Florida HSMV Form 87243 Antique Vessel Certification Guidea – Florida boat owners with classic or vintage vessels can save money on registration through the antique vessel program. The key document for this process is HSMV Form 87243, officially titled the Certification for an Antique Vessel Registration. Issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), this form allows qualifying vessels to receive an exemption from the annual base registration fee under Florida law.
This guide provides a clear, step-by-step overview of Form 87243 for United States boat owners, especially those in Florida. It covers eligibility, how to complete and submit the form, associated fees, and how to obtain the special antique vessel decal.
What Is Florida HSMV Form 87243?
HSMV Form 87243 is the official certification document required to register a vessel as an antique in Florida. The current revision is dated 06/17/22. By completing this form, the vessel owner (or a licensed marine surveyor) certifies that the boat meets the legal definition of an antique vessel.
According to Section 328.72(2)(a), Florida Statutes, antique vessels are exempt from the annual base registration fee. After certification, owners only pay service fees for registration and renewals. The form also supports the issuance of a special antique vessel decal.
Download the official form here: Florida HSMV Form 87243 PDF
Eligibility Requirements for Antique Vessel Status
Not every older boat automatically qualifies. To be registered as an antique vessel in Florida, the boat must meet all three of the following criteria established by state law:
- Age: The vessel must be at least 30 years old.
- Use: The vessel must be used only for non-commercial (recreational) purposes.
- Power Plant: The vessel must be powered by its original type of power plant (the same type of engine or propulsion system it was originally designed to use).
A vessel does not automatically qualify simply by reaching 30 years of age. It must also retain its original-type power plant and remain strictly recreational. Commercial use disqualifies the vessel from antique status.
How to Complete HSMV Form 87243?
The form is straightforward and can be completed by the vessel owner or a licensed marine surveyor. Key sections include:
- Owner’s full name and mailing address
- Vessel description (year, manufacturer, and Florida registration number if already assigned)
- Certification statement confirming the vessel meets the antique definition under Section 328.72(2)(a), Florida Statutes
- Signature of the owner or licensed marine surveyor under penalties of perjury
- Date of signature
Accuracy is essential. False statements can result in penalties. If you are unsure whether your vessel meets the original power plant requirement, consulting a licensed marine surveyor is recommended.
Where and How to Submit Form 87243
There are two main purposes for the form, each with a different submission process:
1. Obtaining Antique Vessel Registration Status
Submit the fully completed Form 87243 to your local County Tax Collector’s office or License Plate Agency. You can find office locations on the official FLHSMV website: www.flhsmv.gov/offices/.
Once accepted, the county will issue a registration reflecting the exempt antique vessel status and return the form to you.
2. Requesting the Antique Vessel Decal
After you receive the antique registration, you may request the special antique decal at no charge. Mail the following items to:
Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS #72
Neil Kirkman Building
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
- The completed Form 87243 (the same one returned to you by the tax collector)
- A copy of your most current certificate of vessel registration in your name
The antique decal remains valid for the life of the vessel as long as it continues to meet the antique definition. It must be displayed within three inches of the registration number on the vessel.
Fees Associated with Antique Vessel Registration
Antique vessels are exempt from the standard annual base registration fee that applies to most recreational boats. However, owners must still pay service fees for the registration certificate, numbers, and state decal.
Typical costs include a small service fee (commonly around $2.25 to $6.25 total depending on the county and additional local fees). There is no charge for the antique vessel decal itself. Future renewals require only the service fees, not the full base registration fee.
Always confirm current fees with your local tax collector’s office, as optional county fees may apply in some areas.
Important Rules After Certification
- The registration number must be permanently attached to each side of the forward half of the vessel.
- The antique decal must be displayed near the registration number.
- Annual (or biennial) renewal of the registration and state decal is still required.
- If ownership changes, the new owner must transfer the title and registration and may need to re-certify the vessel’s antique status.
- The vessel must continue to meet all three eligibility requirements. Switching to commercial use or installing a non-original type power plant can result in loss of antique status.
Benefits of Antique Vessel Certification in Florida
Registering your boat as an antique offers several advantages for U.S. boat owners in Florida:
- Significant savings by eliminating the annual base registration fee
- Official recognition of the vessel’s classic or historic status
- A distinctive antique decal that identifies the boat as a preserved classic
- Simplified long-term ownership costs while encouraging the preservation of older vessels
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I complete Form 87243 myself?
Yes. The owner may complete and sign the form. A licensed marine surveyor may also complete it on the owner’s behalf.
Is the antique decal permanent?
Yes. The decal remains valid for the life of the vessel provided the boat continues to qualify as an antique.
Do I still need to renew registration every year?
Yes. You must renew the registration and display a current state decal, but you only pay the service fees, not the full base fee.
Where can I get help if I have questions?
Contact your local County Tax Collector’s office or visit the official FLHSMV website at www.flhsmv.gov.
Download Florida HSMV Form 87243
Ready to certify your vessel? Download the official form directly from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles:
Download HSMV Form 87243 – Certification for an Antique Vessel Registration (PDF)
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to official FLHSMV resources and your local tax collector’s office. Requirements and fees can change, so verifying current procedures before submitting is recommended.