T&T: FL Taxes Redux

[Larry N. Brown]

Not to pull the scab off a newly healed wound but here's some further info 
on the FL tax for documented, out of state vessels. We're preparing for a 
cruise to FL and didn't want to run afoul of their water police. Louisiana 
doesn't require registration of Documented vessels and I've not paid a dime 
in state tax on it. Owned it 5 years. Here's what I did.

I looked up the Escambia County Tax Collectors office on Google and found 
the office of Janet Holley. Called 1.850.438.6500 x 232 and after a 5 minute 
wait, had the pleasure of talking with Julia, the most courteous and helpful 
bureaucrat I've ever encountered. She informed me I needed a temporary FL 
registration and she walked me through it. Essentially FL wants you to prove 
you've owned your boat for over 6 months and bought it outside of FL.

They want a copy of your documentation, your boat length and your birth 
date, some proof that you bought the boat outside of FL , an application and 
a check for the amount. Julia walked me carefully through the process. She 
estimated my "registration fee" would be around $50 through my birthday in 
July. Turned out to be $45, based on my birthday which is 6 months off.

I made a color copy of my documention and got the application form here: 
http://tinyurl.com/yorr7l  I made a copy of my bill of sale ( I got when I 
bought the boat in Texas) and I sent a check for $60 just in case Julia had 
miscalculated the rate. Told them to put any excess in the oofice coffee 
mess.

Ten days later I got my Florida Vessel Registration and a bright red decal 
that says it expires at the end of July this year. Guess I could order 
another then if I wanted. No hassel and QUICK. Bring on the Venice water 
cop.

Regards,

Larry and Teri
M/V Cigano, 47' Prairie Sundeck Cruiser
Lying: Covington, LA
N 30 26.7
W 90 07.1