Florida Bill of Sale for a Vessel​​ [Free, PDF, Word, Printable, Templates]

When you sell a boat, ship, or other water-craft in Florida, it’s important to complete the proper documentation. One key document is a bill of sale. In Florida, a ill Florida Bill of Sale for a Vessel​​ establishes proof of purchase and helps protect both the buyer and seller. My purpose here is to share, based on my experience as a Florida attorney, a clear and in-depth look at a florida bill of sale for a vessel, bill of sale for vessel in florida, and even touch upon bill of sale for a vessel trailer florida.

I reference Florida law, official agency guidance, highlight the legal requirements, and provide templates and pitfalls to avoid.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified attorney.

Free Florida Bill of Sale for a Vessel​ Template

Do-it-yourself Bill of Sale
If you’re selling or buying a boat in Florida, having the right paperwork is essential. That’s why I’ve created this Free Florida Bill of Sale for a Vessel Template, designed to meet Florida’s legal requirements and make your transaction easier. I’ve included the template in both PDF and Word formats, so you can download whichever version works best for you.

Whether you need a florida bill of sale for a vessel, a bill of sale for vessel in Florida, or a bill of sale for a vessel trailer Florida, this free template will help you document the sale clearly and confidently.

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State of Florida Vessel Bill of Sale​ PDF

Save money on Bill of Sale
If you’re buying or selling a boat in Florida, having the correct State of Florida Vessel Bill of Sale is essential for proving ownership and completing registration with the FLHSMV. To make the process easier, I’ve included both PDF and Word formats of the vessel bill of sale, so you can download whichever version works best for you. These ready-to-use files help ensure you document the sale clearly, legally, and in a format that fits your needs.

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Florida Vessel Bill of Sale Transfer and Compliance Rules

The most unusual Florida rule is that a properly prepared vessel Bill of Sale can serve as temporary operating authority for 30 days. To serve that purpose, the document needs the vessel’s identifying information, the buyer and seller’s information and signatures, the sale date, the Florida principal-state-of-use statement, and the required 30-day expiration notice. If those requirements are missing, the Bill of Sale does not provide that temporary authority.

The vessel rig tax rule is another detail that can make a real difference. When a boat, outboard motor, trailer, and accessories are sold together, Florida’s supplied rule allows the components to be separately described and itemized. This can affect which parts are subject to sales and use tax.

The consequences of getting these requirements wrong can be serious. A forged signature, altered HIN, tax fraud, undisclosed lien, or missing temporary-authority language can create legal or registration problems. The supplied research also states that a private Bill of Sale alone does not eliminate the specified derelict-vessel liability.

What is a Bill of Sale in Florida?

A bill of sale is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership of personal property from a seller to a buyer. In the context of vessels in Florida, it functions as evidence that you sold or bought the boat.

From my legal practice I often see that although vessels require registration or title under Florida law, a bill of sale remains a critical supporting document when applying for titles, registrations, or proving legal ownership.

Statutory references:

• The general title certificate law governing motor vehicles (and mobile homes) is found in Chapter 319 of the Florida Statutes. See, for instance, § 319.23 which provides that a bill of sale must contain a complete vehicle description (year, make, color, VIN, selling price, seller & buyer signatures) in certain cases.

• For vessels, under Chapter 328 (“Vessels: Title Certificates; Liens; Registration”) of the Florida Statutes you’ll find § 328.03 which requires certificate of title for many vessels. 
  Thus, while Florida law may not always use the phrase “bill of sale” in every case for vessels, the document is very much part of the ownership and transfer process.

In short: a bill of sale for a vessel in Florida is a document signed by the seller and buyer that describes the vessel, states the sale price, the date of sale, and establishes that ownership has changed hands — which helps when you go to title or register the vessel.

Is a Bill of Sale Required in Florida?

One common question I receive: Is the bill of sale mandatory or optional for vessels in Florida? The answer is: it depends, but in practice you almost always want one.

When it’s required/very strongly recommended:

• If the vessel is titled in Florida (meaning under § 328.03 the owner must apply for a certificate of title) and you are transferring ownership, the buyer will often have to show proof of ownership. The official agency Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) website states that when applying for registration or title you may submit an executed bill of sale or other proof of ownership.

• If you are transferring a vessel plus a trailer (the rig) and sales tax may apply, a properly executed bill of sale listing each component separately can help determine tax. The statute § 328.04 says: “If the applicant submits with his or her application an itemized, properly executed bill of sale which separately describes and itemizes the prices paid for each component of the rig, only the vessel and trailer will be subject to the sales tax.”

When it may be optional:

• If the vessel is exempt from titling (for example non-motor-powered vessel under 16 ft, or a documented vessel by the US Coast Guard) then the bill of sale may serve just as a record rather than a mandatory statutory document.

• If the seller and buyer are completely comfortable without it, but this is not advisable because without a bill of sale you lose important proof of the transaction.

In my legal practice, I urge every seller and buyer to execute a bill of sale even if it may not strictly be required by statute — because it provides critical protection. For any bill of sale for vessel trailer florida combination, I especially recommend listing each item (vessel, motor, trailer) separately.

Step-by-Step Process to Complete a Bill of Sale

Below is a practical process I follow with clients in Florida when completing a bill of sale for a vessel.

Step 1 – Agree on sale terms

• Seller and buyer agree on sale price, date of sale, and what is included (boat, motor(s), trailer, accessories).

• Identify whether trailer is included (important for tax and title).

• Decide who is responsible for any liens or outstanding charges.

Step 2 – Prepare the bill of sale document

• Use a template or create one that includes: date of sale, seller’s name & address, buyer’s name & address, description of vessel (year, make, hull material, hull identification number [HIN], length), description of trailer (if included), description of motor(s) (make, model, serial # if applicable).

• Include sale price, any terms (e.g., “as is”), signatures of seller and buyer.

• If you want extra protection: add indemnification clause, note that seller warrants he/she owns the vessel free of liens (or disclose any liens).

• In my practice I include a statement: “Seller certifies that seller is owner of the vessel, has the right to sell it, and that buyer takes the vessel subject to no undisclosed liens (unless disclosed herein).”

Step 3 – Execute signatures

• Both seller and buyer sign and date the bill of sale.

• Although not always required, you might have signatures witnessed or notarized (better for reassurance). Florida statute for vessels does not always require notarization but for vehicles the title statute (§ 319.23) indicates an affidavit under penalty of perjury may suffice.

Step 4 – Provide copies

• Each party should keep at least one original or certified copy of the executed bill of sale.

• Buyer will need a copy when filing for title or registration with FLHSMV.

Step 5 – Buyer applies for title/registration

• The buyer should take the bill of sale, the signed over certificate of title (if applicable), the appropriate application for certificate of title or registration for vessels, to the county tax collector or license plate agent. The FLHSMV vessel titling guidance states that proof of purchase (bill of sale) is required when applying for registration or title.

• The buyer must do this within 30 days of purchase if the vessel is required to be titled.

Step 6 – Pay tax and fees

• The buyer must pay Florida sales tax if applicable, fees for title and registration, and any applicable local fees.

• If the rig includes vessel + motor + trailer, itemizing each in the bill of sale helps determine tax basis. See § 328.04.

Step 7 – Seller retains proof and notifies the agency

• While Florida statute § 319.28 (for motor vehicles) requires notification of sale, for vessels it’s a bit different, but the seller should keep a copy of the bill of sale for their records.

• In my experience it’s wise to send a written notice to FLHSMV (or county tax collector) that you sold the vessel, just to protect yourself from liability.

Key Legal Requirements

Here are the key legal points you must not overlook when preparing and transferring a vessel in Florida.

Hull Identification Number (HIN) & Description

• Every vessel required to be titled must display a hull identification number. See § 328.06. The bill of sale should include this HIN, vessel year, make, model, length and type. Especially if the application for title demands proof of ownership describing the vessel. FLHSMV guidance notes proof of ownership must include manufacturer’s name, year, type, hull material, propulsion, fuel, use of vessel, hull identification number, and length.

Odometer / Motor hours (if applicable)

• Unlike motor vehicles, vessels are not subject to federal odometer disclosure rules (49 CFR 580) in the same way. But if the motor has a declared hour reading, it’s wise to include it in the bill of sale.

• For vehicles, § 319.23 requires odometer disclosure.

• In my practice with vessel sales I note “motor hours as stated by seller: ___ hours (buyer accepts this as-is).” This reduces future disputes.

Notary or Affidavit

• For vessels, Florida law does not always mandate notarization of the bill of sale for title transfers. However, having it notarized adds credibility and protects you.

• If the transaction involves a titled vessel and you are using an affidavit (for example if a certificate of title is lost), Florida Statutes provide for “sworn statement of ownership” or “bill of sale” under § 319.23 for vehicles — though vessels have parallel provisions in § 328.03 and § 328.22 for transfer.

Tax Collector Details & Sales Tax

• The buyer must apply for title/registration within 30 days. FLHSMV guidance states as much.

• If the bill of sale is itemized (vessel + motor + trailer separately priced) then only vessel + trailer may be taxed (depending on law). See § 328.04.

• Include the sale price in the labelled place where required. For vehicles, § 319.23(4) provides that a certificate of title must contain a place for seller’s price.

Trailer or Rig Included?

• If a trailer is included in the sale with the vessel, list it separately in the bill of sale. This impacts how the tax is calculated. See above.

• The trailer may itself require a title or registration depending on weight and usage. Ensure all documentation is aligned.

Florida-Titled vs. Federally Documented Vessels

A Florida vessel Bill of Sale does not always mean the transaction follows the same Florida title process. The supplied Florida rules distinguish between vessels handled through the state’s Chapter 328 title system and vessels covered by federal vessel documentation standards under 46 U.S.C. Chapter 123 and 33 C.F.R. Part 173. Federally documented vessels are among the vessels identified as exempt from the ordinary Florida certificate-of-title requirement.

That distinction matters before the buyer starts the title process. A person purchasing a federally documented vessel should not automatically assume that the ordinary Florida certificate-of-title procedure applies simply because the transaction takes place in Florida. The article currently mentions documented vessels as an example of a possible exemption, but it does not explain why that changes the paperwork path.

The same distinction can matter for an out-of-state transaction. Florida’s Chapter 328 framework addresses proof of ownership and out-of-state vessels, while federal documentation operates under a separate federal system.

For a seller, this means the first step should be identifying whether the vessel is being transferred through the Florida title system or federal documentation system. Using the wrong process can delay the buyer’s ownership paperwork and create unnecessary title or registration problems.

Free-and-Clear vs. Lien-Subject Vessels

• The seller should disclose any liens, mortgages, or security interests on the vessel (or trailer). Florida law penalises fraudulent transfers. For example § 328.05(2) makes it unlawful to sell a vessel knowing a lien exists unless properly handled.

• In my practice I include a clause: “Seller warrants that as of the date of sale there are no undisclosed liens or encumbrances other than those listed herein.”

Example or Template

Below is a sample layout for a valid Florida bill of sale for a vessel (and trailer if included). You may adapt it to your needs. This is a template only and not legal advice.

BILL OF SALE – VESSEL & TRAILER
Date of Sale: ___ / ___ / 20__

Seller:
Name: ________________________________
Address: ________________________________
City/State/ZIP: __________________________
Driver’s Licence / ID #: ________________

Buyer:
Name: ________________________________
Address: ________________________________
City/State/ZIP: __________________________
Driver’s Licence / ID #: ________________

Description of Vessel:
Year: ____ Make: ________________________
Hull Material: ___________________________
Length: ____′ Hull Identification Number (HIN): ________________________
Motor(s): (make, model, serial #): __________________________________
Use of Vessel: _______________________________________________

Description of Trailer (if included):
Make: ____________________ Model: __________________ Serial / VIN #: ________________

Purchase Price: $ ____________ (US Dollars)
Payment Method: _____________________________________________

Terms:
The vessel (and trailer if applicable) is conveyed by the Seller to the Buyer “as-is”, with no warranties except those expressly set forth. Seller certifies that Seller is owner of the vessel, has the right to sell it, and that, so far as Seller knows, the vessel is free of undisclosed liens or encumbrances (unless noted below). Buyer accepts the vessel subject to listed exceptions (if any): ___________________________

Seller’s Signature: ________________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / 20__
Buyer’s Signature: ________________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / 20__

[Optional: Notary Section]
State of ______________ County of ______________
Subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me this ____ day of _____, 20 by ____________________ (name of person).
Signature of Notary Public: __________________________
My Commission Expires: ____ / ____ / 20
(Notary Seal)

How to Use It:

• Fill all blanks completely.

• Provide a copy to each party.

• Buyer retains original for title/registration filing.

• Consider adding a clause about motor hours, condition disclosure, etc.

Common Errors or Legal Pitfalls

In my legal practice I have seen many sellers and buyers fall into avoidable pitfalls when dealing with a florida bill of sale for a vessel. Here are some of the most common:

• Missing HIN or incorrect HIN: If the hull identification number on the bill of sale does not match the vessel, the buyer may face problems in obtaining title or registration.

• Not including the trailer or motor separately: This can complicate sales tax, registration or trailer title issues.

• Seller fails to disclose liens: If a lien exists and is not disclosed, the buyer may become liable, or the transfer may be challenged.

• Waiting too long to file title/registration: For vessels required to be titled, Florida law expects application within 30 days of purchase. Failure can lead to penalties.

• No proof of sale retained by seller: Without a copy of the bill of sale the seller may still be liable for incidents (for example, if the vessel is used and the seller’s name remains on title/registration).

• Using a generic vehicle bill of sale: Because vessels have different statutory requirements (see Chapter 328) you should use a version tailored to vessels, not just motor vehicles.

• Not itemizing components for tax purposes: If vessel+motor+trailer are sold together but not itemized, you may pay more tax than necessary. See § 328.04.

• Assuming notarization is always required: While not always mandatory for vessels, it often adds additional security — and if missing may make future disputes harder to resolve.

• Not requesting a lien/ownership search: Especially for out-of-state or foreign documented vessels, you must ensure there are no hidden claims. Florida’s § 328.17 (nonjudicial sale) shows the care needed.

FAQs

Here are frequently asked questions I receive in my practice about bill of sale for vessel in florida transactions.

Do I need to get the bill of sale notarized?

Not always under Florida law for vessels, but notarization strengthens your documentation and helps avoid future issues.

How long do I have to title the vessel after purchase?

If the vessel requires title in Florida (see § 328.03), you must apply “not later than 30 days after the later of the date of transfer of ownership or the date this state becomes the state of principal use.”

What if the vessel is sold with a trailer and motor?

Then you should list each part: vessel, motor(s), trailer. Itemizing allows proper tax treatment under § 328.04.

Can I use a bill of sale if the certificate of title is missing?

Yes — Florida law allows application for title on vessels or vehicles with a bill of sale and sworn statement of ownership, depending on circumstances. For example, § 319.23 for vehicles and § 328.22 for vessels (transfer of ownership) address those.

Does a bill of sale protect me from future liability?

It helps. For example, as a seller if you keep a copy of the executed bill of sale and notify the appropriate agency, you reduce the chance of being held liable for incidents after sale. I recommend doing both.

Conclusion

In summary, a bill of sale for a vessel in Florida is a vital document when selling or buying a boat (or boat with trailer) in Florida. My experience as a Florida-licensed attorney shows that when a bill of sale is carefully completed — with correct vessel description, HIN, signatures, and payment terms — it greatly reduces risk and helps the title/registration process go smoothly. Also, paying attention to legal requirements such as proof of ownership, timely application for title/registration, lien disclosures, and sales tax treatment (especially when a trailer is included) is essential. If you haven’t done so yet, download your free Florida Bill of Sale template, fill it out properly, and both seller and buyer should keep copies.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified attorney.