Florida HSMV Form 82040 VS – Vessel Title Application Guide

What Is Florida HSMV Form 82040 VS?

The HSMV 82040 VS is the official application used to request an original or transfer Certificate of Title for a vessel in Florida. It collects owner information, vessel description (including Hull Identification Number), previous ownership details, sales tax information, lien data, and required certifications.

According to Florida Administrative Code Rule 15C-21.001 and Chapter 328 of the Florida Statutes, any person applying for a certificate of title for a vessel must use this form. The form is submitted to a local county tax collector’s office or license plate agency — not directly to FLHSMV headquarters.

You can find your nearest office using the official locator: FLHSMV Locations.

Who Needs to Complete Form 82040 VS?

Most motorized vessels operated, used, or stored on Florida’s public waterways must be titled. Non-motorized vessels that are 16 feet or longer generally also require titling. The form is used for:

• Original titles (new vessels or first-time Florida titles)
• Title transfers (purchasing a used vessel already titled in Florida or another state)
• Homemade vessels (typically paired with Form HSMV 87002)
• Vessels previously registered out of state or out of country

Key exemptions from titling include non-motor-powered vessels under 16 feet, federally documented vessels, vessels used exclusively on private lakes and ponds, government-owned vessels, and certain temporary out-of-state or foreign vessels (generally limited to 90 days). Always verify current exemptions on the official FLHSMV Vessel Titling and Registrations page.

How to Download and Access Form 82040 VS?

The most current version of the form (Rev. 07/23) is available directly from FLHSMV:

Download HSMV 82040 VS PDF

Print the form clearly on standard letter-size paper. Complete it in blue or black ink using capital letters where possible. Avoid erasures or white-out, as altered forms may be rejected.

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing Form 82040 VS

The form is divided into clear sections. All fields are required unless marked not applicable.

Application Type and Title Preference
Select “Original” for a first-time Florida title or “Transfer” for ownership changes. Indicate whether you want an electronic title (no printed certificate), a paper title printed in the office, or a paper title mailed.

Section 1: Owner/Applicant Information
Provide full legal name, Florida driver license or ID number (or other acceptable ID), date of birth, residential address, mailing address if different, and county of residence. Co-owner or lessee information is entered in the designated fields.

Section 2: Vessel Description
Enter the complete Hull Identification Number (HIN). If the vessel lacks a valid HIN, check the box indicating one is needed. Include Florida title number (if any), FL/DO number, make/manufacturer, model, year, length, weight, hull material, propulsion type, fuel type, and use of vessel (recreational or commercial). An attestation regarding hull integrity may also be required.

Section 3: Previous Ownership / Out-of-State or Out-of-Country Information
Disclose any prior titling or registration outside Florida or the United States.

Section 4: Documented/Foreign-Documented Vessel Certification
Certify that the vessel is not currently documented. If it was previously documented, attach the U.S. Coast Guard release or canceled documentation papers.

Section 5: Sales Tax and Purchase Information
Report purchase price, trade-in allowance, and sales tax status. Florida collects sales tax on the vessel (and often the motor and trailer) unless proof of prior payment or a valid exemption is provided.

Section 6: Security Interest (Liens)
List any secured parties/lienholders with full names and addresses. Additional forms may be used for multiple liens.

Both the owner(s) and any co-owners must sign the form. Valid photo identification is required at the time of submission.

Required Documents to Submit with Form 82040 VS

In addition to the completed and signed Form 82040 VS, bring the following to the tax collector or license plate agency:

• New vessel: Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) or equivalent statement of builder, plus dealer bill of sale if applicable.
• Used Florida-titled vessel: Properly assigned Florida title signed by the seller(s).
• Out-of-state titled vessel: Properly assigned out-of-state title.
• Vessel from a non-title state: Current registration from that state and a bill of sale containing a complete vessel description.
• Bill of sale or invoice showing purchase price and any sales tax paid.
• Valid photo ID (Florida driver license/ID, passport, or U.S. military ID).
• Proof of sales tax payment or exemption documentation.
• Lien satisfaction documents if applicable.
• For homemade vessels: Form HSMV 87002 (Vessel Statement of Builder).

A purchaser has 30 days from the date of purchase to title and register the vessel. During this period, keep proof of the purchase date aboard the vessel. Operating an untitled/unregistered vessel after 30 days is a second-degree misdemeanor.

Florida Vessel Title Fees

Title fees are separate from registration fees and any applicable sales tax. Current standard fees (confirm with your local office, as minor variations or service fees may apply) include:

• Electronic title: $5.25
• Paper title (mailed): $7.75
• Expedited/fast title: $11.00
• Additional fee to record each existing lien: $1.00
• Additional fee for vessels previously registered outside Florida: $4.00

Registration fees are based on vessel length and range from approximately $5.50 for the smallest class to nearly $190 for the largest, plus possible county optional fees and service charges. Reduced rates may apply if the vessel has an EPIRB or the owner has a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). Sales tax (state rate of 6% plus any local discretionary surtax) is generally due on the purchase price unless previously paid or exempt.

Always check the latest fee schedule on the official FLHSMV vessel page or with your county tax collector.

Where and How to Submit the Application?

Submit the completed Form 82040 VS and supporting documents in person at any Florida county tax collector’s office or authorized license plate agency. Some offices offer limited appointment or online pre-check options — contact them in advance.

Locate an office here: https://www.flhsmv.gov/locations/

Processing times vary. Electronic titles are recorded immediately in the state system. Paper titles are typically mailed within a few weeks; expedited titles may be available the same day at participating offices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using an outdated or incorrect version of the form (always download the current HSMV 82040 VS).
• Incomplete or inaccurate HIN information.
• Missing signatures from all owners.
• Failing to include required supporting documents (title, bill of sale, MCO, etc.).
• Not addressing sales tax or lien information correctly.
• Waiting longer than 30 days after purchase, which can trigger late fees and potential penalties.

Additional Resources and Official Links

• Official HSMV 82040 VS Form Download
• FLHSMV Vessel Titling and Registrations
• Find a Tax Collector or License Plate Agency
• All FLHSMV Forms
• Florida Statutes Chapter 328 (Vessel Titles and Registration)

For complex situations such as homemade vessels, documented vessels coming out of documentation, or vessels with liens, contact your local tax collector’s office or review the detailed FLHSMV vessel procedures manuals available on the department’s website.

Conclusion

The Florida HSMV Form 82040 VS is the essential document for obtaining or transferring a vessel title in the Sunshine State. By downloading the current official PDF, carefully completing every required section, gathering the correct supporting documents, and submitting everything to your local tax collector within 30 days of purchase, you can secure legal ownership efficiently and stay compliant with Florida law.