How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in Florida?
Registering a boat in Florida costs $8.25–$192.5 per year, based on length. It's handled by the county tax collector (agent for FLHSMV) and renews annually. Non-motorized craft like kayaks and canoes are generally exempt (check local rules for sailboats). Boats with motors — including trolling motors on otherwise unpowered craft — almost always require registration.
Cost by boat size
| Boat | Per year | One-time (title etc.) |
|---|---|---|
| 14-ft motorboat | $19.00 | $5.25 |
| 20-ft motorboat | $31.50 | $5.25 |
| 28-ft motorboat | $81.00 | $5.25 |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | Free — exempt from registration | |
- Totals include the mandatory $2.25 service fee and $0.50 FRVIS fee; the $5.25 electronic title is separate. Seventeen counties add an optional county fee (see the county-fee table below).
- Non-motorized vessels under 16 ft — and canoes/kayaks at any length — are exempt. Discounted rates apply if you own an EPIRB or PLB.
Florida: common questions
Do I have to register a kayak or canoe in Florida?
Generally no — unpowered craft are exempt in Florida. But the moment you mount any motor, including an electric trolling motor, registration is required.
How often do I renew a boat registration in Florida?
Annually.
Do I have to register my boat trailer separately in Florida?
Yes — in Florida the boat and the trailer are two separate registrations. The boat's fee is above; the trailer registers as a utility trailer with the motor-vehicle agency, priced by the trailer's weight (often a low flat fee or a one-time permanent plate). See our Florida trailer registration calculator for that cost.
Do I need a title for my boat in Florida?
Yes — Florida issues a boat title for a one-time $5.25 fee, generally required for larger or newer motorized vessels (smaller craft are often exempt). The title is separate from the registration fee shown above.
Do I have to register a jet ski or PWC in Florida?
Yes — personal watercraft (jet skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners) are motorized vessels, so they register just like boats in Florida, usually in the smallest length class. The same county tax collector (agent for FLHSMV) handles them, and the same fee schedule applies.
Where do I register a boat in Florida?
Boat registration in Florida is handled by the county tax collector (agent for FLHSMV). You can generally register in person, by mail, or online, and you'll need proof of ownership (a bill of sale or title) plus the fee shown above. Renew every year before your decal expires.
Estimate your exact Florida cost
Your boat
- Registration fee (by length)$31.50
- Title fee$5.25
Estimate only — actual fees are set by your state and county at the time of registration. Data last reviewed 2026-07-16.
All figures computed from official fee schedules — sources: https://www.flhsmv.gov/fees/ — last reviewed 2026-07-16.