Florida Sales Tax and Exit Fees? Can You?

[chrtucke]

It is currently flagged in another country but will be imported when we bring it over. I saw that there is a maximum $18,000 tax on these scenarios...does that included "import duty" and sales tax or just a max on sales tax, they reference a "surtax" so is that the same as import duty, does anyone know?

[BandB]

Originally Posted by chrtucke

It is currently flagged in another country but will be imported when we bring it over. I saw that there is a maximum $18,000 tax on these scenarios...does that included "import duty" and sales tax or just a max on sales tax, they reference a "surtax" so is that the same as import duty, does anyone know?

Florida use tax is a maximum of $18,000. But import duty is an entirely different matter. The questions arise from where the boat was built and whether it's ever been licensed in the US. Typical duty is 1.5%.

I would suggest using either a documentation service or an attorney expert in the field as there are other issues and questions involved and they can look at the entire picture and give you good answers.

[hellosailor]

ch,
You'd really better ante up a couple of hundred bucks for an attorney or a broker who is familiar with the laws.
You are consistently snipping at bits and pieces of a bigger picture and since you're not aware of the whole picture regarding tax liabilities, the odds are you are going to get into big trouble, or at least a big tax bill, if you don't get pennywise and pay someone for proper counsel.

The $18,000 limit in Florida is not a TAX limit, it is a SALES tax limit. How that sales tax is imposed depends on where you are a resident, where the sale takes place, and other factors. And if you are bringing the boat into the US from outside the US, there may be import duties as well.

Folks who can afford to play with expensive toys usually do pay the pittance that a good attorney (broker, agent, etc.) will charge them, because unless you understand the WHOLE PICTURE, you're going to wind up paying more when you don't pay for professional advice. They'll know all the questions to ask you, to make sure you don't miss something.

[BandB]

Originally Posted by hellosailor

ch,
You'd really better ante up a couple of hundred bucks for an attorney or a broker who is familiar with the laws.
You are consistently snipping at bits and pieces of a bigger picture and since you're not aware of the whole picture regarding tax liabilities, the odds are you are going to get into big trouble, or at least a big tax bill, if you don't get pennywise and pay someone for proper counsel.

The $18,000 limit in Florida is not a TAX limit, it is a SALES tax limit. How that sales tax is imposed depends on where you are a resident, where the sale takes place, and other factors. And if you are bringing the boat into the US from outside the US, there may be import duties as well.

Folks who can afford to play with expensive toys usually do pay the pittance that a good attorney (broker, agent, etc.) will charge them, because unless you understand the WHOLE PICTURE, you're going to wind up paying more when you don't pay for professional advice. They'll know all the questions to ask you, to make sure you don't miss something.

Attorney's, brokers, agents etc. do two things. They make sure you don't overpay, but they also make sure you don't miss something and fail to comply with the law. In doing that they help you avoid future problems. That way you avoid being detained in the future, penalties and other issues.

Sometimes things get complex. We live in Florida but are purchasing a boat in Washington which we'll then cruise Alaska in before heading home gradually. Boat will be documented. I was surprised that the one state with the shortest timeline is Washington. If you're going to stay longer than 60 days you need a permit. Simple and cheap but you have to know that to comply. But our trip home includes 12 countries and 9 states and it's very helpful to have support and good information, plus agents where necessary.

Many here have much more complex travels as they stay extended times in other areas, each with their own rules and each varying based on where your boat is registered and your nationality.