CG documented

[Mbonawitz]

I am buying a boat that is coast guard documented, I am transferring the documentation into my name. Do I still have to register the boat in Florida or is the documentation fine on its own?

[belizesailor]

Yes, if its to based in FL, you do for tax purpsoses. You dont have to display the FL registration numbers...just a small sticker that shows its registered.

Years ago, States realized they were missing out on revenue from Fed documented boats...most now I think have regularions similar to FL.

[Mbonawitz]

Do I have to do it right away or do I have a time frame?

[pesarsten]

The state of Florida says if it's here for more than 30 days it must be registered here , but, many have had their boats here for much longer. There may be penalties for delaying the tax payment though.

[belizesailor]

Marine patrols do look for those registration stickers though.

[denverd0n]

Originally Posted by Mbonawitz

Do I have to do it right away or do I have a time frame?

If the boat has never been registered in any other state, you are supposed to register it immediately with Florida. Otherwise you have 30 days. Even if it has not been registered elsewhere, I have never heard of anyone being ticketed for not getting it done "immediately."

Details here: https://www.flhsmv.gov/motor-vehicle...itles/vessels/

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by denverd0n

If the boat has never been registered in any other state, you are supposed to register it immediately with Florida. Otherwise you have 30 days. Even if it has not been registered elsewhere, I have never heard of anyone being ticketed for not getting it done "immediately."

Details here: https://www.flhsmv.gov/motor-vehicle...itles/vessels/

Years ago I moved my previous boat to Florida. I assumed since it was Documented that it did not need to be State Registered (that was the law at the time in Texas, since changed, where it came from), but one day the marine patrol dropped by (don't recall exactly what agency) and asked whether the boat was registered. We had a courteous conversation about it and since it was clear I wasn't just trying to skirt the law...he told me just to get it registered soon, which I did.

YMMV, that was a long time ago and I didnt draw some Barney Fife eager to exercise his authority.