Florida HSMV Form 87015 – Vessel Duplicate Registration – Florida boat owners who need a duplicate vessel registration certificate, a replacement validation decal, or a change in vessel classification must use Florida HSMV Form 87015. Issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), this official form is the required application for these common vessel registration transactions. Whether your registration was lost, the decal was damaged or stolen, or you need to switch between recreational and commercial use, Form 87015 is the starting point.
This comprehensive guide explains what Form 87015 is used for, how to complete it correctly, required supporting documents, applicable fees, and where to submit the application. All information is based on official FLHSMV procedures and Florida Statutes.
What Is Florida HSMV Form 87015?
Form HSMV 87015, officially titled “Application for Vessel Duplicate Registration, Replacement Decal and Change of Classification,” allows vessel owners to request one or more of the following:
- A duplicate Certificate of Registration
- A replacement validation decal
- A change of vessel classification (recreational to commercial or commercial to recreational)
The form is revised as of July 2011 (HSMV 87015 Rev. 07/11) and remains the current official document used by county tax collectors and license plate agencies throughout Florida. It must be submitted in person or by mail to a local tax collector’s office or authorized license plate agency. The form cannot be processed online through the FLHSMV website.
Download the official Form 87015 here: https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/forms/87015.pdf
When Do You Need Form 87015?
Florida law requires vessel owners to maintain a current registration certificate and display a valid validation decal on the vessel. Form 87015 is required in these situations:
- Lost, destroyed, or mutilated registration certificate – Section 328.72(10), Florida Statutes, authorizes a duplicate certificate upon written request of the registered owner.
- Lost, damaged, defaced, or stolen validation decal – Section 328.48(6) and 328.72(5), Florida Statutes, govern replacement decals. Stolen decals may be replaced at no charge when a police report is provided.
- Change of vessel classification – Section 328.72(6), Florida Statutes, permits owners to change classification from recreational to commercial (or vice versa) by submitting the current registration and Form 87015.
Note that Form 87015 is specifically for vessel registration matters. A lost or destroyed vessel title requires a different form (HSMV 82101).
How to Complete Florida HSMV Form 87015?
The form contains four main sections. Complete every applicable field accurately. Incomplete or incorrect information can delay processing.
Section 1 – Type of Request
Check the appropriate box(es):
- Duplicate Certificate of Registration
- Replacement Decal
- Change of Vessel Classification
Enter the date and your telephone number.
Section 2 – Vessel Information
Provide the following details exactly as they appear on your current registration or title:
- Make of vessel
- Hull Identification Number (HIN)
- Model year
- Title number (if titled)
- Florida registration number (FL number)
- Date of current registration
- Previous decal issued (required for replacement decal requests)
- Decal expiration date
Section 3 – Certification
This section requires you to explain why the original registration or decal is unavailable:
- Lost
- Stolen
- Damaged or defaced
- Never received (lost in transit)
For a change of classification, indicate whether you are changing from recreational to commercial or commercial to recreational. If changing to commercial, circle the intended commercial use (e.g., Blue Crab, Charter, Fish, Shrimp, Spiny Lobster, etc.).
Section 4 – Owner Information and Attestment
List the full name, Florida driver license or identification number, date of birth, and complete address for the owner and any co-owner. Sign and date the form under penalty of perjury. Only one owner’s signature is required for jointly owned vessels.
If the decal was stolen, note the law enforcement agency (police department or sheriff’s office) where the report was filed.
Required Supporting Documents
Depending on the type of request, additional documents may be required:
- Duplicate registration – Completed and signed Form 87015 only (plus applicable fees).
- Replacement decal – Form 87015. If stolen, a copy of the police report is required for a free replacement. Indicate the previous decal number.
- Change of classification – Form 87015 plus the original current certificate of registration (or an explanation in Section 3 why it is unavailable).
- Non-resident or alien changing from recreational to commercial – Additional $50 commercial vessel fee may apply. A Saltwater Products License from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is also required if selling saltwater products.
Always bring a valid photo ID (Florida driver license, ID card, passport, or military ID) when submitting the application in person.
Fees for Form 87015 Transactions
Fees are set by Florida Statutes and collected by the county tax collector. Base service fees include:
- Duplicate registration certificate: $2.25 (retained by the tax collector)
- Replacement decal: $2.25 (unless stolen with police report or lost in transit, in which case no charge)
- Change of classification: $2.25 service fee
- FRVIS fee: $0.50 (Florida Real-Time Vehicle Information System)
- Additional county or local fees may apply depending on the tax collector’s office
Non-residents or aliens changing a vessel from recreational to commercial classification are generally charged an extra $50 commercial vessel fee. Contact your local tax collector for the exact total, as some counties add small convenience or branch fees.
Stolen decals with a police report and decals lost in the mail (within the applicable time window) are replaced free of the service fee.
Where to Submit Form 87015?
Submit the completed Form 87015 and any supporting documents to any Florida county tax collector’s office or authorized license plate agency. You may submit the form in the county where the vessel is located or where the owner resides.
Find your nearest office using the official FLHSMV locator: https://www.flhsmv.gov/offices/
Most tax collectors accept walk-in applications. Some offices offer appointments or limited mail-in service. Processing is typically completed the same day for in-person submissions when all required documents and fees are provided.
Important Tips for a Successful Application
- Print the form clearly or complete it legibly in ink.
- Double-check the Hull Identification Number and Florida registration number for accuracy.
- For replacement decals, always list the previous decal number.
- If the registration is jointly owned, only one owner needs to sign.
- Keep a copy of the completed form and any receipts for your records.
- Display the new validation decal properly: on the port (left) side of the vessel within six inches of the registration number (or on a window/windshield for documented vessels).
- Operating a vessel without a valid registration or decal can result in citations under Florida law.
Related Florida Vessel Forms and Resources
Other common vessel forms include:
- HSMV 82040 VS – Application for Certificate of Vessel Title
- HSMV 82101 – Application for Duplicate or Lost-in-Transit Title
- HSMV 87244 – Application to Register Non-Titled Vessels
- HSMV 87002 – Vessel Statement of Builder (for homemade vessels)
For complete vessel registration and titling information, visit the official FLHSMV vessels page: https://www.flhsmv.gov/motor-vehicles-tags-titles/vessels/vessel-titling-registrations/
Florida Statutes governing vessel registration can be reviewed at the Online Sunshine website (Chapter 328).
Frequently Asked Questions About Form 87015
Can I apply for Form 87015 online?
No. The form must be submitted to a county tax collector or license plate agency.
Is a notary required?
The form itself does not require notarization. The owner signs under penalty of perjury.
How long does processing take?
In-person applications are usually processed the same day when documentation is complete. Mail-in processing times vary by county.
What if my vessel is federally documented?
Documented vessels still require Florida registration and a validation decal if operated on Florida waters. Form 87015 can be used for duplicate registration or replacement decal requests.
Do I need Form 87015 to renew my registration?
No. Renewal is handled separately, typically online or at a tax collector’s office using the renewal notice.
Conclusion
Florida HSMV Form 87015 is the essential document for obtaining a duplicate vessel registration, replacement validation decal, or changing a vessel’s classification between recreational and commercial use. By completing the form accurately, gathering any required supporting documents (such as a police report for stolen decals), and submitting it with the correct fees to your local tax collector, you can quickly restore legal compliance for your vessel.