Quick answer
In Florida, registration is required for: All motorized vessels and all sailboats operating on public waterways. Registration is handled by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), is valid for 1 or 2 years, and costs $11.25 to $195.50 before any purchase tax or local add-ons.
Official source: Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) · Last checked in site data: June 23, 2026 · All official state agencies
Florida Registration Guides
Use these Florida-specific guides for renewal, title, tax, non-resident, vessel-type, and paperwork questions that need more detail than the state overview.
- Florida Boat Title Transfer: HSMV 82040, Fees & 30-Day Deadline (2026)
- Florida Boat Sales Tax: The $18,000 Cap Explained (2026)
- Florida Non-Resident Boating: The 90-Day Rule & Snowbird Guide (2026)
- How to Register a Boat Without a Title in Florida (2026)
- Florida Kayak Registration Rules: Do You Need to Register? (2026)
- Florida Jet Ski & PWC Laws: Age, Safety & 2026 Helmet Rule
Vessel Types & Exemptions
In Florida, registration is required for: All motorized vessels and all sailboats operating on public waterways. There are 3 categories of exempt vessels.
Registration is required for: All motorized vessels and all sailboats operating on public waterways
Exempt from registration:
- Non-motorized vessels under 16 feet (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards)
- Racing shells and rowing sculls
- Vessels used exclusively on private lakes
Registration Fees & Costs
Florida boat registration fees range from $11.25 to $195.50 depending on vessel length and type. The state applies a 6% sales tax, and title fees are $5.25.
| Vessel Class | Reg. Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Class A-1 (< 12 ft) | $5.50 | $11.25 |
| Class A-2 (12–15 ft) | $16.25 | $22.00 |
| Class 1 (16–25 ft) | $28.75 | $34.50 |
| Class 2 (26–39 ft) | $78.25 | $84.00 |
| Class 3 (40–64 ft) | $127.75 | $133.50 |
| Class 4 (65–109 ft) | $152.75 | $158.50 |
| Class 5 (110+ ft) | $189.75 | $195.50 |
Sales Tax Rate: 6%
Title Fee: $5.25
Lien Recording Fee: $1.00
How to Register Your Boat in Florida
To register a boat in Florida, you must apply within 30 days of purchase through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). Online registration is available. Registration is valid for 1 or 2 years.
Registration can be completed:
- Online: Through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) portal
- In Person: At your local Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office
- By Mail: Download forms from the official website
Required Documents
- Completed registration application form
- Bill of Sale or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO)
- Valid photo identification
- Proof of sales tax payment
- Hull Identification Number (HIN) verification
Florida Boat Title & Title Transfer
Florida requires a boat title for all motorized vessels. The title application fee is $5.25, and transfers cost $5.25.
Title required: Yes — All motorized vessels
Title application fee: $5.25
Title transfer fee: $5.25
Required Documents for Title Transfer
- Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (new vessels)
- Previous title signed by seller (used vessels)
- Bill of Sale
- Identification (valid driver's license or state ID)
For state-specific paperwork, see Florida Boat Title Transfer: HSMV 82040, Fees & 30-Day Deadline (2026). For the national process, see our Boat Title Transfer Guide.
Buying or Selling a Boat in Florida
If you are selling a boat in Florida, give the buyer a signed bill of sale, current registration records, and any title or ownership documents required by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). If you are buying, do not rely on the seller's word alone: match the Hull Identification Number (HIN) on the paperwork to the boat and confirm whether liens or title defects exist before paying.
| Transfer item | What to prepare in FL |
|---|---|
| Seller | Signed bill of sale, current registration, and release of interest. Sign the existing title exactly as the owner name appears. |
| Buyer | Photo ID, application, payment for registration fees, tax if due, and proof of ownership. Verify the HIN before filing. |
| Title | Required for all motorized vessels; title transfer fee is $5.25. |
| Tax | 6% sales or use tax may apply. |
For buyer and seller paperwork, use the boat bill of sale template, check how to look for liens, and compare boat title transfer fees by state.
Florida Boat Registration Renewal
Validity period: 1 or 2 years
Florida boat registration renewal follows the same agency channel as initial registration. Online renewal or online registration services are listed as available in current FL state data. Renew before the expiration date to avoid operating with expired registration.
For more details, see our Boat Registration Renewal Guide.
Boater Safety Education Requirements
Florida requires a boater safety course. Born on or after January 1, 1988, operating vessels with 10+ HP. The minimum age to operate a vessel is 14.
Required: Yes
Who must complete it: Born on or after January 1, 1988, operating vessels with 10+ HP
Accepted courses: BoatUS Foundation, NASBLA-approved providers
Course cost: Free online (BoatUS) or paid providers
Minimum age to operate: 14 years old
Registration Number Display Rules
Number format: FL 1234 AB
Minimum font height: 3 inches minimum
Font style: Block letters, contrasting color to hull
Placement: Both sides of bow, forward half
Sticker placement: Within 6 inches of registration number
For federal rules on registration number display, see our Number Display Rules Guide.
How Florida Compares to Neighboring States
Florida Boat Registration FAQ
How much does it cost to register a boat in Florida?
Can I register my boat online in Florida?
Do I need a title for my boat in Florida?
How long is boat registration valid in Florida?
Do I need a boating safety course in Florida?
Can non-residents use their boats in Florida waters?
Start Your Registration
Ready to register your boat in Florida? Visit the official Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website or use our tools to estimate costs.
Related Resources
This information is provided for reference purposes only. While we strive to keep data accurate and verified for 2026, registration requirements and fees may change. Contact the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) at 850-617-2000 for the most current information.