Documented SC Boats in FL

[Willow-B]

Now get this. After being a resident of Texas for 30 years, I moved to Ohio (so wife could be close to family). I then purchased Willow B, a USCG Documented Vessel. When I went to the county tax office to pay taxes, I was told no taxes due, however, I must register with Ohio DNR. When I contacted DNR, I was told it was $33 per year and receive a pair of state reg stickers. I asked about the sales tax owed. No taxes due here.

I contacted the state comptroller's office and questioned. Seems Ohio truly does NOT collect taxes on documented vessels what so ever.

 

[dimer2]

So lets go back to the OP's question basically asking how to cruise a documented vessel in Florida. You get a Florida registration/cruising permit for an out of state, documented vessel.


I have been very fortunate in having bought and sold 3 documented vessels in Texas. I have been to the Parks and wildlife department in Houston, who told me unless I specifically wanted to register, it is not required for a documented vessel. I have never been fined or asked for any other papers except the CG papers in any costal state between Tx and Florida. If I thought I was evading taxes, you are right in that I would not be posting about it on a public forum. I also wouldn't be able to sleep nights!
Happy cruising!

 

[SCOTTEDAVIS]

"Florida use tax, plus any applicable discretionary sales surtax, due on a boat purchased in Florida or
brought into Florida within six (6) months of the date of purchase, is paid at the time of licensing, titling or registering the boat in Florida"


------------------


After 6 months, no tax is due.

Yep true.... at least none owed to Fl.

 

[SCOTTEDAVIS]

I am merely visiting Florida and leaving again in March. As this is a tad more than 90 days, I registered and got a sticker as required by an out of state boater staying more than 90 days.

Understand, enjoy your stay.

 

[BandB]

I am merely visiting Florida and leaving again in March. As this is a tad more than 90 days, I registered and got a sticker as required by an out of state boater staying more than 90 days.

I applaud you for doing it right and avoiding any problems, but also complying with the law. I don't care how many people get by with not registering a boat in a state that requires it,