T&T: Florida gets smart

[bob Austin]

The issue of "Registration"needs to be clarified.  There is a inference that
because a vessel is documented, that it does not need to be state registered,
in Florida, or some other state.  That is not the case.  Florida requires that
any vessel in Florida Waters (Documented or not) be state registered in some
state, or in Florida.  (The registeration is different than state numbers, and
is paying fees --and taxes--and being issued a state sticker.)  There are very
few states which do not state register documented vessels (believe it or not
California is one of those states).

Boats initially crossing into Florida Waters are stopped and asked to show
their state registration.  If they do not have their home state, or other
state registeration, they are then required to register in Florida.  I have
extensive communication on this subject from Capt. Allen Richard, a general
Counsel Florida Fish and Wild Life commission.  When last corresponded, the
initial encounter was a warning, but if that boat was stopped again (boats
which are stopped are entered into the database), then a citation can be
issued, if that boat has not obtained some state (of course Florida is looking
for money) registration.  If you purchased the boat out of state, and had no
intention of bringing the boat into Florida, you are exempt from Florida sales
or use tax.  If you have paid tax in another state, you are exempt.  But if
you are a Florida Resident, it is difficult to establish that you had no
intent of bringing the boat into Florida.

Here is the published ruling by Capt Richard, chair of Law enforcement
committee:

B. Proof of Registration

ALL VESSELS with only four exceptions must pay an annual tax on their use of
the

waters of this state. The statutes call this tax "registration" and the
seagoing tax

4

receipt is the certificate of registration. The only vessels for which Florida
registration

is not required are:

1. Vessels owned by the U.S. government;

2. Vessels used exclusively on private lakes and ponds;

3. Vessels used exclusively as lifeboats (i.e., only for real emergencies and

lifeboat drills - tenders must be registered); and

4. Non-motor-powered vessels.

All other vessels must be registered (pay the tax). They must also display a

decal and carry the certificate of registration onboard to prove that the tax
has

been paid. If the vessel has been registered (paid an annual tax) in another

state, then Florida will let it operate for 90 days without paying the tax
again

here. Military personnel stationed in Florida may keep their home-state

registration until it expires before they must register their vessel in
Florida.



Bob Austin