This is what Jill sent me a little while ago regarding this issue:
We have been approached by many people regarding registering boats in Flordia. Each time we have had an inquiry we have contacted the tag agency to get the "up to date" information. Each time we have gone to the supervisor level and been told that you do not have to register non motorized boats in the state of Florida. However, you are suppose to title them, this is where the state gets their tax paid if you have purchased a new or used boat.
Today, I had someone come into my office with a Florida Statute in hand, procedure VSR-14 WHICH STATE....just the opposite. It says that anything
over 16 feet has to be registered UNLESS Chapter 327.02
A. A Vessel operated, used and stored exclusively on private lakes and ponds.
B. A Vessel owned by the United States Government.
C. A Vessel used EXCLUSIVELY as a ship's lifeboat.
D. A non-motor-powered vessel less than 16 feet in length or a non-motor-powered canoe, kayak, racing shell, or rowing scull, regardless of length.
Now the intent of this statue has always been to exempt beach catamaran
sailboats. And when you call up the tag agency, which I did right away,
they will most of the time tell you that you do not need to register your cat....WHICH THEY DID...BUT when we pushed the subject and told them what we were looking at....they had a big aha moment and read the law.
What this means for you:....if you interpret this to include your cat
because it is a racing boat...then you do not have to register it. If
you do not interpret that...then you are suppose to register and title your boat.
This in turn will be that you will be required to pay your state sales tax on the boat.
Currently, nether the tag agency or law enforcement seems to have a good definition of what falls into this category. I just wanted to pass this information along because I have confirmed for many people over and over, after checking with the tag agency over and over, that you did not have to register your boats.
Please pass this information to the masses and someone can post it on Cat sailor if you would like.
David Ingram
F18 USA 242
http://www.solarwind.solar"Do or do not. There is no try." - Yoda
"Excuses are the tools of the weak and incompetent" - Two sista's I overheard in the hall
"You don't have to be a brain surgeon to be a complete idiot, but it helps"
