What is the difference between a seller disclosure statement and an AS-IS clause?

An AS-IS clause disclaims implied warranties — it says the buyer accepts the vehicle in its current condition. A seller disclosure statement lists specific known defects. The two work together: disclose what you know, then sell AS-IS. Disclosure without AS-IS leaves you liable for unknown defects; AS-IS without disclosure does not protect against intentional concealment.

Do I have to disclose if the vehicle has a salvage or rebuilt title?

Yes — always. Title brand (salvage, rebuilt, flood, junk) must be disclosed and typically appears on the title itself. If you knowingly sell a vehicle with a branded title without disclosing it, you face criminal fraud exposure in most states.

Do I need to disclose recalls the vehicle has not had fixed?

Federal law does not require private sellers to disclose open recalls — but strong best practice recommends it. The NHTSA database is publicly accessible, and a buyer who discovers an unfixed recall after purchase may claim they would not have paid the same price with that knowledge.

What if the buyer signs the disclosure and then claims I hid something?

A signed disclosure statement is strong evidence that the buyer received and reviewed the information. As long as your disclosure was complete and honest, the buyer's signature makes post-sale claims extremely difficult to sustain. Keep your copy.

Florida Boat Seller Disclosure Statement

When selling a boat in Florida, what you disclose in writing protects you from post-sale claims as much as the AS-IS clause. This guide covers exactly what to disclose, Florida-specific legal requirements, and a complete boat disclosure checklist.

Florida: Certain disclosures are required by law

Florida courts apply the "latent defect" doctrine — if a defect is not obvious to a reasonable inspection, sellers must disclose it if known. Disclosed defects that the buyer accepted are not actionable.

Florida Required Disclosures

★

Odometer reading (federal requirement for vehicles under 10 years)

★

Any known latent defects not discoverable through ordinary inspection

★

Flood damage history if known

★

Title brand (salvage, rebuilt, flood, junk) — must be on Florida title

★

Known pending insurance claims or liens

★ = Required or strongly recommended for Florida

Boat Disclosure Checklist

Standard Fields (all boats)

Year, Make, Model, HIN (Hull Identification Number)

Engine hours at time of sale

Accident or collision history (yes/no)

Hull gelcoat cracks or osmotic blistering (yes/no)

Delamination or transom soft spots (yes/no)

Trailer included and condition

Boat-Specific Fields

Engine type, hours, and last service

Generator hours and condition (if applicable)

Bilge pump condition and float switch

Electronics age and functionality (chart plotter, VHF, fish finder)

Shore power connection and battery system

Registration and USCG documentation status

High-Risk Hidden Defects to Check

Transom softness (rot behind fiberglass)

Osmotic blisters below waterline

Engine corrosion from salt water use

Trailer frame rust compromising safety

Florida Fraud Liability

Florida Statute 817.06 (Fraudulent Concealment) can expose sellers to criminal liability for intentionally concealing material defects. Civil claims under Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA) allow for attorney fees.

Disclosure vs. AS-IS: How They Work Together

Scenario	Best Protection
Known defect — buyer discovers after sale	Written disclosure that buyer signed
Unknown defect — buyer discovers after sale	AS-IS clause in bill of sale
Buyer claims you misrepresented condition	Signed disclosure + AS-IS + signed bill of sale
Lemon law claim	Neither applies to private sales in most states
Odometer fraud	Only option: disclose accurately (federal crime to falsify)
Salvage title not disclosed	Cannot be cured by AS-IS — always disclose title brand

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a seller disclosure form required in Florida?

Yes — Florida requires certain disclosures in boat sales.

What is the difference between disclosure and AS-IS?

A disclosure statement lists what you KNOW about the vehicle. An AS-IS clause disclaims liability for what you DON'T know. Both together provide the strongest seller protection — use both.

Do I have to disclose open recalls?

Federal law does not require private sellers to disclose open recalls, but best practice strongly recommends it. Check recalls at NHTSA.gov and include a line in your disclosure noting whether any are open.

What happens if I don't disclose a known defect in Florida?

Create a Florida Boat Bill of Sale

Include your disclosure statement with a professional bill of sale for complete seller protection.

Create Florida Boat Bill of Sale