Vessels
Online Vessel Registration Renewal
Website Alert – Vessel Titling and Registration
The 2009 Florida Legislature amended statutory language relating to vessel titling and registration.
Effective October 1, 2009, all vessels operated, used, or stored on the waters of this state must be titled and registered unless they are operated, used, or stored on private lakes or ponds. Certain exceptions apply, such as non-motor-powered vessels less than 16 feet in length.
Contact our office at 407-665-1000 if you have questions.
All commercial and private vessels operated on the waters of the State of Florida must be registered and/or numbered with the following exceptions:
- A non-motor powered vessel less than 16 feet in length
- A vessel used exclusively on private lakes and ponds
- A vessel used exclusively as a ships lifeboat
Registering And Titling A Vessel In Florida For The First Time
A vessel that is registered with another state may be used in Florida for no more than 90 days.
An out-of-state vessel owner who does not plan to become a permanent Florida resident but plans to operate a currently registered vessel in Florida waters for more than 90 days must obtain a temporary registration from the Tax Collector's office.
Not all states require a vessel to be titled, however, Florida does require a title. See the table below for a list of states which require vessel titles, which may be used to transfer to a Florida title and registration.
Title States
California |
Michigan |
North Carolina (opt) |
Vermont |
|---|---|---|---|
District of Columbia |
Minnesota |
Ohio |
Virginia |
Florida |
Mississippi |
Oklahoma |
Washington |
Idaho |
Missouri |
Oregon |
West Virginia |
Illinois |
Montana |
Pennsylvania |
Wisconsin |
Indiana |
Nebraska |
Rhode Island |
|
Iowa |
Nevada |
South Carolina |
|
Kentucky |
New Jersey |
South Dakota |
|
Maryland |
New Mexico |
Texas |
|
Massachusetts |
New York |
Utah |
To permanently register a vessel in Florida, you must present the following information:
- Current registration for the state where the vessel is registered.
- Title Document for the state where the vessel is titled (if a title state - See Table above).
- Proof of Sales Tax will be credited if vessel was purchased less than 6 months prior to registration.
- We highly recommend that you visit the Florida Vessel Title & Registration website for complete and up-to-date information.
Donations
Donations to the Manatee or Turtle Funds can be made for any amount. Registrants will receive an emblem for their vessel if a donation of $5.00 or more is made with initial registration or renewal. The donated funds are used by the Save the Manatee Fund & the Save the Turtle Fund to study and protect these Florida treasures.
