What You Need to Register a Boat in Florida
Florida requires all boats with motors to be registered with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), regardless of where you keep the boat. Sailboats without motors do not need registration. Registration is valid for three years and costs between $25 and $50 depending on boat length, plus a one-time $5 decal fee.
You will need the boat's hull identification number (HIN), proof of ownership (bill of sale or title), and proof of your Florida residency or a Florida address where the boat will be kept. If the boat is financed, you will also need the lienholder's information. You can register in person at any county tax collector's office, by mail, or online through the FWC website.
The registration process itself takes about 15 minutes in person, though mail applications typically take two to three weeks. Once approved, you receive registration numbers that must be displayed on both sides of the boat's hull in characters at least three inches tall.
Key Takeaways
- All motorized boats in Florida must be registered with the FWC, and registration lasts three years.
- You need the boat's HIN, proof of ownership, and proof of a Florida address to register.
- Registration costs $25 to $50 based on boat length, plus a $5 decal fee that is paid once.
- You can register at any county tax collector's office, by mail, or online through the FWC website.
- Once registered, you must display the registration numbers on both sides of the hull in three-inch characters.
Where to Register and What Documents to Bring
The easiest route is your county tax collector's office, which handles boat registration for the FWC. Find your county office on the FWC website or search "[your county] tax collector." Bring your HIN (stamped on the boat or on the manufacturer's plate), a bill of sale or title showing you own the boat, and a government-issued ID with your current address. If you have just moved to Florida, bring a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days to prove residency.
If the boat is financed or has a lien, bring the lienholder's name and address. The lender does not need to sign anything, but the FWC records them as a secured party on the registration. If you are registering someone else's boat as a gift or on their behalf, bring a signed power of attorney or a notarized letter of authorization.
Mail-in registration is available through the FWC. read the process for Boat Registration (Form HB 87-26) from the FWC website, fill it out completely, and mail it with copies of your proof of ownership and ID to the address listed on the form. Include a check for the registration fee. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the FWC receives your packet.
Online Registration Through the FWC Website
Florida allows online registration through the FWC's official website. You will need your HIN, proof of ownership information, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card). The system walks you through each step and shows the fee before you pay. Once submitted, you receive a confirmation number when ready.
Online registration does not issue physical registration numbers on the spot. The FWC mails your registration certificate and decal to your address within two to three weeks. You are not required to display numbers until you receive them, but you should keep your confirmation number with you on the boat in case you are stopped by law enforcement before the physical certificate arrives.
Registration Fees and What They Cover
Registration fees are based on the boat's length. Boats under 16 feet cost $25; boats 16 to 65 feet cost $40; boats over 65 feet cost $50. These fees cover three years of registration. The $5 decal fee is a one-time charge, not renewed every three years—you pay it only once when you first register.
If you renew your registration before it expires, you pay only the three-year registration fee again; the decal does not need to be replaced. If your registration lapses and you renew late, you may owe a late fee in addition to the renewal fee. The exact late fee varies by county, so check with your tax collector's office if your registration has been expired for more than 30 days.
Renewing Your Boat Registration
Boat registration in Florida lasts three years from the date of issue. The FWC mails a renewal notice to your address about 30 days before expiration. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at your county tax collector's office using the same methods as initial registration.
Renewing online or by mail is faster than renewing in person if you have not changed your address or boat information. You will need your current registration number and proof of payment. If you miss the expiration date, you can still renew, but operating an unregistered boat is illegal and can result in a citation and fine.
Displaying Registration Numbers on Your Boat
Once you receive your registration certificate, you must display the registration number on both the port (left) and starboard (right) sides of the boat's hull. The numbers must be at least three inches tall, in a contrasting color to the hull, and positioned so they are clearly visible from the water. Numbers are typically painted or applied with vinyl decals.
The registration number format is two letters followed by four or five numbers (for example, FL 1234AB). You must also display your FWC decal on the boat, usually on the cabin or hull near the registration numbers. If your numbers fade or become illegible, repaint or replace them. Law enforcement can cite you for missing or illegible registration numbers.
Special Situations: Transfers, Out-of-State Boats, and Temporary Registration
If you buy a boat from someone else in Florida, the previous owner's registration does not transfer to you. You must register it in your own name using the bill of sale as proof of ownership. Bring the old registration certificate to the tax collector's office so they can note the transfer in their records.
If you are moving to Florida with a boat registered in another state, you have 30 days to register it in Florida. You will need your out-of-state registration certificate and a bill of sale or title. The FWC will issue a new Florida registration; you do not need to keep the old one.
Florida does not issue temporary boat registrations. If you are in the process of registering and need to operate the boat before your certificate arrives, keep your confirmation number and proof of payment with you. Law enforcement can verify your registration status through the FWC system if you are stopped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register a sailboat without a motor?
No. Florida only requires registration for boats with motors. Sailboats without motors, canoes, kayaks, and other non-motorized vessels do not need to be registered with the FWC.
What if I do not have a bill of sale or title?
If you cannot locate the original bill of sale, the FWC may accept an affidavit of ownership signed by you and notarized. Contact your county tax collector's office to ask what documents they will accept in place of a bill of sale. Bring any proof of purchase you have, such as a receipt or bank statement.
Can I register a boat that is not yet in Florida?
Yes. You can register by mail or online even if the boat is out of state. You will need the HIN and proof of ownership. Once registered, you have three years to display the numbers on the hull, though you should do so before operating the boat in Florida waters.
What happens if my registration expires while I am out of the country?
You can renew online or by mail before you leave, or ask someone with power of attorney to renew on your behalf. If it expires while you are away, you can renew late when you return, though you may owe a late fee depending on how long it has been expired.
Do I need to register a boat I keep in a marina or storage facility?
Yes. Registration is required for all motorized boats in Florida, regardless of where they are stored. The address on your registration should be where the boat is typically kept or your home address if it is kept at a private location.