Vessel Registration

As agent for the Department of Environmental Protection, the Tax Collector is responsible for providing the necessary service and record keeping procedures used in processing vessel titles and registrations. 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.

Vessels are registered on a staggered basis according to the primary registered owner's birth month. The registration expires at midnight on the first owner's birthday. The exception to this schedule is a company owned vessel is registered in June.

Vessel registration fees are based on the length of the boat.

Obtaining a Florida Boat Title

Application with a Manufacture's Statement of Origin

The manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO) must be completed by the selling dealer and notarized for all new boats, when applicable. Proof of sales tax paid or proof or exemption must be provided or sales tax must be collected.

Application with a Florida Title

To transfer a Florida title of a used boat to a new owner, transfer of title by seller section of the title must be completed. If the vessel is purchased through a dealer, the dealer reassignment also must be completed. Sales tax will be collected if applicable. Boat registration must be transferred at the time of title transfer.

Application with an Out-of-State Title or Registration

Many states do not require boats to be titled. Proof of ownership on a used boat from a non-title state is the vessel registration. If a title is available, it must be completed as well as a DHSMV form 82040 (Application Form) for processing. Sales tax will be collected if applicable.

Sojourners (Dual Registration)

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 nonresident intends to use the craft in Florida longer than 90 days, the boat must be registered with the Department of Environmental Protection which is processed at the Tax Collector's Office.