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REGISTRATION, NUMBERING, AND DOCUMENTATION
Registration
- All registrations must be renewed each year in the birth month of the owner.
- All undocumented vessels equipped with propulsion machinery must be registered in the state of principal use (used more than 180 days per year).
- Titling your boat is required in some states (similar to a motor vehicle title).
- A certificate of number (registration card) will be issued upon registering the vessel. The numbers assigned on the card must be properly displayed on your vessel.
- The registration card must be carried on board whenever the boat is underway!
All vessels operated on the waters of Florida must be registered and/or numbered in Florida, except as follows:
- Vessels used exclusively on private lakes or ponds
- Vessels owned by the Federal Government
- Vessels used exclusively as life boats
- Non-motor powered vessels
- Vessels with a current number from another state or country temporarily using Florida waters. (Less than 90 consecutive days.) When moved to a new state of principal use, the current certificate is valid for 90 days. Check with your state boating authority for any additional registration requirements.
- Vessels newly purchased in Florida (less than 30 days).
- All undocumented vessels equipped with propulsion machinery must be registered in the state of principal use (used more than 90 days per year).
Titling
- Apply for your title and registration with the state tax collectors.
- All vessels, except documented vessels and non-motor-powered vessels less than 16 feet, must be titled in Florida.
- You will need to know your Hull I.D. number to title and register your boat. If you have a homemade boat, contact the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or your tax collector's office for a HIN.
- Apply state currency decal within 6” of the PORT SIDE registration number and always have the registration onboard whenever the boat is underway (in use).
Numbering
Registered boats must display assigned numbers properly. The state will issue you a registration number, which is found on your registration card. The number needs to be displayed in the following manner:
- Numbers must be permanently attached to the forward half of the vessel, generally the bow area.
- At least 3” in height. Block letters and numbers.
- Contrasting in color to the hull (black/white, dark red/white, etc)
- The identification number awarded to a boat or vessel is applied so that the spacing is 2 inches between the prefix, the number and the suffix. A hyphen may be placed within the two (2)-inch space.
- No number other than the identification number awarded to a boat or vessel or granted reciprocity shall be painted, attached or otherwise displayed on either side of the bow of the boat or vessel.
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Documented Boats
- Official Documentation MUST be carried onboard a documented vessel at all times.
- A Document serves as a certificate of nationality and an authorization for a trade.
- Documented vessels must comply with all state and federal laws.
- Registration fee and display of validation sticker is required in some states.
- Official number must be permanently affixed to an integral structure of the boat. This number is referred to as the “main beam” number.
- The main beam number must match the official number on the document.
- Name and hailing port of the boat must be displayed at least once anywhere on the hull (most boater display this information on the transom) - at least 4” in height, contrasting in color to the hull.
- Name and hailing port must match information on the official document.
Periodically check to see that the numbers and decals are in good condition. A missing number, or having them improperly displayed is a good reason for a law enforcement officer to stop you
Maximum Loading And Horsepower
No person may operate a monohull boat of less than 20 feet in length while exceeding the maximum weight, persons, or horsepower capacity as displayed on the manufacturer’s capacity plate.
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