Selling a Boat in Florida? Here’s How to Get Started

Are you looking to sell your boat in Florida? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Selling a boat in Florida isn’t as difficult as you might think, but there are a few steps you need to take to ensure that the process goes smoothly. From understanding the paperwork and taxes to advertising your boat, this guide will walk you through the entire process of selling a boat in Florida.

Understand the Paperwork Required to Sell a Boat in Florida

When selling a boat in Florida, the paperwork you need to complete depends on the size and type of your vessel. All boats in Florida must be registered and titled with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). You’ll need to fill out the Application for Registration and Titling of Vessel Form, which includes the following information:

Boat Hull Number
Owner’s Name
Boat Length and Type
Sale Price
Buyer’s Name
Date of Sale
Vessel Insurance Information

You’ll also need to provide proof of ownership, such as the vessel’s bill of sale or a previous registration. You can find the Application for Registration and Titling of Vessel Form, as well as other forms related to boat sales, on the FWC website.

Understand the Taxes You’ll Need to Pay

When selling a boat in Florida, you’ll need to pay a variety of taxes. The taxes you’ll need to pay depend on the size and type of your boat, as well as the sale price.

Sales Tax: The state of Florida requires boat sellers to pay sales tax on the sale of their boat. The amount of tax you’ll need to pay is based on the sale price and your county’s sales tax rate. For example, if you’re selling a boat for $20,000 in Pinellas County, you’ll need to pay 6% sales tax, which is $1,200.
Documentary Stamp Tax: In addition to sales tax, you’ll also need to pay documentary stamp tax when selling a boat in Florida. The amount of tax you’ll need to pay is based on the sale price of the boat. For example, if you’re selling a boat for $20,000, you’ll need to pay $150 in documentary stamp tax.
Lien Filing Fees: If you’ve used a loan to purchase your boat, you’ll need to pay lien filing fees when you sell it. The amount of the fee varies by county. In Pinellas County, the fee is $10.

It’s important to note that some counties may have additional taxes and fees that you’ll need to pay when selling a boat. Be sure to check with your county’s tax collector’s office for more information.

Advertise Your Boat

Once you’ve taken care of the paperwork and taxes, your next step is to advertise your boat. You can advertise your boat for sale through a variety of methods, including newspaper ads, online classifieds, and word of mouth. It’s important to be honest and accurate when describing your boat, as this will help potential buyers make an informed decision.

Negotiate the Price

When you’ve found a buyer for your boat, it’s time to negotiate the price. It’s important to set a reasonable price for your boat, taking into account the condition of the vessel, its age, and its features. You can also use online resources such as NADA Guides to get an idea of what similar boats are selling for in your area.

Close the Sale

Once you’ve agreed on a price with the buyer, it’s time to close the sale. You’ll need to provide the buyer with a bill of sale, which includes the following information:

Vessel Hull Number
Seller’s Name
Buyer’s Name
Sale Price
Date of Sale
Registration and Titling Information

You’ll also need to transfer the title and registration to the new owner. You can do this by filling out the Application for Transfer of Vessel Title and Registration Form and submitting it to the FWC.

Conclusion

Selling a boat in Florida isn’t as difficult as you might think. By understanding the paperwork, taxes, and other requirements, you can ensure that the process goes smoothly. From advertising your boat to understanding the paperwork and taxes, this guide has provided you with all the information you need to get started selling your boat in Florida.