Titling and Registering Vessels

A purchaser of a new or used vessel has 30 days to title and register that vessel. During this 30-day period, the owner must have proof of the date of purchase aboard the vessel. Operating an unregistered vessel after 30 days is a second-degree misdemeanor.

Exemptions from Titling

Vessels operated, used and stored exclusively on private lakes and ponds.

Vessels owned by the U.S. Government, the State of Florida or its political subdivisions.

Non-motor-powered vessels less than 16 feet in length.

Federally documented vessels.

A vessel already covered by a registration number in full force and effect which was awarded to it pursuant to a federally approved numbering system of another state or by the United States Coast Guard in a state without a federally approved numbering system, if the vessel is not located in this state for a period of more than 90 consecutive days.

Vessels from a country other than the United States temporarily used, operated or stored on the waters of this state for a period that is not more than 90 days.

Amphibious vessels which have been issued a vehicle title by FLHSMV.

Vessels used only for demonstration, testing or sales promotional purposes by a manufacturer or dealer.

Applying for Vessel Title for In-State and Out-of-State Vessels

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

New vessel – Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) or its equivalent statement of builder, or if the vessel is purchased in a state that does not require an MCO, the proof of ownership is an executed dealer’s bill of sale. The proof of ownership must 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.

Used vessel currently titled in FL – Florida title accurately completed for transfer to purchaser.

Used vessel currently titled out of state – Out-of-state title accurately completed for transfer to purchaser.

Used vessel from a state that does not require title – Current registration from that state and a bill of sale from the current registrant. Bill of sale must include complete description of the vessel including manufacturer’s name, year, type, hull material, propulsion, fuel, use of vessel, hull identification number and length.

Applying for Vessel Registration

When applying for registration, the owner must establish proof of ownership by submitting an executed bill of sale, a builder’s contract, a manufacturer’s statement of origin, a federal marine document or another document acceptable to the FLHSMV. If the vessel is required to be titled, the title must be issued prior to the issuance of the registration.

Exemptions from Registration

Vessels operated, used and stored exclusively on private lakes and ponds.

Vessels owned by the U.S. Government.

Vessels used exclusively as a ship’s lifeboat.

Non-motor-powered vessels less than 16 feet in length.

Non-motor-powered canoe, kayak, racing shell or rowing scull regardless of length.