When applying for registration, the owner must establish proof of ownership by submitting an executed bill of sale, a builder's contract, a manufacturer's statement of origin, a federal marine document or another document acceptable to the FLHSMV.
In Florida, you must have a Florida Certificate of Registration and validation decal to operate a vessel legally on public waters in Florida. The only exceptions are: Non-motorized vessels less than 16 feet in length.
If you're registering a boat in Florida with no title, you'll need to get it titled before your registration will be issued.
Applying for Vessel Registration When applying for registration, the owner must establish proof of ownership by submitting an executed bill of sale, a builder's contract, a manufacturer's statement of origin, a federal marine document or another document acceptable to the FLHSMV.
Florida has no salvage law allowing the finder of an abandoned vessel the right of ownership. As a title state, Florida requires a transfer of vessel title from owner to purchaser in order to obtain legal ownership.
In Florida, you must have a Florida Certificate of Registration and validation decal to operate a vessel legally on public waters in Florida. The only exceptions are: Non-motorized vessels less than 16 feet in length.
Boat trailers are issued registrations based on the empty weight of the trailer. If the weight of the trailer is under 2,000 pounds the state of Florida does not title the trailer.
Do I need a license? To operate a motorboat of ten (10) horsepower or greater requires anyone who was born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, to successfully complete an approved boating safety course and obtain a Boating Safety Education Identification Card issued by the FWC.
Airboat muffler laws in Florida Since airboats are powered by internal combustion engines, they must be equipped with an automotive-style muffler or underwater exhaust that adequately muffles the sound of the engine. Using cutouts or flex pipe as the sole muffling method is not permitted.
What Boats Are Exempt From Boat Registration in Florida? Vessels stored and used solely on private lakes or ponds. Non-motorized vessels less than 16 feet long. Federally documented vessels and vessels owned by the United States government, the State of Florida, or any of its political subdivisions.