Boats & Vessels General Information

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 owners 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 in person at any tax collector's office.

When using e-commerce or telephone renewals, you must have your PIN number, located on your renewal card above the amount due, the call 1-866-467-3639 or on the net at http://express.hsmv.state.fl.us. These e-commerce and telephone transactions require a valid credit card. An additional fee will be charged for these services.

OBTAINING A FLORIDA BOAT TITLE

Application with a Manufacture'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.