Florida Boat: Bill of Sale vs. Title
A bill of sale and a vehicle title are two different documents that do two different things — and you need both to complete a legal private boat sale in Florida. Here is exactly what each one does and how they work together.
Quick answer: The bill of sale is a private receipt documenting the transaction. The Certificate of Title or USCG Documentation is the government certificate of ownership.Florida DMV requires both to transfer a boat — the title proves ownership changed hands and the bill of sale establishes the taxable sale price.
Bill of Sale vs. Certificate of Title or USCG Documentation — Comparison
| Aspect | Bill of Sale | Certificate of Title or USCG Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A receipt proving a sale occurred between two parties | A government-issued certificate of ownership |
| Who issues it | The seller (private party or dealer) | Florida DMV / state motor vehicle agency |
| Primary purpose | Documents the terms of the sale (price, date, condition) | Proves legal ownership and enables registration |
| Required to drive legally | No — insurance and registration are required to drive | Required for registration; must be transferred to new owner |
| Required at DMV | Yes — Florida DMV requires it for title transfer | Yes — must be signed over to buyer |
| Contains VIN / ID | Yes — must include HIN (Hull Identification Number) | Yes — HIN (Hull Identification Number) printed on face |
| Affects sales tax | Yes — sale price on BOS determines tax owed at DMV | No — title transfer fee is separate from sales tax |
| Can be replaced | Yes — recreate from memory or mutual agreement | Yes — duplicate title available from Florida DMV (fee applies) |
Boat note: Not all states require a boat title — some states only require registration. Federally documented vessels use a USCG Certificate of Documentation instead of a state title. A bill of sale is required in either case.
Florida Title Transfer Rules for Boats
Florida HSMV recommends a bill of sale for all private party transfers. The bill of sale is used to establish the taxable value for title transfer. Without it, the county tax collector uses the 80% of book value rule.
Transfer Deadline
30 days from date of sale
Fees
$75.75 title transfer fee + 6% sales tax (less county surtax credit)
Notarization Required
No
What If I Have One But Not the Other?
I have a title but no bill of sale
You can recreate the bill of sale. Both parties should sign a written document stating the HIN (Hull Identification Number), sale price, date of sale, and buyer and seller names. The title signature is the more legally critical document for Florida DMV — but the bill of sale is needed to calculate sales tax. Without a written price, Florida may assess tax on book value.
I have a bill of sale but no title
A bill of sale alone does NOT transfer legal ownership of a boat in Florida. You must obtain a Certificate of Title or USCG Documentation. If the title is lost, the seller must apply for a duplicate title from Florida HSMV before the sale can be legally completed. Do not pay full price for a vehicle without a clear, signed title.
How to Transfer a Florida Boat Title
- 1
Seller signs over the title
The seller signs the back of the Certificate of Title or USCG Documentation in the designated seller signature box. They should also print their name legibly and enter the odometer reading if required.
- 2
Both parties sign the bill of sale
The bill of sale documents the sale price, date, HIN (Hull Identification Number), buyer and seller names, and any AS-IS terms. In Florida, the bill of sale is used to calculate sales tax at the DMV.
- 3
Buyer submits both documents to Florida DMV
The buyer brings the signed title AND the bill of sale to the Florida DMV (or county tax office). Florida HSMV recommends a bill of sale for all private party transfers. The bill of sale is used to establish the taxable value for title transfer. Without it, the county tax collector uses the 80% of book value rule.
- 4
Pay title transfer fee and sales tax
Florida charges $75.75 title transfer fee + 6% sales tax (less county surtax credit). Payment is due at the DMV counter when submitting the title transfer paperwork.
- 5
Receive new title in your name
The DMV processes the transfer and issues a new Certificate of Title or USCG Documentation in the buyer's name. Processing time varies — most states mail the title within 4–8 weeks. The registration card is typically available same day.
FAQ — Florida Boat Bill of Sale vs. Title
What is the difference between a bill of sale and a car title in Florida?
A bill of sale is a private document between buyer and seller that records the terms of the transaction. A Certificate of Title or USCG Documentation is a government-issued certificate of ownership issued by Florida. You need both to complete a legal private party boat sale in Florida — the bill of sale documents the transaction and the title proves ownership.
Can I register a boat in Florida without a title?
Generally no. Florida requires a signed Certificate of Title or USCG Documentation to register a boat. Without a title, you must first apply for a duplicate title (if the title exists but is lost) or a bonded title (if the title was never issued or is permanently lost). Contact Florida HSMV for the specific process.
Can I register a boat in Florida with only a bill of sale?
A bill of sale alone is not sufficient to register a boat in Florida. You need a signed title transfer. The bill of sale is a supporting document that establishes the sale price for tax purposes — but the Certificate of Title or USCG Documentation is the ownership instrument that must be transferred.
What if the seller lost the title?
The seller must apply for a duplicate Certificate of Title or USCG Documentation from Florida HSMV before the sale can be completed. Sellers cannot transfer ownership of a titled vehicle without a physical title (or a bonded title process). Never buy a vehicle without receiving a properly signed title — a bill of sale alone does not transfer legal ownership.
How long does the buyer have to transfer the title in Florida?
Florida requires title transfer within 30 days from date of sale. Late transfers may incur penalty fees. The buyer is responsible for completing the transfer — operating a vehicle with an untransferred title can result in registration violations.
Does a Florida boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
No — Florida does not require notarization of a private party boat bill of sale for title transfer purposes. Notarization adds evidentiary weight but is not mandated.
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