Owners must register a boat and/or trailer within 30 days of purchasing a new or used vessel. Remember to keep your boat registration in the boat when in use. Trailer registration must be on hand when the trailer is in use. Sojourner registrations are issued to vessel owners who remain in Florida for more than 90 days, but intend to return to their home state and take the vessel with them.
Florida boat registration numbers are permanent. The numbers remain with the vessel as long as it’s operated or stored in Florida, even if the ownership changes.
Registration Dates and Deadlines
Privately owned vessels regstration expires at midnight on the first registered owners birthday. Business owned vessels expire at midnight on June 30.
How Fees Are Determined
Hull length and use determines boat registration fee. Trailer weight determines trailer registration fee. Florida requires all trailers to be registered. Boat trailers weighing 2,000 lbs. or more require a registration certificate and title. Homemade boat trailers require a certified weight slip. A portion of the registration fee helps the state protect its water resources and boating amenities. Florida Statute provides for reduced vessel registration fees for a recreational vessel that is equipped with an Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), or for a recreational vessel when the owner possesses a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). To qualify for reduced registration fees, a recreational vessel owner must provide documentation that the vessel is equipped with an EPIRB, or documentation that the vessel owner owns a PLB.
Don't Forget!
Keep your boat and trailer registration in the boat or trailer when in use!
Renewal Options
We offer four convenient ways to renew your vessel registration select your preferred option below:
Renew Online
Please allow 1-3 business days for processing
Click the link button below to renew your vehicle registration online.
In-Person By Reservation
Average of 5-7 business days for reservation availability
Click the button below to schedule your reservation.
Renew By Drop Box
Renew by drop box 5-7 business days
We have drop boxes located inside all of our service center.
For drop box instructions click the button below.
Renew By Mail
Renew by mail 10-15 business days
We offer registration renewal by mail.
For mailing instructions click the button below.