Registering your vessel in Florida during cruising?

[Rsmith3]

Hello all,

My wife and I are beginning the process of purchasing our first liveaboard. The boat will most likely be purchased in Florida being there are several we are looking at in that state. After purchase I realize I have 90 days to move the boat to my home state of Alabama where it will be kept, paid sales tax on and registered. My question is upon retirement we intend to cruise through the Keys and stay the winter months during the first year. Do I have to pay any registration on the boat in Florida during this time if the boat is currently registered in my home state? After our first year we will expand to the Bahamas and up the east coast during hurricane season. The boat will be a 38 to 42 Island Packet. Thank you for any assistance.

[Dsanduril]

This is how Florida explains it:

A vessel that is registered with another state may be used in Florida for no more than 90 days.

An out-of-state vessel owner who does not plan to become a permanent Florida resident but plans to operate a currently registered vessel in Florida waters for more than 90 days must obtain a temporary registration from the Tax Collector’s office.

[Rsmith3]

Thank you. That explains it.