Florida Boat Registration Number & Sticker Information
The state of Florida has strict regulations governing the titling and registration of recreational vessels. Boat owners and operators should familiarize themselves with these requirements and follow them assiduously in order to remain in compliance with state law.
Florida boat registration and titling
All motorized vessels on state waterways are required to have a title and registration issued by Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). This requirement also applies to personal watercraft (PWCs) in Florida.
Whether the vessel is used or new, it must be titled and registered within 30 days of purchase. During the 30-day grace period, proof of the date of purchase must be kept on board.
How to apply for a vessel title
To apply for a vessel title, the owner must bring the following documents to a county tax collector or license plate agent office and pay the applicable fee.
- New vessel : Proof of ownership (e.g. manufacturer’s certificate of origin, builder’s statement or dealer’s bill of sale), which must include the name of the manufacturer, model year, type and length of vessel, hull material, means of propulsion, hull identification number and intended use
- Used vessel with a Florida title : Florida title that properly indicates the transfer to purchaser
- Used vessel with an out-of-state title : Out-of-state title that properly indicates the transfer to purchaser
- Used vessel from a state without a titling requirement : Valid registration from the state in question and a bill of sale that includes the name of the manufacturer, model year, type and length of vessel, hull material, means of propulsion, hull identification number and intended use
How to apply for vessel registration
To apply for vessel registration, the owner must submit proof of ownership (e.g. manufacturer’s certificate of origin, builder’s contract, bill of sale, federal marine document etc.) to a county tax collector or license plate agent and pay the applicable fee. Check the FLHSMV website for a full breakdown of required fees.
There are fee reductions available for recreational vessels equipped with an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) and owners who have a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). Reductions are offered for both first-time vessel registrations and renewals.
Titling exemptions
- Vessels that are only used on private waterways
- Vessels that are federally documented or owned by the government
- Non-motorized vessels under 16 ft
- Vessels registered in another state or with the US Coast Guard that aren’t in Florida for more than 90 consecutive days
- Vessels from another country that aren’t in Florida for more than 90 consecutive days
Registration exemptions
- Vessels that are only used on private waterways
- Vessels owned by the US government
- Vessels only used as lifeboats
- Non-motorized vessels under 16 ft
- Non-motorized canoes, kayaks, racing shells and rowing sculls of any length
Florida boat registration number and decal placement
According to Florida boating regulations, all registered and titled vessels are required to display a registration number, hull identification number and registration decal.
Registration number
The registration number issued to a vessel is permanent for as long as the vessel remains in Florida, regardless of any changes in ownership.
The registration number must be painted or permanently attached to both sides of the bow above the waterline. It must be printed in block letters and numbers at least 3 inches high, with the letters separated from the numbers by a hyphen or space of equal width. Its color should contrast with that of the hull and it must remain easily readable from a distance.
Hull identification number
The hull identification number is usually permanently affixed to the transom of the vessel by the manufacturer. Homemade vessels must be assigned a HIN by the FLHSMV.
Registration decal
When obtaining or renewing a vessel registration, a decal is issued along with the registration certificate. The decal indicates the year in which the registration is valid and must be affixed to the port (left) side of the vessel no more than 6 inches before or after the registration number. Decals that are no longer valid must be removed.
Boat in compliance with state law
Taking a boating safety course can help you learn everything you need to know to boat in compliance with state law, and it’s mandatory for all motorized vessel operators born on or after Jan. 1, 1988. Drive a Boat USA offers a convenient online course that allows you to study the materials, take the Florida boat exam and obtain your boating safety ID card from the comfort of your own home. Get started today!