Florida HSMV Form 87002 Vessel Statement of Builder Guide – If you have built or assembled a homemade boat or vessel in Florida and need to title and register it, the Florida HSMV Form 87002 – Vessel Statement of Builder is a required document. Issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), this form serves as the official statement of construction and ownership for homemade vessels.
What Is Florida HSMV Form 87002?
Form HSMV 87002, titled “Vessel Statement of Builder,” is the official FLHSMV document used to certify the construction details of a homemade vessel. It replaces a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) for vessels that are not produced by a licensed manufacturer.
The form requires the builder to provide:
- Sources of major components (hull, deck/rigging, machinery/engines)
- Certification that the vessel was built for personal use or for a specific individual/firm
- Confirmation that applicable sales tax was paid on materials
- Statement that the vessel has never been previously registered or titled and that no MCO or Builder’s Certificate was ever issued
- Detailed vessel specifications (length, type, hull material, propulsion, fuel, construction site, and year completed)
The current version is HSMV 87002 (Rev. 09/24). Submit the completed form to your local county tax collector office or license plate agency.
Who Needs to File Form HSMV 87002?
You must complete and submit Form 87002 when applying for an initial Florida Certificate of Title and registration for a homemade vessel.
According to Florida Statutes (Section 327.02), a “homemade vessel” means:
- Any vessel built after October 31, 1972, for which a federal hull identification number is not required to be assigned by the manufacturer under federal law, or
- Any vessel constructed or assembled before November 1, 1972, by an entity other than a licensed manufacturer for its own use or the use of a specific person.
A vessel assembled from a manufacturer’s kit or constructed from an unfinished manufactured hull is generally considered homemade if it does not require a U.S. Coast Guard-assigned HIN. Importantly, a rebuilt or reconstructed vessel is not considered a homemade vessel under Florida law.
All undocumented homemade vessels propelled by machinery must be titled and registered to operate legally on Florida waters.
Required Documents for Homemade Vessel Titling
When applying for a Florida Certificate of Title for a homemade vessel, submit the following to your county tax collector or license plate agent (per current FLHSMV Procedure VSTL-09, revised 09/24):
- Completed Application for Certificate of Vessel Title – Form HSMV 82040 VS
- Completed Vessel Statement of Builder – Form HSMV 87002
- Bill of sale (Form HSMV 82050 is recommended if the vessel was purchased from the builder)
- Proof of Florida sales tax paid on the vessel and materials (or exemption information noted on Form 82040 VS)
- Applicable title and registration fees
FLHSMV may assign a state Hull Identification Number (HIN) for homemade vessels pursuant to Section 328.07, Florida Statutes. The HIN must be permanently affixed to the vessel (typically stamped or plated on the transom or hull).
Note on inspections: The official FLHSMV procedure revised in July 2024 removed the previous statewide requirement for a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Certificate of Inspection for vessels 16 feet or longer. Some local tax collector offices may still request additional verification or a visual inspection—always confirm current local requirements.
How to Complete Form HSMV 87002 Step by Step?
Section 1 is for homemade vessels and includes these key certifications:
- Builder Certification and Material Sources – List the sources for the hull, deck/rigging, and machinery/engines. Attach copies of bills of sale or receipts showing the seller’s name, address, and signature. Notarization of receipts is not required.
- Intended Use – Certify that the vessel was built for personal use, or list the individual or firm for whom it was constructed (include their address).
- Sales Tax – Certify that all applicable sales tax has been paid on materials used in construction.
- No Prior Registration – Certify that the vessel has never been registered or titled in Florida or any other state/country and that no Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin or Builder’s Certificate was previously issued.
- Vessel Description – Provide primary construction site address, year construction was completed, hull length, vessel type (e.g., open motorboat, sailboat, personal watercraft, houseboat, etc.), hull material, propulsion type, engine drive type, and fuel type.
Section 2 must be completed by all applicants. It includes a declaration under penalties of perjury that the information is true and complete, along with printed names, addresses, telephone numbers, and signatures of the applicant(s).
Print the form clearly, complete all applicable fields, attach supporting receipts, and sign where indicated.
Where and How to Submit the Form?
Submit the completed Form 87002 (along with Form 82040 VS and supporting documents) to the tax collector’s office or license plate agency in the county where the vessel is located or where the owner resides.
Find your local office using the official FLHSMV locator: https://www.flhsmv.gov/offices/.
Title and registration applications are processed at the local level. Electronic titles are common; paper or expedited titles may be available for an additional fee.
Title and Registration Fees for Homemade Vessels
Fees are set by Florida law and collected by the county tax collector. Approximate title fees (subject to local variations and updates) include:
- Electronic title: approximately $5.25–$5.75
- Paper/mailed title: approximately $7.75–$8.25
- Expedited/fast title: approximately $10.75–$11
- Additional $1 per lien recorded
- Possible late fee if application is not filed within 30 days of ownership (when applicable)
Registration fees are based on vessel length and are separate. Sales tax may also be due on the vessel or materials if not previously paid. Confirm exact current fees with your local tax collector, as amounts can include service charges and may change.
Hull Identification Number (HIN) for Homemade Vessels
Florida law requires a hull identification number for vessels that need titling or registration. For homemade vessels, FLHSMV assigns the HIN. The number must be permanently displayed on the vessel (usually on the transom) in a legible, permanent manner (stamped, impressed, or on a plate).
Federal and state rules generally require a 12-character HIN format for vessels built after certain dates. Contact your tax collector or FLHSMV for assignment during the titling process.
Important Tips and Common Questions
- Keep copies of all receipts and the completed forms for your records.
- Ensure the vessel meets the legal definition of “homemade.” Rebuilt vessels follow different procedures (often involving Form HSMV 84490 for motor vehicles/motorcycles, not vessels).
- Non-motorized vessels under 16 feet and certain other vessels may be exempt from titling—verify exemptions on the official FLHSMV vessel page.
- Operating an untitled homemade vessel that requires titling on Florida waters can result in penalties.
- Always use the most current official form from flhsmv.gov. Third-party fillable versions may not match the latest revision.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, refer directly to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles: