Just Sold My Boat in Florida — What’s Next? (2026)
Need Florida bill of sale documentation?
If you haven’t generated a Florida-compliant bill of sale yet, do it now — your proof-of-sale window closes the moment the buyer leaves.
Start My Florida Boat Bill of Sale →Florida boat sale facts
| Titling agency | Florida DMV ↗ |
| Title transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Release of liability | File with Florida DMV within 5 days |
| Buyer’s sales / use tax | 6% (Tax based on purchase price or NADA book value, whichever is higher) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Title fee (buyer pays) | $75 |
| Boat identifier | HIN (Hull Identification Number) |
Your Florida boat post-sale checklist
- 1
Keep your signed Florida bill of sale
This is your proof that you sold the boat on the sale date. If the buyer gets a ticket, is in an accident, or fails to transfer the title within 30 days from the sale date, the Florida bill of sale shields you from liability. Keep both your copy and a scan for at least 5 years.
- 2
File a release of liability with Florida DMV
Most Florida sellers file this online through Florida DMV within 5 days of the sale. Filing removes you from records as the registered owner so any post-sale tickets, tolls, or accidents become the buyer's responsibility, not yours. Florida requires the buyer to title the boat within 30 days — your release filing protects you if the buyer misses that deadline.
- 3
Cancel or transfer your boat insurance
Contact your insurer the same day you hand over the keys. Florida does not require you to maintain insurance on a vehicle you no longer own, but you must not cancel before the sale is complete. If you are replacing the boat with another, transfer the policy instead — many insurers offer a short grace period to bind coverage on the new vehicle.
- 4
Remove your registration decal and registration decal
In Florida, the registration decal stays with the seller, not the boat. Remove the decal before handover and return any current registration to the Florida boating authority. The buyer will register the vessel in their name and receive new decals.
- 5
Verify the 30-day title transfer window
Florida requires the buyer to retitle the boat at Florida DMV within 30 days of the sale date. If you have not received confirmation that the title has been transferred by day 35, contact Florida DMV with your bill of sale and release-of-liability filing number to confirm the change of ownership.
- 6
Confirm your Florida tax obligations (seller's side)
Florida charges 6% sales/use tax on private-party boat sales — the buyer pays this at Florida DMV when titling. Tax based on purchase price or NADA book value, whichever is higher. Sellers generally do not owe Florida sales tax, but if the boat sold for more than your original purchase price you may owe federal capital gains tax. Consult a tax advisor.
- 7
Watch for liens or loan payoff confirmation
If you had a loan on the boat, confirm the lender received the buyer's payoff and has released the lien on the Florida title before you deliver the title. Florida uses HSMV 82260 as the lien release form — your lender will file this with Florida DMV to clear the title record.
Boat-specific note
Boats use a Hull Identification Number (HIN) instead of a VIN — confirm the HIN on the transom matches the title and bill of sale. If the vessel is U.S. Coast Guard documented (5+ net tons, typically 26ft+), file an abstract-of-title transfer with the National Vessel Documentation Center in addition to state registration.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions — Florida
How long do I have to file a release of liability in Florida?▾
Florida sellers should file a release of liability with Florida DMV within 5 days of the sale. Most Florida sellers can file this online directly through Florida DMV. Filing removes you from records as the registered owner so any post-sale tickets, tolls, or accidents fall on the buyer.
What is the Florida title transfer deadline for a boat?▾
Florida requires the buyer to title the boat 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.
Do I owe Florida sales tax on the boat I just sold?▾
Florida charges 6% sales/use tax on private-party boat sales. Tax based on purchase price or NADA book value, whichever is higher. The buyer typically pays this at Florida DMV when titling — sellers generally owe no Florida sales tax on the proceeds. You may owe federal capital gains if you sold for more than the original purchase price.
Does Florida require a notary on the boat bill of sale?▾
No. 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. A signed bill of sale with both parties' full names, addresses, signatures, and the date is sufficient for Florida DMV.
How does the buyer register the boat in Florida?▾
The buyer brings the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to Florida DMV, pays the title fee (~$75) plus 6% sales/use tax, and receives a new Florida title in their name. Transfer must be completed within 30 days of the sale date.
What is U.S. Coast Guard documentation and do I need to file anything with the USCG?▾
USCG documentation is a federal title for vessels 5+ net tons (typically 26ft+) used in commerce or international waters. Recreational boats under 26 feet usually do not need USCG documentation — state registration and a bill of sale are sufficient. If your boat IS USCG-documented, file an abstract of title transfer with the National Vessel Documentation Center in addition to state registration.
Where do I find the HIN on my boat?▾
The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a 12-character serial stamped on the starboard side of the transom (back of the boat) above the waterline. It is also recorded on the title. Confirm the HIN on the transom matches your bill of sale and title before the buyer pulls away on the trailer.
Used BillOfSaleNow for your sale?
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Source: Florida DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07