How to Sell A Boat in Florida

‘How to sell a boat in Florida’ is a common question that you might ask yourself if you live in Florida and it comes time to sell your boat. The process of selling a boat in Florida is not that different from other states, and here we outline several steps to eliminate confusion and make the process easier.

How to Sell a Boat in Florida: Table of Contents

• Step 1: Evaluate options for selling your boat.
• Step 2. Take photos and gather information about your boat.
• Step 3. Submit the bill of sale to the US Coast Guard (if applicable)

Step 1: Evaluate options for selling your boat.

There are several ways you can sell your boat in Florida. These include:

• Private sale
  • Selling the boat by yourself. In this case, you handle the advertising (such as listing it on Craigslist, Yachtlify, and potentially other platforms) and showing the boat to prospective buyers. Sell your boat free with Yachtlify.
• Using a broker
  • When using a broker to sell your boat, the broker handles advertising and showings for you, and in return, the broker keeps a percentage of the sale once the sale is complete. For example, if your boat sells for $50,000 and the broker has a fee of 10%, the broker would keep $5,000.
• Consignment
  • Consignment is similar to a broker arrangement, except in this case your boat is typically held at a boat dealership instead of the broker’s dock. Consignment is usually more flexible than using a broker because in most cases, you can pick up your boat at any time and withdraw the consignment agreement without penalty.
• Trade-in
  • Trading in your boat can be a good option if your goal is to relieve yourself of the responsibility of owning a boat quickly, or if you plan to purchase a new boat shortly after. The trade-in approach works similarly to a car trade-in, in which the dealership takes ownership of your boat in exchange for cash or credit towards another boat that you plan to buy.

Step 2: Take photos and gather information about your boat.

Once you’ve decided how you want to sell your boat, it’s time to document recent maintenance items and upgrades to give prospective buyers a clear picture of the boat’s condition. Additionally, we recommend taking your own photos of your vessel if it’s not too much of a hassle. If you don’t have the time and you’re using a broker, the broker will likely take any photos needed for you. You may also consider hiring a professional yacht photographer if the price of your boat or yacht warrants it.

Here’s a checklist of the items you’ll want to have before taking your boat to market:

• Photos that show off your boat in the best way possible.
• The boat’s HIN (Hull Identification Number).
• A recent survey, if available.
• Any evidence of routine maintenance such as receipts and maintenance reports. For example, the most recent dive reports for a sailboat, an invoice from the shipyard, and/or receipts from boat detailers.
• A copy of the boat title and/or registration (if on paper). In some cases, the boat title is filed and registered electronically in the state of Florida.
  • In Florida, boat titles and registrations are handled by the county tax collector or license plate agent.
  • For specifics on Florida registration and titling requirements, see the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website.
• A copy of the USCG (US Coast Guard) registration (if your boat is greater than 5 net tons).

Step 3: Submit the bill of sale to the US Coast Guard (if applicable).

This typically involves the use of a vessel documentation service, and you likely won’t submit the Bill of Sale to the Coast Guard directly. If you used a broker to sell your boat, they likely have or will have handled this step for you. In any case, you will need to do the following:

• Submit information required by the US Coast Guard Bill of Sale (Form CG-1340) to a vessel documentation service (or your broker, if they are handling this step for you) OR
• Submit the information required on the 2nd page of USCG Form CG-1270 to a vessel documentation service or broker.
• In either case, the USCG form must be notarized.
• The relevant forms and additional instructions can be found on the US Coast Guard’s website.