BOATS
As an agent for the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the Tax Collector is responsible for providing the necessary service and record keeping procedures used in processing vessel (boat) titles and registrations. All motorized vessels, commercial and private, must be registered, titled and issued a decal before they can be used in Florida waters. The decal must be affixed to the port side of the boat.
Vessel registrations expire at midnight of the owner's birthday. Registration for vessels titled in a business name expire June 30th. Vessel registration fees are based on the length of the boat. Renewal of vessel registrations can be accomplished by mail, e-commerce or in person through any Tax Collector's Office.
OBTAINING A FLORIDA BOAT TITLE
Application with a Manufacturer's Statement of Origin The selling dealer, for all new boats, must complete the manufacturer's statement of origin (MSO), when applicable. Proof of sales tax paid or proof of exemption must be provided or sales tax must be collected.
Title Application with an MSO
The selling dealer, for all new boats, must complete the manufacturer's statement of origin (MSO), when applicable. Proof of sales tax paid or proof of exemption must be provided or sales tax must be collected.
Title Application with a Florida Title
To transfer a Florida title of a used boat to the new owner, form #1 and form #2 on the title must be completed. If the vessel is purchased through a dealer, the dealer reassignment also must be completed. Sales tax will be collected if applicable. In the event the title is lost, a duplicate title may be applied for using form HSMV 82101 . When the vessel owner is not present, the owner can sign a Power of Attorney, form HSMV 82053, to allow the purchaser or agent to act in his behalf.
Title Application with an Out-of-State Title or Registration
Many states do not require boats to be titled. Proof of ownership on a used boat from a non-title state is the vessel registration. A bill of sale is required with the registration to transfer ownership. If a title is available, the title and form HSMV 82040 (title application form) must be completed for processing. Also required is a pencil tracing, from the vessel, of the hull number to verify with the title and/or registration. Sales tax will be collected if applicable.
Sojourners
A non-resident boater with a valid out-of-state registration certificate may use his/her vessel in Florida waters for a 90 days without applying for a Florida registration. This applies to pleasure boats only. If the non-resident intends to use the craft in Florida longer than 90 days, the boat must be registered with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which is processed at the Tax Collector's Office
- An out-of-state address for the Florida registration certificate.
- One of the following must be submitted as proof of current military assignment out of state:
- Copy of military orders, or
- An affidavit from the military member's commanding officer that confirms the military orders and the date of the assignment.
- An affidavit stating the motor vehicle is maintained at the state of posting and will not be operated in the state of Florida except in a transient visitor status.
Section 320.072, Florida Statutes, requires a $225 fee to be imposed upon the initial application for registration on certain new and used motor vehicle registrations. This "new wheels" fee is collected by the Tax Collector's Office for the Division of Motor Vehicles. This fee is due on any automobile registered for private-use, any lightweight truck or any motor home unless the vehicle being registered is a replacement for a vehicle that has been disposed of. In this case, the registered owner must sign a vehicle disposal affidavit.
Change in Registration and Decal Appearance
Florida's vehicle registration and decals are changing. Please visit the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles web site for more information and a list of frequently asked questions.
Personalized Plates
Personalized license plates may be issued to most motor vehicle owners or lessees. Applications must be submitted to the Tax Collector’s office to ensure that obscene or objectionable choices are not granted. The cost for personalized plates is $15 per year plus the regular fees. Applications may be submitted at any time, but please allow at least 45 days to manufacture the new plates. Plates are only issued for the current registration period unless you apply during the 3 month advance registration renewal period.
Lemon Law
Do you want to know how the Florida lemon law works? If so please follow this link:
http://myfloridalegal.com/lemonlaw
The highway patrol also provides information designed to protect consumers from purchasing a lemon at
http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/dmv/usedcar.html
Additional Information...
For additional information relating to vehicle registration, driver licenses, driver license handbooks, legal updates and related information, visit the
Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehiclesw