Florida HSMV Form 87231 Governmental Vessel Registration

Florida HSMV Form 87231 Governmental Vessel Registration – Government agencies in Florida that own and operate vessels for official, non-recreational purposes must register those vessels under a special governmental classification. The official form for this process is HSMV Form 87231, titled “Application for ‘Governmental’ Vessel Registration Number.” This guide explains eligibility, required documentation, the application process, fees, and where to submit the form, based on current Florida statutes and Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) procedures.

What Is Florida HSMV Form 87231?

HSMV Form 87231 is the official application used by city, county, and state government agencies to obtain a Florida vessel registration number and “Government” decal for vessels owned and operated exclusively for governmental purposes. The form is issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and is available as a fillable PDF.

The current revision of the form is dated October 2011 (HSMV 87231 Rev. 10/11). Agencies must submit the completed form to their local county tax collector’s office or license plate agency.

Download the official form here: Florida HSMV Form 87231 PDF

Legal Authority for Governmental Vessel Registration

Under Section 328.48(3), Florida Statutes, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shall issue certificates of registration and numbers for city, county, and state-owned vessels. Only the service fees required under Section 328.72(7) and (8) are charged, provided the vessels are used for purposes other than recreation.

This provision distinguishes governmental vessels from recreational or commercial vessels and allows agencies to register boats used for law enforcement, emergency response, public works, research, or other official duties without paying the full recreational registration fees.

Who Qualifies to Use Form 87231?

Only the following entities may apply:

City governments
County governments
State agencies or departments

The vessel must be currently owned and operated by the organization for purposes other than recreation. The applicant must certify this under penalty of perjury on the form. Private individuals, non-profit organizations (unless specifically authorized), commercial operators, and federal agencies generally do not use this form. U.S. Government vessels are typically exempt from Florida registration requirements.

Required Information on Form 87231

The form collects the following key details:

Agency Information – Agency name applying for government status, street address, city, state, ZIP code, telephone number, fax number, and Federal Employer Identification Number (FEID).
Mailing Address for Decals – If different from the primary address.
Certification Statement – Declaration that the vessel is owned and operated for non-recreational purposes and is entitled to governmental registration under Section 328.48, F.S.
Applicant Signature – Signature, printed name, and position of the authorized agency representative.
Vessel Information – Manufacturer, agency property number, model year, length, Hull Identification Number (HIN), hull material, propulsion type, fuel type, and vessel type (e.g., open motorboat, cabin motorboat, pontoon, personal watercraft).
Previous Title or Registration – Title number, Florida registration number, and previous owner’s name if applicable.
Enclosed Documentation Checklist – Indication of supporting documents submitted with the application.

Required Supporting Documentation

Proof of ownership is mandatory. Acceptable documents include:

Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) – Required for new vessels purchased in Florida or certain other states listed on the form (including Florida, Texas, New York, Illinois, and others).
Bill of sale or equivalent for vessels purchased in states not listed for MSO requirements.
Certified copy of a court order or judgment.
Previous title signed over to the government agency.

For vessels used in a “loaner” program, the MSO must be signed over to the government agency and submitted with the application. Upon termination of the loan agreement, the registration certificate and decal must be returned for cancellation.

According to FLHSMV Procedure VSRS-13 (Government Registrations/Decals), additional forms may be required depending on whether the vessel needs a title:

For non-titled vessels: Form HSMV 87244 (Application to Register Non-Titled Vessels).
For titled vessels: Form HSMV 82040 VS (Application for Certificate of Vessel Title).

Find local tax collector offices at www.flhsmv.gov/offices/.

How to Complete and Submit Form 87231?

Download the official PDF from the FLHSMV website.
Complete all agency and vessel information accurately.
Have an authorized representative sign the certification under penalty of perjury.
Attach the required proof of ownership and any related forms (HSMV 87244 or HSMV 82040 VS).
Submit the package to your local county tax collector or license plate agency office. Applications are not typically mailed directly to Tallahassee for this form.
Pay applicable service fees only.

Once processed, the vessel is assigned a permanent Florida registration number (beginning with “FL”), a registration certificate, and a “Government” validation decal. The registration use code is typically “GV” (Government).

Fees for Governmental Vessel Registration

Governmental vessels are charged only the service fees specified in Section 328.72(7) and (8), Florida Statutes. Full recreational registration fees based on vessel length do not apply. Contact your local tax collector for the exact current service fee amounts, as minor processing fees may vary by county.

For comparison, standard recreational vessel registration fees (not applicable to qualifying governmental vessels) range from $5.50 for vessels under 12 feet to $189.75 for vessels 110 feet or longer, plus additional service and specialty fees. See the current FLHSMV Vessel Titling and Registrations page for the full fee schedule.

Transfer and Renewal of Governmental Registrations

When a governmental vessel is transferred between governmental agencies, the new agency submits a bill of sale, Form HSMV 87244, and applicable fees. The same FL number is retained.

For renewals, agencies typically provide a copy of the previous registration or renewal notice along with the service fees. The completed application is retained by the tax collector’s office for one year.

If a government vessel is later transferred to a private individual and was never titled by the agency, the new owner generally applies for an original title, and the registration is transferred accordingly.

Important Notes and Best Practices

The vessel must not be used for recreational purposes. Misuse can result in loss of governmental status and potential penalties.
Always use the most recent official form available from flhsmv.gov/resources/forms/.
Hull Identification Numbers (HIN) must meet U.S. Coast Guard standards for vessels manufactured after October 31, 1972.
Keep copies of all submitted documents and the issued registration certificate and decal for agency records.
For questions about specific situations (homemade vessels, amphibious vessels, or multi-agency ownership), contact your local tax collector or the FLHSMV Bureau of Titles and Registrations.

Related Forms and Resources

By following the requirements of Form 87231 and Section 328.48, Florida government agencies can efficiently register their official vessels, ensure compliance with state law, and maintain proper identification on Florida waterways.