depending on your vessel:
    • New vessel: Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) or its equivalent statement of builder. If the vessel is purchased in a state that does not require an MCO, the proof of ownership is an executed dealer’s bill of sale. The proof of ownership must include a complete description of the vessel.
    • Used vessel currently titled in FL: Florida title accurately completed for transfer to purchaser.
    • Used vessel currently titled out of state: Out-of-state title accurately completed for transfer to purchaser.
    • Used vessel from a state that does not require title: Current registration from that state and a bill of sale from the current registrant. Bill of sale must include a complete description of the vessel.

Title your boat by visiting your local tax collector or license plate agent office. 

How Much Does Boat Registration Cost in the State of Florida?

VESSEL CLASSIFICATIONLENGTHVESSEL REGISTRATION FEEREDUCED FEEOPTIONAL COUNTY FEE
Class A-1Less than 12 feet$5.50$2.95$4.13
Class A-212 to less than 16 feet$16.25$11.00$7.63
Class 116 to less than 26 feet$28.75$20.40$11.63
Class 226 to less than 40 feet$78.25$57.50$27.63
Class 340 to less than 65 feet$127.75$94.95$43.63
Class 465 to less than 110 feet$152.75$113.40$51.63
Class 5110 or more in length$189.75$141.15$63.63
Dealer Registration$25.50$10.63

* as of August 2020

Registration fees also include an additional $2.25 service fee and $.50 FRVIS fee.

An additional $50 commercial vessel license fee is required of all non-residents or aliens unless specifically exempted.

The Florida counties of Broward, Charlotte, Collier, Dade, Hardee, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Monroe, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota and Volusia charge the optional county fee.

How Much Does Boat Titling Cost in the State of Florida?

In addition to registration fees, there are additional fees when applying for a title for your vessel in the State of Florida:

  • $5.25 titling fee (for electronic title), $7.75 (for paper title) or $11 (expedited title)
  • Additional fee of $1 for each lien
  • Additional titling fee of $4 is required for vessels previously registered elsewhere outside of Florida

How Do I Transfer Boat Ownership to My New Boat?

In the state of Florida, you must apply for a transfer of title within 30 days of the change in ownership. Specific instructions can be given by your local county tax office, but the purchaser must submit the properly executed title (showing a transfer in ownership) and an application for ownership transfer within 30 days.

Will I Need to Take a Boater Safety Education Course?

In Florida, every boat operator born on or after January 1st, 1988, must carry a Boating Safety Education ID card to legally operate a boat with a motor of 10 horsepower or above. Operators must also carry a photo ID. 

Do you need one? We think everyone needs to be well-versed in boating safety — and that’s where BOATsmart! comes in. As a program officially recognized by the US Coast Guard and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, our course is sure to have you educated, knowledgeable and safe on the water.

What Else Do I Need to Know About Boat Registration in Florida?

Operating an unregistered boat after 30 days of ownership transfer or purchase is a second-degree misdemeanor.

Your boat’s registration number should be painted or permanently attached to both sides of the bow on the forward side of your vessel. It must be in block letters/numerals at least 3 inches high. 

The hull identification number must be shown permanently on the outboard side of the transom or outermost starboard above the waterline of the vessel.

Every motorized vehicle must be registered, so keep up with the necessary regulations to stay legal and safe on Florida waters. There’s nothing as fun as a boat day — especially one where you’re safe, registered and happy — so use BOATsmart! as your boating safety friend.

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