MyDMVPortal.flhsmv.gov Vessels and vessel trailers are titled and registered independently of each other. Please see the trailer section for information on obtaining ownership and registration for a trailer.

Vessel Titling and Registrations

A vessel, not exempt from titling, must be titled at the same time it is registered.

Vessels required to be titled:

• All motorized vessels (regardless of length) 
• Non-motorized vessels that are 16 feet or more 
• Canoes 16 feet or more (regardless of motorized use or not)

Vessels required to be registered and have a decal affixed to the port side of the vessel:

• All motorized vessels (regardless of length)

Vessels that are not required to be registered:

• Non-motorized vessels under 16 feet
• Non-motorized canoes, kayaks, racing shells, or rowing scull (regardless of length)

What to Bring 

The following documents must be brought into our office to title and register a boat if applicable:

• Proof of Ownership - For a new boat, this is the Manufacture's Certificate of Origin completed by the selling dealer. For used boats, it is the Certificate of Title 
  
  
• A valid Driver License/ID card, or U.S. or foreign Passport is required for notarization of signatures. All registered owners must sign the application forms even if their names are joined by the word "or".

• All vessel purchases/transfers are subject to FL sales tax (6%) plus county discretionary sales tax, unless a specific exemption applies. If sales tax has been paid to a Florida dealer or retailer, proof of sales tax paid is required and must include the sales tax registration number of the collector

Registration fees are based upon vessel length. Vessel registrations must be issued in the owners county of residence or the county where the boat is kept.

Brand New Boats

Proof of ownership for a new vessel is the Manufacture's Certificate/Statement of Origin. This document must be completed by the selling dealer or retailer and include a complete description of the vessel, including manufacturer’s name, year, type, hull material, propulsion, fuel, use of vessel, hull identification number and length.

If the sales tax has been paid to a Florida dealer or retailer, proof of sales tax paid is required and must include the sales tax registration number of the collector.

Used Boats (From Florida)

Proof of ownership is the Certificate of Title. The transfer of title section must be completed by both seller and buyer. Notarization is not required. 

Used Boat (previously Out-of-State)

Proof of ownership is the Out-of-State Certificate of Title. If coming from a non-titling state, proof of ownership is the current registration.

• If you have purchased the vessel from the registered owner, you will also need a complete bill of sale to accompany the out-of-state registration. The bill of sale must include a complete description of the vessel and must either be notarized or include the perjury clause.

If you currently own a vessel, and have out of state ownership in your name and are transferring to FL, sales tax is due when the purchase date is less than 6 months. (Sales tax paid to most states is reciprocal; proof of sales tax paid out-of-state is required.)

A valid Driver License/ID card, or U.S. or foreign Passport is required for notarization of signatures. All registered owners must sign the application forms even if their names are joined by the word "or". 

Renewing Your Boat Registration

Vessel registrations expire on the birthday of the first registered owner. Vessels registered to a business entity will expire June 30th.

To renew in person, the owner must bring in the registration, renewal notice, or a valid Driver License/ID card, or U.S. or foreign passport.

Or it can be renewed online at RenewExpress®

Boat Trailer Registration

Boat trailers are issued registrations based on the empty weight of the trailer. If the weight of the trailer is under 2,000 pounds the state of Florida does not title the trailer.

• If you purchase a used trailer under 2000 pounds, we will need a bill of sale and a copy of the previous owner’s registration. If the previous registration is not available, an affidavit that the trailer has never been titled or registered in any state would be required and the trailer would have weighed.  There is an affidavit section on form HSMV 82050 Notice of Sale/Bill of Sale that can be used when applicable.
• If you purchase a new trailer, the dealer will provide you with an MSO and a sales tax statement that shows the description of the trailer, including the empty weight and payment of sales tax.
• A valid Driver's License/ ID Card, or U.S./ foreign Passport is required.
• If required to have your trailer weighed, they can be weighed at various businesses in the county as well as the landfill located on US 98 north. The weight must be stamped on your weight slip from a certified scale. They cannot be handwritten.