How to Sell a Boat Privately in Florida (2026)
| Titling agency | Florida DHSMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6% (Tax based on purchase price or NADA book value, whichever is higher) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | HSMV 82260 ↗ |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in Florida — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. Florida requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with Florida DHSMV only. Boats 26 ft+ may need USCG documentation (federal title) in addition to state registration. Check vessel length and use.
- 3Clear any liens — if the boat was financed, request a payoff and lien release letter. Florida uses HSMV 82260.
- 4Gather documentation — current Florida registration card, state title (if titled), USCG documentation (if applicable), trailer title, engine serial number records.
- 5Price the vessel — check NADA Guides (boats), BUCValu, or recent Florida dealer comps. Factor in trailer condition, engine hours, and recent service.
- 6Complete the bill of sale — HIN, vessel make/year/length, engine make/model/serial, trailer VIN (if included), sale price, sale date, both parties' full legal names and addresses.
- 7Sign the title or registration — endorse the back of the Florida registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify Florida DHSMV — buyer must register within 30 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with Florida DHSMV to remove liability for future fines.
Florida lien release procedure
- Obtain HSMV 82260 from the FLHSMV website or tax collector office.
- Lienholder completes Section 1 and mails the form and title to the owner or directly to the tax collector.
- Submit HSMV 82260 with application for new title at a Florida county tax collector office.
- Pay title fee (~$85.25) and receive clean title.
Generate your Florida boat bill of sale
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Start My Florida Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Florida
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in Florida?▾
Yes. Florida requires a written bill of sale for private boat transfers to document the hull identification number (HIN), engine details, sale price, and both parties' signatures. The buyer needs the bill of sale to register the vessel with Florida DHSMV.
What is the Florida boat title transfer deadline?▾
Florida requires the buyer to transfer registration within 30 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties. FL does not require a notarized bill of sale, but HSMV 82050 (or odometer disclosure) may require notarization depending on vehicle year.
Is sales tax owed on a private boat sale in Florida?▾
Florida charges 6% sales/use tax on private boat sales. Tax based on purchase price or NADA book value, whichever is higher The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with Florida DHSMV.
Do I need a notary for a Florida boat bill of sale?▾
Florida does not require notarization for a private boat bill of sale. FL does not require a notarized bill of sale, but HSMV 82050 (or odometer disclosure) may require notarization depending on vehicle year. However, USCG-documented vessels (26+ feet) require notarization on Form CG-1340 regardless of state.
How does a buyer register a boat purchased privately in Florida?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to Florida DHSMV and pays the registration fee plus 6% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 30 days of the sale date.
Source: Florida DHSMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07