What You Need to Register a Boat in Florida

Florida requires you to register any boat with a motor, regardless of size, before you can legally operate it on state waters. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) handles boat registration. You will need the boat's hull identification number (HIN), proof of ownership, and a completed process form. If you are financing the boat, your lender may also need to be listed on the registration.

Registration is valid for one, two, or three years depending on which term you choose when you register. The cost varies based on the boat's length and the registration period you select. You can register in person at an FWC office, by mail, or online through the FWC website.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida requires registration for any motorized boat before you operate it on state waters, and you will need the hull identification number and proof of ownership to start.
  • You can register through the FWC online, by mail, or in person at an FWC office, and the process typically takes a few days to a few weeks depending on your method.
  • Registration costs depend on your boat's length and how long you want the registration to last (one, two, or three years).
  • Once registered, you will receive a certificate and decals that must be displayed on your boat in the locations specified by the FWC.

Documents and Information You Will Need

Before you begin the registration process, gather the boat's hull identification number. This is a unique code usually found on the starboard (right) side of the boat near the top of the transom, or on the inside of the boat near the helm. If you cannot locate it, the seller or previous owner can provide it.

You will also need proof of ownership. If you purchased the boat, bring the bill of sale. If the boat is being financed, bring the loan documents or a letter from your lender showing they have a security interest. If you inherited the boat or received it as a gift, bring the relevant documentation (will, deed of gift, or court order). Non-residents registering a boat in Florida will need to provide a Florida address where they can receive mail.

How to Register Online, by Mail, or In Person

Online registration is the fastest option. Visit the FWC website and use their online registration system. You will enter the boat information, upload images of the HIN and proof of ownership, and pay the registration fee by credit card. The FWC typically processes online applications within a few business days and mails your certificate and decals to the address you provide.

Mail registration requires you to complete the process form (available on the FWC website), include copies of your proof of ownership and HIN documentation, and mail everything to the FWC address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the registration fee. Processing by mail takes two to four weeks, and the FWC will contact you if they need additional information.

In-person registration at an FWC office is an option if you want to complete it the same day. Bring the original documents (not copies), the completed process form, and payment. FWC offices are located throughout Florida. You can find the nearest office on the FWC website. Processing is when ready, and you will receive your certificate and decals on the spot.

Registration Costs and Renewal

Registration fees are based on your boat's length overall. A boat under 16 feet costs less than a boat 16 to 24 feet, which costs less than a boat over 24 feet. The exact fee depends on whether you register for one, two, or three years. Longer registration periods cost more upfront but spread the cost over more years.

You can renew your registration before it expires by using the same methods: online, by mail, or in person. The FWC will send you a renewal notice before your current registration expires. Renewing online or by mail is faster than registering a new boat because you do not need to resubmit proof of ownership. If you renew in person, bring your current registration certificate and payment.

What Happens After Registration

Once the FWC processes your registration, you will receive a certificate of number and two decals. The certificate is a paper document you must keep on board the boat at all times. The decals are stickers that display your registration number and must be affixed to both sides of the boat's bow (front), roughly one-third of the way back from the front. The decals must be visible and readable from the water.

If you lose your certificate or decals, you can request replacements from the FWC. If you sell the boat, the new owner must register it in their name. You are not responsible for the boat's registration once ownership transfers, but you should notify the FWC of the sale to avoid receiving renewal notices.

Special Situations: Non-Residents and Temporary Use

Non-residents who own a boat in Florida must register it with the FWC, even if they do not live in the state. You will need to provide a Florida address for mail delivery. Some non-residents use a mail forwarding service or a friend's address in Florida. The registration process is the same as for residents.

If you are visiting Florida with a boat registered in another state, you do not need to register it in Florida when ready. However, if you keep the boat in Florida for more than 90 consecutive days, you must register it with the FWC. Boats registered in other states are recognized in Florida as long as they display valid registration from their home state.

What to Do If Registration Is Denied or Delayed

The FWC may request additional documentation if there is a question about ownership or if the information you provided does not match their records. If this happens, they will contact you by mail or phone. Respond promptly with the requested documents to avoid further delays.

Registration can be denied if the boat has a lien or security interest that is not properly documented, or if there is a dispute over ownership. If you believe your registration was denied in error, contact the FWC directly to discuss the issue. You can also request a hearing if you disagree with the FWC's decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register a boat with no motor?

No. Florida only requires registration for boats with motors. Sailboats without motors, canoes, kayaks, and other non-motorized vessels do not need to be registered with the FWC.

How long does it take to get a registration certificate?

Online registration typically takes a few business days. Mail registration takes two to four weeks. In-person registration at an FWC office is processed the same day. The timeline depends on how busy the FWC is and whether they need to contact you for additional information.

Can I register a boat I am still paying for?

Yes. If the boat is financed, your lender will have a security interest that must be listed on the registration. Bring the loan documents or a letter from your lender showing this interest. The registration will be issued in your name, but the lender's interest will be noted.

What if I move to a different state?

If you move out of Florida and take the boat with you, you should register it in your new state. You can let your Florida registration expire, or you can contact the FWC to request cancellation. You do not need to do anything special — straightforward register in your new state when you are ready.

Can someone else register my boat for me?

Yes, if you give them written permission and the necessary documents. They can register online using your information, register by mail on your behalf, or register in person if you provide a notarized power of attorney. Online and mail registration are easier because they do not require your physical presence.