Chapter 328 Florida Statutes

(abridged)

328.48
2)Each vessel operated, used, or stored on the waters of this state must be registered as a commercial vessel or recreational vessel as defined in s. 327.02, unless it is:
(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; or
(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.

328.46Operation of registered vessels.—

(1)Every vessel that is required to be registered and that is being operated, used, or stored on the waters of this state shall be registered and numbered within 30 days after purchase by the owner except as specifically exempt.


VESSEL REGISTRATION FEES

Class 1—16 feet or more and less than 26 feet in length: $28.75 for each 12-month period registered.


(b)In 2013 and every 5 years thereafter, vessel registration fees shall be adjusted by the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index

(7)SERVICE FEE.—In addition to other registration fees, the vessel owner shall pay the tax collector a $2.25 service fee for each registration issued, replaced, or renewed.

(9)SURCHARGE.—In addition, there is hereby levied and imposed on each vessel registration fee imposed under subsection (1) a surcharge in the amount of $1 for each 12-month period of registration, which shall be collected in the same manner as the fee and deposited into the State Agency Law Enforcement Radio System Trust Fund of the Department of Management Services.

(c)The following registration periods and renewal periods are established:
1.For vessels owned by individuals, the registration period begins the first day of the birth month of the owner and ends the last day of the month immediately preceding the owner’s birth month in the succeeding year.



And for Ksurfer2's special exemption:

(14)EXEMPTIONS.—The following vessels are exempt from provisions of subsection (1):
(a)A vessel that is owned and operated by Sea Explorer or Sea Scout units of the Boy Scouts of America, the Girl Scouts of America, the Florida Association of Christian Child Caring Agencies, Inc., Safe Harbor Haven, Inc., or the Associated Marine Institutes, Inc., and its affiliates.
(b)An antique vessel as defined in paragraph (2)(a).
(c)A non-motor-powered sailing vessel that is owned by a nonprofit entity and used exclusively for teaching boating safety, boat handling, or seamanship skills, including the racing of such sailing vessels.


So Karl, being "non-profit" as a gub-ment employee, and teaching old fat guys like me how to not crash into lobster pots at night while speed-reaching in the Keys should qualify... right?

The civil penalty for any such infraction is $50