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-   -   FL registration question (https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-boating-discussion/370090-fl-registration-question.html)

debcod2 01-19-2021 10:26 AM

FL registration question
 
So for you guys that live in other cold weather states and decide to leave your boat in FL for the winter which would most likely be 6 months of the year or so, are you registering the boat in FL?
According to the rules I have read, if boat is in FL for more than 90 days, its has to be titled and registered there. How do you do this since you cannot have a boat registered or titled in 2 different states?

PA.WOODCHUCK 01-19-2021 11:48 AM

I would base it on your permanent residency state? Just an idea...

Keith Atlanta 01-19-2021 12:02 PM


Originally Posted by PA.WOODCHUCK (Post 4773902)
I would base it on your permanent residency state? Just an idea...

Yeah, I was on Lake Lanier for many years, thats what I did. I didnt change it over till after I lived here 5 years. Just make sure your insurance covers Florida. I think mine covered inland lakes and waterways and up to a mile offshore. The insurance will be A LOT cheaper. I still had my Atlanta address and used it as a primary for a long time. Especially if you still boat in both places. Was pulled over several times at random checks. They knew me and saw me all the time. I kept my Atlanta insurance and address information. It gets a lot harder if you have a Florda ID but then I claimed the 6 month rule. The real way to get around this is Coast Guard registration. I never did it but if you want the "right" answer, I believe that would be the correct way if plan on going back and forth a lot. Somebody else can comment on that...

debcod2 01-19-2021 12:33 PM

Boat is registered here in GA now but we have a bunch of friends that live in FL and want to leave it down there for winters from like end of Sept through May without being hassled because its not actually registered down there.
It is also coast guard documented as well.
So when you registered yours down there, is their a use tax or something that has to be paid besides the basic $78 registration fee?

AllDodge 01-19-2021 01:53 PM

Everything is legal so long as you don't get caught

Don't know FL, but if its cheaper to Reg there, why not do it. In KY its where ever the boat is on Jan 1, so long as boat is not moved to evade taxes

Cash Bar 01-19-2021 02:08 PM

I just take pictures of my boats in every state we visit. Then I can use one if needed at any point in the future. LOL

The boat really doesn't "live" anywhere but can be seen at given times everywhere from Montana to Key West.

The boat and trailer DO have Montana registrations though.

Stuckonstupid 01-19-2021 02:36 PM


Originally Posted by Cash Bar (Post 4773919)
I just take pictures of my boats in every state we visit. Then I can use one if needed at any point in the future. LOL

The boat really doesn't "live" anywhere but can be seen at given times everywhere from Montana to Key West.

The boat and trailer DO have Montana registrations though.

I’m very curious about the Montana registration. When I lived in the Carolinas, most all super high end cars on the road had Montana registration, and I have seen several in Florida with Montana plates as well.

*Disregard, I see no sales tax.

seafordguy 01-19-2021 10:47 PM

Can you just document it and rid yourself off these headaches.....

Keith Atlanta 01-20-2021 12:08 AM

If its Coast Guard documented, isnt all of this a moot point?

FWIW your advelorum tax is more expensive but our insurance is more expensive. So do the math...

wananewboat 01-20-2021 07:00 AM

My boat is registered in NH, no sales tax, and I brought it to FL in November. I store it on the trailer and launch it with a rental truck when I go down. If I was to get caught, I would say I just arrived in FL. I was told you can buy a sticker from the state to extend the 90 days, but I don't know where you would get it or the cost.


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