Florida Boat Registration: Fees, Requirements & How to Register (2026)

Q: How much does it cost to register a boat in Florida?

Florida boat registration fees range from $11.25 for vessels under 12 feet to $195.50 for vessels 110 feet and longer. These fees include the base registration fee, $2.25 service fee, $0.50 FRVIS fee, $2.00 Aquatic Plate Fee, and $1.00 Save the Manatee Trust Fund fee. Optional county fees may apply in select counties.

Q: Can I register my boat online in Florida?

Yes, Florida offers online boat registration through the FLHSMV Virtual Office at services.flhsmv.gov. You can complete new registrations, renewals, and title transfers online.

Q: Do I need a title for my boat in Florida?

Yes, Florida requires a title for all motorized vessels. The title fee is $5.25 for both new titles and title transfers.

Q: How long is boat registration valid in Florida?

Florida boat registration is valid for 1 or 2 years. You can choose between annual or biennial registration at the time of registration.

Q: Do I need a boating safety course in Florida?

If you were born on or after January 1, 1988, you must complete an approved boating safety course to operate a vessel with 10 or more horsepower. Free courses are available through the BoatUS Foundation.

Q: Can non-residents use their boats in Florida waters?

Yes, non-residents with valid registration from their home state can use their boats in Florida for up to 90 consecutive days without registering in Florida.

Official Agency Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV)

Fee Range $11.25 – $195.50

Validity Period 1 or 2 years

Online Registration Available

Deadline After Purchase 30 days

Title Required Yes

Visit Official FL Registration → Estimate Your Fees

Vessel Types & Exemptions

Common vessel types and registration requirements in Florida: motorboats, sailboats, personal watercraft, pontoons, and kayaks

In Florida, 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

Step-by-step boat registration process in Florida: gather documents, complete application, pay fees, receive numbers, display on vessel

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

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 a detailed guide on the title transfer process, see our Boat Title Transfer Guide.

Registration Renewal

Validity period: 1 or 2 years

Renewal is available through the same channels as initial registration — online (if available), in person, or by mail. Be sure to renew before your registration expires to avoid late fees.

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

How to display boat registration numbers in Florida: placement on forward half of hull, 3-inch minimum height block letters, and validation sticker position

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

State	Min. Fee	Validity	Title Req.	Sales Tax
Florida	$11.25	1 or 2 years	Yes	6%
Alabama	$25.00	1 year (October 1 – September 30)	Yes	4%
Georgia	$45.00	3 years	Yes	4%

Florida Boat Registration FAQ

How much does it cost to register a boat in Florida?

Florida boat registration fees range from $11.25 for vessels under 12 feet to $195.50 for vessels 110 feet and longer. These fees include the base registration fee, $2.25 service fee, $0.50 FRVIS fee, $2.00 Aquatic Plate Fee, and $1.00 Save the Manatee Trust Fund fee. Optional county fees may apply in select counties.

Can I register my boat online in Florida?

Yes, Florida offers online boat registration through the FLHSMV Virtual Office at services.flhsmv.gov. You can complete new registrations, renewals, and title transfers online.

Do I need a title for my boat in Florida?

Yes, Florida requires a title for all motorized vessels. The title fee is $5.25 for both new titles and title transfers.

How long is boat registration valid in Florida?

Florida boat registration is valid for 1 or 2 years. You can choose between annual or biennial registration at the time of registration.

Do I need a boating safety course in Florida?

If you were born on or after January 1, 1988, you must complete an approved boating safety course to operate a vessel with 10 or more horsepower. Free courses are available through the BoatUS Foundation.

Can non-residents use their boats in Florida waters?

Yes, non-residents with valid registration from their home state can use their boats in Florida for up to 90 consecutive days without registering in Florida.

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.

Official Registration Portal Estimate Your Fees

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.