How do I get a duplicate boat title in Florida?

Apply for a duplicate title at the Florida HSMV. You need the VIN, your photo ID, proof of ownership (registration, prior title, or bill of sale), and the $75 fee. Processing takes 5–10 business days.

Can I sell a boat with a salvage title in Florida?

Yes, but you must disclose the salvage title in writing. Most buyers expect a significant price reduction. To make the vehicle road-legal, it must be repaired and pass Florida's rebuilt title inspection ($75–$125). A salvage title permanently affects the vehicle's value.

How do I remove a lien from a boat title in Florida?

Pay off the loan in full. The lender must release the lien within the timeframe required by Florida law and provide a signed lien release or updated title. Contact the Florida HSMV if the lender fails to release the title after payoff.

What if the boat title has the wrong name?

Take the title, your photo ID, and supporting documentation to the Florida HSMV. A name correction on a title typically requires a court order, affidavit, or documentation proving the error (such as a marriage certificate for a name change). The process varies by the type of error.

Boat Title Problems in Florida (2025)

How to resolve common boat title issues in Florida — lost title, salvage, active liens, and name corrections.

Florida — Quick Reference

Duplicate title fee$75
Duplicate processing time5–10 business days
Salvage threshold80% of actual cash value
Rebuilt inspection requiredYes — $75–$125
Bonded title availableNo

Florida does not offer bonded titles. If you can't establish ownership, you must go through a court order or purchase from the registered owner. Florida uses an 80% salvage threshold.

Note for Boat Owners

Vessels 26 feet or longer documented with the U.S. Coast Guard have a Certificate of Documentation instead of a state title. The USCG documentation process is separate from state DMV.

Common Boat Title Problems — How to Fix

📄Lost or Missing Title

Apply for a duplicate title at the Florida HSMV. Fee: $75. Processing time: 5–10 business days. You need the VIN, proof of ownership, and photo ID.

🔴Salvage Title

A salvage boat must be repaired and pass a rebuilt title inspection before it can be registered. Florida inspection fee: $75–$125. Boat titles are governed by state law for vessels under 26 feet in length. Larger vessels may be documented with the U.S. Coast Guard instead.

🔗Active Lien on Title

The lender must sign a lien release before you can transfer the title. Pay off the loan in full, then request written confirmation from the lender that the lien is satisfied. Boat loans function like auto loans, but some lenders use UCC filings instead of title liens. Confirm the lien method before completing the sale.

🔏No Title

Florida does not offer bonded titles. You must obtain a court order, purchase from the registered owner, or work with the Florida HSMV through the Florida does not offer bonded titles. If you can't establish ownership, you must go through a court order or purchase from the registered owner. Florida uses an 80% salvage threshold.

✏️Wrong Name on Title

Name corrections require documentation at the Florida HSMV: photo ID, affidavit of error, or a court order depending on the type of discrepancy. Contact the DMV before attempting the correction.

🌊Flood or Water Damage Brand

A flood title brand is permanent — it cannot be removed. A flood-branded boat must be disclosed to any future buyer. Significant water damage to the drivetrain, electronics, or (for EVs) the battery may make the vehicle uninsurable.

Buying a Boat With a Title Problem

Buyer Warnings

!Never pay full market price for a boat with a salvage or rebuilt title — expect 20%–40% below clean title value
!Always run a VIN check (Carfax, AutoCheck, or NMVTIS) before any private purchase
!A bonded title indicates the previous ownership chain was broken — proceed with caution
!A flooded title cannot be cleared — factor permanent water damage disclosure into your offer
!Verify there are no outstanding liens using the Florida HSMV VIN search before purchasing

FAQ — Boat Title Issues in Florida

How much does a duplicate boat title cost in Florida?: A duplicate title in Florida costs $75. Processing takes 5–10 business days. Apply at the Florida HSMV with your VIN, photo ID, and proof of ownership.
What is the salvage threshold for boats in Florida?: In Florida, a boat is declared salvage when damage exceeds 80% of actual cash value. Boat titles are governed by state law for vessels under 26 feet in length. Larger vessels may be documented with the U.S. Coast Guard instead.
Can I sell a boat without a title in Florida?: Florida does not offer bonded titles. You must obtain the original title, a court-ordered title, or purchase from the registered owner before the vehicle can be legally sold. Contact the Florida HSMV for guidance.

Official Resource

Florida HSMV →

Need a Bill of Sale?

A signed bill of sale is essential when selling a boat with a title problem in Florida. It documents the transaction and both parties' knowledge of the title status.

Florida Boat Bill of Sale →