[Pblais]

You can title a boat any place you like since you need a proper title that proves you own the boat. A bill of sale is not the only paper you need but it helps to get a real title. If the boat is titled now in FL you have to clear that title before you get a new one. You don't have any tax issues with NJ until you get there with the boat. If some resident goes off and buys a boat they can wait until you get home. If you wanted to register in NJ since you were going there you can start that paperwork upon closing. If something happens it's nice to prove you own the boat.

You do have issues with FL because the boat is there in the state. They give you 90 days to leave with your purchase else prove the boat was being worked on (you get an exclusion). The burden of proof is yours. Just saying it was not in the water is not proof. You owe use tax after 90 days to the state of FL else you have an exclusion and then you must actually prove the boat was not in the state. They will follow you to collect it. They do it all the time.

Taxes are the only thing where you are guilty until you prove yourself innocent. In FL after 90 days you owe the tax unless you get an exclusion. Titles and registrations really are not the problem. They really don't care what you do. You won't owe taxes to anyone until you get someplace long enough. Taxes are not tiles, are not registrations. They all have nothing to do with each other.

Sounds like you have insurance already. This is a good thing. So, title the boat in NJ or with the USCG ASAP. Settle the exclusion with FL right now and make sure you save a fuel receipt or a marina receipt from GA that sets the date you really were gone (this can save you). Then when you get to NJ settle the taxes with NJ or pay them now. They don't mind if you pay early. They sort of need the money now.