Florida HSMV Form 87017: Correct Vessel Length Affidavit – Accurate vessel length documentation is essential for proper registration, titling, and fee calculation in Florida. When the length recorded on your Florida Certificate of Title or Certificate of Registration does not match the actual measured length of your boat, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) provides an official solution: HSMV Form 87017 – Affidavit to Correct Vessel Length Documentation.
This SEO-optimized guide explains everything U.S. vessel owners need to know about Form 87017, including when to use it, how to measure your vessel correctly, step-by-step completion instructions, submission requirements, and legal considerations under Florida Statutes.
What Is Florida HSMV Form 87017?
Florida HSMV Form 87017 is an official affidavit issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Division of Motorist Services. It allows the titled owner (or co-owner) of a Florida-registered vessel to certify the correct length of the vessel based on actual measurement.
The form is used specifically to correct length documentation errors that appear on the vessel’s title or registration records. Length is a critical data point because Florida vessel registration fees are calculated according to length classifications under Florida law.
You can download the official Form 87017 directly from the FLHSMV website here: Download Florida HSMV Form 87017 (PDF).
Why Accurate Vessel Length Matters in Florida?
Florida vessel registration fees are tiered by length. An incorrect length on official records can result in overpayment or underpayment of fees and may cause issues during title transfers, renewals, or law enforcement inspections. Correcting the length ensures your registration certificate and title accurately reflect the vessel, which is required for legal operation on Florida waters.
According to the official form instructions, owners must measure the vessel using the guidelines shown on the form (waterline length) and then submit the completed affidavit along with the current title and registration to a county tax collector or tag agency.
Who Needs to File Form 87017?
You should complete and submit HSMV Form 87017 if:
- The length shown on your Florida Certificate of Title or Certificate of Registration is incorrect.
- You discovered a measurement discrepancy after purchasing the vessel or receiving new documentation.
- A previous registration or title application recorded an inaccurate length.
- You need to update official records before transferring ownership, renewing registration, or addressing a length-related issue with a tax collector’s office.
The form must be signed by the titled owner. If there is a co-owner, that individual must also sign.
How to Measure Your Vessel Length for Form 87017?
Form 87017 requires the owner to certify the correct length based on actual measurement following the methods depicted on the form. The form specifically references Waterline Length.
Key measurement principles for Florida vessel registration purposes generally follow standard practices:
- Measure the straight-line horizontal distance consistent with the diagram on the official form.
- Use the waterline length method illustrated on Form 87017.
- Record the measurement in feet and inches as precisely as possible.
Always refer to the diagram printed on the current version of Form 87017 for the exact measurement guidelines accepted by FLHSMV and county tax collectors. Inaccurate measurements can lead to further corrections or delays.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Complete Form 87017
Follow these official steps from the form itself:
- Measure the vessel using the guidelines and diagram shown on Form 87017 (waterline length).
- Complete Section 1 of the affidavit: Enter the Florida registration number (FL followed by the numbers and letters) and the correct length in feet and inches.
- Read the legal notice in Section 2 regarding false statements under Section 328.05, Florida Statutes.
- Sign and date the form under penalty of perjury. Both the titled owner and any co-owner must sign if applicable.
- Gather supporting documents: Your current Certificate of Title and Certificate of Registration.
- Submit everything to any Florida county tax collector office or authorized tag agency.
Until the corrected documents are returned, keep a photocopy of your current registration certificate on board the vessel as proof of registration.
Where to Submit Form 87017?
Submit the completed affidavit, along with your Certificate of Title and Certificate of Registration, to any Florida county tax collector office or license plate agency. You do not mail it directly to Tallahassee in most cases.
Find your local office using the official FLHSMV directory: Florida Tax Collector and Tag Agency Locator.
Offices can process the length correction and issue updated documentation. Processing times and any applicable fees (if a new title or registration is generated) vary by county, so contact your local office in advance if needed.
Legal Requirements and Penalties
Form 87017 includes a clear warning under Florida law. Section 328.05, Florida Statutes, states that whoever knowingly makes any false statement in any application or affidavit required under Chapter 328, or otherwise commits a fraud in any application, is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in sections 775.082, 775.083, and 775.084, Florida Statutes.
By signing the form, you declare under penalty of perjury that the facts stated are true. Always measure carefully and provide accurate information.
Download the Official Form
The most current official version of the form is available directly from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles:
Download Florida HSMV Form 87017 – Affidavit to Correct Vessel Length Documentation (PDF)
Always use the official FLHSMV PDF to ensure you have the correct version (currently marked HSMV 87017 Rev. 08/11).
Additional Tips for Florida Vessel Owners
- Keep a copy of the completed Form 87017 and any receipts from the tax collector for your records.
- If your vessel is federally documented with the U.S. Coast Guard, length correction procedures may differ; consult both FLHSMV and the National Vessel Documentation Center as needed.
- Registration fees and classifications are length-based. Confirm the correct class after the length is updated.
- For related vessel title or registration questions, visit the official FLHSMV vessels page or contact your county tax collector.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to file Form 87017?
The form itself is free. Any fees depend on whether a corrected title or registration must be issued by the tax collector’s office.
Can I mail the form?
Most corrections are handled in person at a local tax collector or tag agency. Check with your specific county office for mailing options.
What if only the registration is wrong but the title is correct?
Bring both documents as instructed on the form. The tax collector will update the official records as appropriate.
Does the form work for homemade vessels or vessels from out of state?
Yes, as long as the vessel currently has a Florida registration number and Florida title (or is being processed under Florida jurisdiction).
Conclusion
Correcting vessel length documentation with Florida HSMV Form 87017 is a straightforward process when you measure accurately, complete the affidavit carefully, and submit it with your title and registration to a local tax collector’s office. Accurate records help ensure proper fee assessment, smooth title transfers, and compliance with Florida vessel laws.