Other Facts About Titling and Registering Your Boat

Here are some additional facts about titling and registering your vessel.

• A Certificate of Title proves ownership. All vessels are required to have a Certificate of Title. The only exceptions are:
  • A non-motorized vessel less than 16 feet in length
  • A vessel used exclusively on private lakes and ponds
  • Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
• Vessels must be registered and numbered within 30 days of purchase.
• A Certificate of Registration is valid for one or two years. For more information, visit Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website.
• The owner of a registered vessel must notify the county tax collector within 30 days if he or she changes address.
• The owner of a registered vessel must notify the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles within 30 days if the vessel is sold, stolen, destroyed, abandoned, or lost.
• If your vessel has a current and valid registration or certificate of number from another U.S. state or territory, you may operate it in Florida for 90 days before you are required to register it in Florida.
• Larger recreational vessels, owned by U.S. citizens, may (at the option of the owner) be documented by the USCG. Call the USCG at 1-800-799-8362 for more information. Documented vessels operating on Florida waters must have a current vessel registration from either Florida or another state.