Boats for Sale in Florida

Florida does not require a traditional boating license, but anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 must complete an approved boating safety course and carry a Boating Safety Education ID Card. The course can be taken online through the FWC and costs around $30.

Florida boat registration fees are based on vessel length: under 12 feet costs $5.50, 12 to 16 feet is $16.25, 16 to 26 feet is $28.75, 26 to 40 feet is $78.25, and 40 to 65 feet is $127.75. Fees are paid to the county tax collector and renewed annually.

Florida offers world-class boating. Top spots include the Florida Keys for island hopping and reef fishing, Biscayne Bay and Miami for cruising, Tampa Bay for inshore fishing, the Forgotten Coast for scalloping, and the St. Johns River for bass fishing. The Intracoastal Waterway runs the entire east coast.

Florida does not legally require boat insurance, but it is highly recommended. Most marina and lender contracts require coverage. A basic liability and hull policy for a $50,000 boat typically costs $500 to $1,500 per year depending on the vessel and your boating experience.