Register Boat in Florida or Alabama?

JimW · Apr 12, 2017

Purchasing a trawler in Florida, live in Alabama, not sure if I will keep it in PENSACOLA or Orange Beach, what state should I register it in? Or do I have that choice? Thanks.

Briney Bug · Apr 12, 2017

Here's the link to Florida requirements. I'm not familiar with Alabama's requirements:

https://www.flhsmv.gov/motor-vehicles-tags-titles/vessels/vessel-titling-registrations/

Marlinmike · Apr 12, 2017

Register it where you leave it, now if you can't make up your mind, that's a different question...

denverd0n · Apr 12, 2017

Keep it where you will get the most use out of it. Register it where you keep it. Pretty simple, really.

O C Diver · Apr 12, 2017

Welcome to the forum! Check the laws in Alabama. In Florida, if you're a resident, and it's ever coming into FL, it has to be registered there, regardless of how much you use it there. It's all about the taxes.

Ted

yachtbrokerguy · Apr 14, 2017

Both states are reciprocal for previously paid sales taxes. So if you keep it in Florida, and pay tax in Florida, but later move it to Alabama and then Alabama charges you tax, then you get a credit for the taxes paid to Florida.
If you buy in Florida and get a 90 day removal decal for a non resident to not have to pay tax, you cannot come back to Florida for 180 days.

Register Boat in Florida or Alabama?

JimW

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Briney Bug

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Marlinmike

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denverd0n

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O C Diver

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yachtbrokerguy

Senior Member

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