Florida boat registration is handled by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, not your county tax collector

Florida requires all motorboats and sailboats 16 feet and longer to be registered with the state. Even smaller boats with motors need registration. You cannot register through your county — the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is the only agency that issues boat registrations in Florida. Registration is valid for three years from the date of issue, and you renew it by mail, online, or in person at an FWC office or authorized agent.

The registration process is straightforward if you have the right documents. You will need proof of ownership (a bill of sale, manufacturer's certificate of origin, or previous registration), a completed process form, and payment. If your boat is financed, the lender's name goes on the registration. If you are registering a used boat you just bought, bring the signed bill of sale from the seller.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida requires registration for all motorboats and sailboats 16 feet and longer, issued only by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
  • Registration is valid for three years and costs vary based on boat length, with renewal available online, by mail, or in person.
  • You need proof of ownership (bill of sale or manufacturer's certificate), a completed process, and payment to register a new boat.
  • If your boat is financed, the lender's name must appear on the registration as a lienholder.

What documents you need to register a boat in Florida

Start with proof of ownership. If you are registering a new boat from a dealer, you will have a manufacturer's certificate of origin (MCO). If you bought a used boat privately, you need a bill of sale signed by the seller. If the boat was previously registered in Florida, bring the old registration certificate. The seller should sign the back of the old certificate to transfer it to you.

You also need the process form, which is Form HB 87-2.001 (process for Boat Registration). You can get this from the FWC website, any FWC office, or any authorized agent (many bait and tackle shops, marine dealers, and tax collector offices act as agents). Fill in the boat's hull identification number (HIN), which is stamped on the hull near the starboard side of the transom. If you cannot find it, the FWC can help you locate it during inspection.

If someone else financed your boat purchase, bring the lender's name and address. Florida law requires the lienholder to be listed on the registration. You will also need to show proof of your identity — a driver's license or state ID card. If you are registering the boat under a business name or trust, bring documentation of that entity.

How much Florida boat registration costs

Registration fees are based on boat length and are the same whether you register for the first time or renew. A boat under 16 feet costs less than a boat 16 to 24 feet, which costs less than a boat 25 feet or longer. The exact amounts change periodically, so check the FWC website or call an FWC office for current pricing. Most registrations fall in the $30 to $100 range for three years, but larger vessels cost more.

You pay the registration fee when you submit your process. If you register in person at an FWC office or authorized agent, you pay at that time. If you mail your process, include a check or money order. Online registration through the FWC website accepts credit and debit cards. Some authorized agents may charge a small processing fee on top of the state registration fee — ask before you pay.

Where to register your boat in Florida

You have three options: register online through the FWC website, mail your process to the FWC, or register in person. Online registration is the fastest if your boat was previously registered in Florida or if you have a manufacturer's certificate of origin. You will need your HIN and proof of ownership information to complete the online form.

To register by mail, send your completed process form, proof of ownership, and payment to the FWC's boat registration office. The address is on the process form and on the FWC website. Mail-in registration typically takes two to three weeks from the date the FWC receives your process.

For in-person registration, visit any FWC office or an authorized agent. FWC offices are located throughout Florida; you can find the nearest one on the FWC website. Authorized agents include many marine dealers, bait and tackle shops, and some tax collector offices. In-person registration is processed when ready, and you receive your registration certificate on the spot.

Renewing your Florida boat registration

Your registration is valid for three years from the date of issue. The FWC will mail you a renewal notice about 30 days before your registration expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using the same methods as initial registration. Online renewal is the simplest — you log in, confirm your information, and pay the fee.

If you renew by mail, send the renewal notice with your payment to the address listed on the notice. If you renew in person, bring your current registration certificate and payment to an FWC office or authorized agent. Do not let your registration expire; operating an unregistered boat in Florida is illegal and can result in a citation and fine.

What happens if your boat information changes

If you sell your boat, the new owner must register it in their name. You do not need to notify the FWC that you sold it, but you should keep a copy of the bill of sale for your records. The new owner will need that bill of sale to register the boat.

If you change your address, move to a different county, or change the boat's name, you can update your registration by contacting the FWC directly or visiting an FWC office. Some changes can be made online through the FWC website. If you add a lienholder after registration (for example, if you take out a loan against the boat), you will need to file a lien form with the FWC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register a boat under 16 feet with a motor?

Yes, if it has a motor of any size, it must be registered regardless of length. The only exception is a boat with a motor smaller than 10 horsepower used only on non-public waters. Check with the FWC if you are unsure whether your boat qualifies for an exemption.

What if I cannot find the hull identification number on my boat?

Contact the FWC or visit an FWC office. Staff can help you locate the HIN or, in rare cases, information with obtaining one from the manufacturer. Do not register without a HIN — the FWC will not process your process without it.

Can I register my boat online if I just bought it from a private seller?

You can if you have a bill of sale signed by the seller. Online registration works best if the boat was previously registered in Florida. If it was registered out of state, you may need to mail or visit in person with the out-of-state registration and bill of sale.

What do I do if my registration certificate is lost or damaged?

Contact the FWC and request a duplicate. You can do this online, by mail, or in person. There is a small fee for a duplicate certificate. Bring your boat's HIN and proof of ownership if you register in person.