Florida boat — quick answer
In Florida, a boat bill of sale is recommended and notarization of the title transfer is not required. The state form used for titled vehicles is HSMV 82050. Boats in Florida may be registered through the DMV or a separate wildlife/parks agency — confirm with the FLHSMV.
Is a boat bill of sale required in Florida?
Recommended. FLHSMV recommends a bill of sale and provides HSMV 82050, which also serves as a notice of sale.
Seller completes the transfer section of the Florida title; the buyer titles and registers at a tax collector or license-plate agency. For boats specifically, registration authority can differ from cars — verify whether your vessel is handled by the FLHSMV or a separate wildlife/parks agency.
Does a Florida boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
Not required. Notarization was removed from the HSMV forms. FLHSMV recommends — but does not require — notarizing the bill of sale.
What to include on a Florida boat bill of sale
- Buyer and seller names and addresses
- Year, make, model, and length
- Hull Identification Number (HIN) — 12 characters
- Motor details (make, horsepower, serial number)
- Whether a trailer is included
- Price, date, and signatures
How to transfer a boat in Florida
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Record the buyer, seller, price, and date. Both parties sign and date.
- 2Hand over the signed title.
Seller completes the transfer section of the Florida title; the buyer titles and registers at a tax collector or license-plate agency.
- 3File a notice of sale / release of liability.
The seller files Notice of Sale (HSMV 82050) — file to remove liability to remove liability.
- 4Register with the FLHSMV.
The buyer titles and registers the boat, bringing Notice of Sale and/or Bill of Sale for a Motor Vehicle. Confirm current fees on the official page.
Official sources
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
- Notice of Sale and/or Bill of Sale for a Motor Vehicle (HSMV 82050)
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the FLHSMV before you sign. Not legal advice.
Florida Boat Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a boat bill of sale required in Florida?
A bill of sale is recommended in Florida. FLHSMV recommends a bill of sale and provides HSMV 82050, which also serves as a notice of sale.
Does a Florida boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. Notarization was removed from the HSMV forms. FLHSMV recommends — but does not require — notarizing the bill of sale.
What is a HIN on a boat bill of sale?
The Hull Identification Number is a 12-character code unique to the boat, similar to a VIN on a car. It is required to register the vessel and should be copied exactly.
Do I need a separate bill of sale for the boat trailer and motor?
The motor is usually described on the boat bill of sale. A trailer often has its own VIN and may need its own bill of sale and registration — use our trailer bill of sale for that.
Is a bill of sale proof of ownership?
Generally no. For titled property like a car or boat, the title is what proves ownership. A bill of sale proves that a sale happened and records the price, date, and terms — it supports the title transfer but does not replace it. For untitled property (furniture, equipment, electronics), the signed bill of sale is usually the main proof of ownership.