FL Numbers needed for Documentd boats in FL?

[Capt. Marc]

I read an ugly rumor that Documented Vessels in Florida are required to display Florida Reg. Numbers. A cruiser from Louisiana recieved a "Warning Ticket" from Fl. Fish and Game (Old FMP) for not displaying Florida Registration Numbers, He was properly Documented and had the Number properly affixed as required by USCG.So is this a case of mis-informed Law Enforcement, or do I need to get Numbers when I move to Florida BTW I read of this incident in TellTales Magazine, submitted by a cruiser that used to live in my current Marina.

 

[Bob Rutland]

Welcome to Florida

If your boat is documented, you do not have to fly Florida registration numbers. You do have to display a current Florida registration sticker on your port side.If you use your motorized dinghy as a TINDER ONLY, you don't have to register it, but don't let them catch you using it to sight see or you will get a ticket. Bob

 

[Rob Homan]

Not to start an argument, but...

While a "documented vessel" does not have to have FL registration numbers affixed to the hull, it does have to be "registered" if it is to remain in FL for more than 90 days, or if you are moving to FL for domicile.If your "motorized dinghy" is not registered in another state, you will have to register it in FL. All "motorized vessels" including motorzed canoes have to be registered in FL. If it is registered elsewhere, you can pay for a temporary registration sticker that makes it to remain in FL longer than 90 days.A neighbor on our dock from MN registered his Island Packet and dinghy (motorized) for the sum of $54.00. If you are permanently moving to FL then your costs may be higher. You don't want to get a ticket for operating a non-registered vessel in FL. Cheaper to pay the fees.

 

[Bob Rutland]

Yes and No......

Rob, you are right. All motorized vessels do have to be registered if in the state of Florida for more than 90 days, but with one exception. If the vessel is a tender to a larger registered vessel and used solely for that purpose(back and forth from land).This was confirmed by my local FWP officer when he caught me out working on my outboard. He thought I was out joy ridding and wanted to know where was my registration? Luckly I was only about 50 yards from my documented and registered boat and had a PFD.Some people paint "T/T Boat Name" on their dinghy to help clarify that the vessel is a tinder to the larger named vessel. Bob s/v Lady Di II

 

[Tex Hill]

FL Documentation

When I registered my boat in FL, All I had to put on it was the FL Decal. No Fl documentation Nr. I was not advised of any requirement for Fl Reg Nr. when I renewed my registration last June.

 

[Vic]

more on Documented boats in FL.

"A decal issued to a federally documented vessel may be affixed to a window or windshield on the port side." from their website noted below.