Florida HSMV Form 87244 – Non-Titled Vessel Registration – If you need to register a vessel in Florida that is exempt from titling, the official form you must use is HSMV Form 87244 – Application to Register Non-Titled Vessels. Issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), this form is required for specific categories of boats and watercraft that do not need a Florida Certificate of Title but still must be registered to operate legally on state waters.
What Is Florida HSMV Form 87244?
HSMV 87244 is the official application used to register vessels that are exempt from Florida titling requirements under Section 328.01 of the Florida Statutes. Unlike most motorized vessels that require both a title (using Form HSMV 82040) and registration, certain vessels only need registration. Form 87244 handles those registration-only transactions.
The form is submitted to your local county tax collector office or authorized license plate agency. You can find the nearest office on the official FLHSMV locations page: www.flhsmv.gov/locations.
Download the official Form HSMV 87244 (PDF) here:
https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/forms/87244.pdf
When Do You Need Form 87244?
You must complete HSMV 87244 when registering any of the following non-titled vessels in Florida:
- Federally documented vessels – Boats documented with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG Certificate of Documentation)
- Out-of-state registered vessels – Vessels already registered in another state that will remain in Florida beyond the 90-day reciprocity period (often called “sojourner” registrations)
- Dealer or manufacturer vessels – Used for demonstration, testing, or sales promotional purposes
- Government vessels – Owned by federal, state, or local government entities
- Amphibious vessels – Those that already have a Florida motor vehicle title
According to FLHSMV, vessels that are federally documented are specifically exempt from Florida titling but must still be registered if operated, used, or stored on Florida waters.
Required Documents to Submit with HSMV 87244
The supporting paperwork varies depending on the type of non-titled vessel. Always bring original documents or certified copies when possible.
For USCG Documented Vessels
- Completed and signed HSMV 87244 (all owners must sign)
- Copy of the U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation (or proof that documentation is on file with the USCG)
- Executed bill of sale (required if the current owner’s name is not listed on the documentation papers)
- Proof of Florida sales tax payment or exemption (if the vessel was purchased within the last six months)
- Valid photo identification for all applicants
For Out-of-State Vessel Registration (Sojourner)
- Completed HSMV 87244
- Copy of the current out-of-state registration that is still in full force and effect
- Applicable registration fees
For Dealer or Manufacturer Registration
- Completed HSMV 87244
- Copy of current Florida sales tax certificate of registration from the Department of Revenue
- Copy of current commercial or occupational business license (if required by the local government)
For Amphibious Vessels
- Completed HSMV 87244
- Copy of the Florida motor vehicle certificate of title
For Government Vessels
- Completed HSMV 87244
- Proof of ownership (manufacturer’s certificate of origin, court order, or certificate of title signed by the previous owner transferring ownership to the agency)
All applicants must provide valid identification. Joint owners must indicate whether ownership is held as “and” or “or” on the form.
How to Complete Florida Form 87244?
The form is relatively straightforward but must be filled out accurately. Key sections include:
- Owner and co-owner information (name, email, date of birth, sex, Florida driver’s license or FEID number)
- Mailing address and Florida street address (mandatory)
- Current registration number (Florida, documented, or out-of-state)
- Vessel details: manufacturer, model year, hull length, Hull Identification Number (HIN)
- Hull material, propulsion type, and fuel type
- Vessel type (open motorboat, cabin motorboat, personal watercraft, pontoon, sailboat, etc.)
- Intended use (recreational, commercial fish, commercial charter, hire/livery, government, etc.)
- Signatures of all owners under penalty of perjury
Print the form clearly in black ink. Do not use white-out or make alterations that could invalidate the application.
Florida Vessel Registration Fees
Registration fees are based on the length of the vessel and are the same whether the vessel is titled or non-titled. Fees shown below are the base registration amounts (additional service and FRVIS fees apply). Reduced fees are available for recreational vessels equipped with an EPIRB or when the owner has a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).
| Class | Length | Standard Fee | Reduced Fee (EPIRB/PLB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-1 | Less than 12 feet | $5.50 | $2.95 |
| A-2 | 12 to less than 16 feet | $16.25 | $11.00 |
| 1 | 16 to less than 26 feet | $28.75 | $20.40 |
| 2 | 26 to less than 40 feet | $78.25 | $57.50 |
| 3 | 40 to less than 65 feet | $127.75 | $94.95 |
| 4 | 65 to less than 110 feet | $152.75 | $113.40 |
| 5 | 110 feet or more | $189.75 | $141.15 |
| Dealer | — | $25.50 | — |
Additional notes:
- A $2.25 service fee and $0.50 FRVIS fee are added to most transactions.
- Some counties charge an optional county fee (Broward, Charlotte, Collier, Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Sarasota, and others).
- Non-residents or aliens registering commercial vessels generally pay an extra $50 commercial vessel license fee.
- Owners may choose one-year or two-year registration periods.
Sales tax is collected at the time of registration if it has not already been paid, unless an exemption applies.
Where and How to Submit Form 87244?
Take the completed Form 87244, supporting documents, identification, and payment to any Florida county tax collector office or authorized tag agency. FLHSMV does not process these applications by mail at the state level for most counties—local offices handle the transaction and issue the registration certificate and decal.
Locate your nearest office: FLHSMV Office Locations.
After approval, you will receive a Florida registration certificate and a validation decal. Both the USCG Certificate of Documentation (if applicable) and the Florida registration must be kept on board the vessel at all times.
Important Legal Notes
- A purchaser of a new or used vessel generally has 30 days to title and/or register it. Operating an unregistered vessel after 30 days is a second-degree misdemeanor.
- Out-of-state vessels may operate in Florida for up to 90 consecutive days under reciprocity before Florida registration is required.
- Information submitted on Form 87244 becomes a public record under Chapter 119, Florida Statutes.
- All owners claiming an interest in the vessel must sign the application.
Download Florida HSMV Form 87244
Always download the most current version of the form directly from the official FLHSMV website to ensure you have the latest revision:
Download HSMV Form 87244 – Application to Register Non-Titled Vessels (PDF)
You can also find the form listed on the official FLHSMV Forms page: www.flhsmv.gov/resources/forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do documented vessels need a Florida title?
No. Federally documented vessels are exempt from Florida titling but must still be registered using Form 87244 if used on Florida waters.
Can I mail Form 87244?
Most counties require in-person submission at a tax collector office or tag agency. Check with your local office for any mail-in options.
Is Form 87244 the same as the title application?
No. Form HSMV 82040 is used for vessels that require a Florida title. Form 87244 is only for vessels exempt from titling.
Where can I get official information?
Visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles vessel page: Vessel Titling and Registrations.
By completing HSMV Form 87244 correctly and providing the required documentation, you can efficiently register your non-titled vessel and stay compliant with Florida boating laws. Always verify the latest requirements with your local tax collector, as procedures or fees may be updated periodically.