1. Registration & Renewal

Where to Register:

• In person at any Duval County Tax Collector's Office
• By mail

Required for Registration:

• All motorized vessels (private or commercial)
• Must be titled, registered, and issued a decal

The registration decal must be:

• Displayed on the port (left) side of the vessel

When to Renew:

• Vessel registrations must be renewed annually during the owner's birth month

Registration Fees:

• Based on the length of the vessel (see the FLHSMV fee schedule)

2. Registering a New Vessel (New Title)

To register a brand-new boat, bring the following:

• Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO) – completed and notarized by the selling dealer
• Dealer sales tax invoice, or proof sales tax has been paid
• If exempt, provide Form DR-40 (Sales Tax Exemption)

3. Transferring Ownership (Florida Title)

If buying a used boat titled in Florida:

• Complete the "Transfer of Title by Seller" section on the title
• If purchased from a dealer, the dealer reassignment section must also be filled out
• Provide proof of sales tax payment, or Form DR-40
• Transfer the registration along with the title

Ownership must be transferred within 30 days or a $10 late fee will be charged.

4. Out-of-State Titles or Non-Titled States

If the vessel comes from another state:

From a Title State:

• Provide the out-of-state title (completed and notarized if required)
• Submit Form HSMV 82040 VS (Application for Florida Title) from the FLHSMV website

From a Non-Title State:

• Provide the most recent original vessel registration (photocopies not accepted)
• A notarized bill of sale
• A hull identification number (HIN) pencil tracing, if required

5. Transient (Visiting) Vessels

If you're a non-resident boating in Florida:

• You may use your valid out-of-state registration for up to 90 days
• This exemption applies to pleasure vessels only
• If you plan to use your boat in Florida for more than 90 days, you must register it in Florida