Every motorized vessel in Florida must be registered. Here's a complete guide to Florida boat registration requirements, titling, and how registration connects to your marine insurance.
Florida Boat Registration: The Basics
Florida requires all motorized vessels to be registered with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). This applies to all powerboats, personal watercraft, and any other vessel with a motor — regardless of engine size — that is operated on Florida's public waterways.
Registration must be renewed annually, and your vessel must display the registration decal in the required position on the bow. Operating an unregistered vessel is a violation that can result in fines and may complicate your marine insurance claims.
Who Must Register
The following vessels must be registered in Florida:
- All motorized vessels operated on Florida public waters
- Non-motorized vessels 16 feet or longer
- Vessels owned by Florida residents and operated on any US waters
Exempt from registration:
- Non-motorized vessels under 16 feet (kayaks, canoes, paddleboards)
- Out-of-state vessels visiting Florida for fewer than 90 consecutive days
- Racing vessels used only for racing
- Vessels registered in another state and used in Florida fewer than 90 days
Titling Requirements
Florida requires titling (separate from registration) for vessels that are 16 feet or longer and motorized. Additionally, all undocumented vessels with a USCG certificate of documentation must obtain a Florida title. Vessels documented with the US Coast Guard (common for yachts and commercial vessels over 5 net tons) are not required to have a state title but must still register.
When you purchase a boat:
- From a dealer: the dealer handles title transfer as part of the purchase
- Private party: you must complete title transfer at a county tax collector's office within 30 days of purchase
- Out of state: you must apply for a Florida title when establishing residency or within 90 days of using the vessel on Florida waters
How Registration Affects Insurance
Your boat's registration status is directly connected to your marine insurance:
- Proof of ownership: Registration and title are primary proof of ownership for insurance purposes. Keep copies with your insurance documents.
- Claim validation: When filing a claim, insurers verify registration to confirm the vessel matches what's on your policy. Discrepancies can delay or complicate claims.
- Unregistered vessel claims: If your vessel wasn't registered when an incident occurred, your insurer may deny the claim or reduce the payout. Always keep registration current.
- Policy updates: When you re-register or transfer title, update your insurance policy to reflect any changes in vessel information.
Registration Fees in Florida
Florida registration fees are based on vessel length:
- Under 12 feet: $5.10 annually
- 12 to under 16 feet: $13.10 annually
- 16 to under 26 feet: $22.10 annually
- 26 to under 40 feet: $45.10 annually
- 40 to under 65 feet: $113.10 annually
- 65 to under 110 feet: $190.10 annually
- 110 feet and over: $354.10 annually
Fees are collected at county tax collector offices and include decals. Multi-year registrations are available in some cases.
Transferring Ownership
When you sell your boat in Florida, the registration does not transfer to the new owner automatically. You must complete a title transfer, and the buyer must re-register the vessel in their name. Importantly, notify your insurer immediately when you sell a vessel — continuing to pay premiums on a vessel you no longer own is wasteful, and failing to remove a vessel from your policy can create complications.
If you're buying, ensure the seller transfers both title and registration correctly before you take delivery and bind insurance on the vessel.
The FloridaCover editorial team has over 15 years of combined experience covering US marine insurance, Florida boating, and maritime industry research.
