Canadian buying a boat in Florida question

[gunkylump]

We are looking at purchasing a new to us boat, and Florida keeps popping up as a very real possibility as a state to do so.

If a Canadian purchases a boat in Florida, and it remains there say 5 months......would we have to pay any taxes to the state?

My concern is if we buy a new to us boat say in October, and we can't sail the boat home until say mid-April.....would we incur any further costs than the regular taxes and registration fees in Canada?

I realize I should be researching this myself, but opinions on this forum are valued, and if anyone can direct us where to do an internet search, that would be helpful as well.

Thanks!

gunk

[DotDun]

Originally Posted by gunkylump

We are looking at purchasing a new to us boat, and Florida keeps popping up as a very real possibility as a state to do so.

If a Canadian purchases a boat in Florida, and it remains there say 5 months......would we have to pay any taxes to the state?

My concern is if we buy a new to us boat say in October, and we can't sail the boat home until say mid-April.....would we incur any further costs than the regular taxes and registration fees in Canada?

I realize I should be researching this myself, but opinions on this forum are valued, and if anyone can direct us where to do an internet search, that would be helpful as well.

Thanks!

gunk

I believe if you don't leave Florida within 90(?) days, you'll have to pay Florida sales tax (6% to a max $18k) plus registration.

[motion30]

If you stayed in florida 90 days then went to the bahamas for a brief trip and then came back to florida for another 90 days you would still be legal

[avb3]

I'm not mistaken any book that is older than 25 years is exempt has a very very small tax on it something like $6 or something.

[Miniyot]

Originally Posted by avb3

I'm not mistaken any book that is older than 25 years is exempt has a very very small tax on it something like $6 or something.

The initial registration is full price. Renewals are cheap...However, taxes on a purchase are still due.
To answer the OP....refer to Motion30's answer, However...I think you have to be OUTSIDE of state waters for a certain amount of time before you can come back....Oh, I just realized. your boat must have a registration from somewhere (anywhere) for it to be exempt.

Why not just buy the boat and register and title it in you home state as soon as you buy it? Pay the tax at your home, then you don't need to worry about sales tax down here. Registration fees aren't that bad down here. but if you take it out of state then come back, you will be fine.

[ColdEH]

If you are using a broker , ask him, he has the most up to date information.

Regards

[Vasco]

Unless you leave Florida within 90 days you'll have to pay FL sales tax. Take the boat up to St. Marys in GA and store it there until you're ready to bring her home. Buy the boat, register it in Canada and pay the HST ( and duty if not built in US or Canada) when you bring her up.

[Miniyot]

Originally Posted by Vasco

Unless you leave Florida within 90 days you'll have to pay FL sales tax. Take the boat up to St. Marys in GA and store it there until you're ready to bring her home. Buy the boat, register it in Canada and pay the HST ( and duty if not built in US or Canada) when you bring her up.

No, you don't have to pay sales tax in Florida as long as the title is transferred in their hometown. They'd just have to pay registration in Fl. if they keep it here longer than 90 days.

[edbulmer]

You can get an extension to the 90 days you just have to pay a fee. I think it's $400 for 3 more months. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I did it myself. Just talk to a broker or customs.

[DotDun]

take a look at page 2, Specific Exemptions:

http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/forms/2011/gt800005.pdf

[Miniyot]

Originally Posted by DotDun

take a look at page 2, Specific Exemptions:

http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/forms/2011/gt800005.pdf

Looks like all of us are wrong!

Well, there may be a loophole! Buy the boat, transfer title to Canada, get a cruising permit...?

[boatpoker]

Michigan has as many boats as Florida, they are fresh water boats used 5 months a year and no one in Michigan has a job so boats are cheap, Its right next door to you. Why would you buy a salt water boat is Florida ?

[Miniyot]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

Michigan has as many boats as Florida, they are fresh water boats used 5 months a year and no one in Michigan has a job so boats are cheap, Its right next door to you. Why would you buy a salt water boat is Florida ?

Well, If everything from Michigan is like my wife, they might try to return it?

[Captivy]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

Michigan has as many boats as Florida, they are fresh water boats used 5 months a year and no one in Michigan has a job so boats are cheap, Its right next door to you. Why would you buy a salt water boat is Florida ?

The selection of boats is different in a huge way, 40' is big on the Great Lakes...

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by Captivy

The selection of boats is different in a huge way, 40' is big on the Great Lakes...

20 years ago ... maybe yes. Now 50% of the boats (about 240/yr) I survey are over 40'. I was in a yard (admittedly a small yard) today (Port Weller) that had nothing under 40'