Florida Boat Registration: Renew Every 3 Years

In Florida, a Certificate of Number (registration) for a vessel is valid for 3 years from the issue date.

Key Rules

• Renewal: Must renew every 3 years by the expiration date (last day of birth month of first owner).
• Decal: Annual validation decal (sticker) required—renewed each year even though certificate is 3-year.
• Cost: Based on length: Class A (<16 ft) $5.50/yr; Class 1 (16–26 ft) $16.25/yr; Class 2 (26–40 ft) $28.75/yr; Class 3 (40–65 ft) $78.25/yr; Class 4 (65–110 ft) $127.75/yr.
• How: Online (GoOutdoorsFlorida.com), tax collector office, or mail.
• Exemptions: Non-motorized <16 ft, documented vessels (USCG), government.

Penalties

Operating unregistered/expired: up to $500 fine (non-criminal infraction). No decal: $50.

Keep registration aboard; display numbers (block letters, 3" high, contrasting) and decal on port side.