Documented Boats in Florida

[Nicholson58]

Originally Posted by denverd0n

A Florida address is not a requirement. Technically, you must immediately register the boat in Florida if you are coming from a state where it was not registered before (only CG documentation). On the other hand, I have never heard of anyone getting fined the day after they arrived, for not having a registration. Register it within a reasonable amount of time (most certainly less than 90 days) and you will be fine.

Also, be aware that registration fees in Florida are pretty reasonable. Unless you have a mega-yacht it will certainly be less than $200 per year. Possibly quite a bit less. If the boat is more than 30 years old you can get an "antique" registration that is really quite cheap.

All the official information is here: Official Website Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

Antique boat here. What a deal, we pay 450 in Michigan. Most states have the 60 -90 day rule. Its about the same as for cars if you move into the state. It is a bit puzzling They make you register if you do not live there. Lots of snow-birds vacation in Florida all winter and are not required to register cars or buy a road use sticker (license plate) The 90 day rule in Michigan is seldom used. Especially of you are moving frequently, You will easily pass below the radar. What if you are a foreign flagged cruiser?
http://www.flhsmv.gov/dmv/forms/btr/87243.pdf

[DotDun]

Originally Posted by Nicholson58

Antique boat here. What a deal, we pay 450 in Michigan. Most states have the 60 -90 day rule. Its about the same as for cars if you move into the state. It is a bit puzzling They make you register if you do not live there. Lots of snow-birds vacation in Florida all winter and are not required to register cars or buy a road use sticker (license plate) The 90 day rule in Michigan is seldom used. Especially of you are moving frequently, You will easily pass below the radar. What if you are a foreign flagged cruiser?
http://www.flhsmv.gov/dmv/forms/btr/87243.pdf

A foreign flagged vessel carrying a US CBP Cruising License is exempt from the FL registration requirement.

[Group9]

I've lived in Florida and boated there a lot from out of state. I have never heard on anyone being ticked for this. Maybe it's happened somewhere, sometime, but I would be willing to bet that more out of state boaters got struck by lighting in Florida than got ticketed for this.