Florida Use Tax, out of state boats

M

moknots

New member
Buying a C Dory in Florida, registering in Oregon (where I live). I find the Florida rules confusing but in short it looks like they want 6% unless I leave immediately, and if I come back and keep the boat there more than 90 days? $3000 more or less.

I am planning less than 45 days of actual USE in Florida before starting a Great Loop. Thinking 3-4 cruises of 10-15 days each (still working for a living!) in Florida over the next year or two, keeping it on land between visits.

Seems like a huge penalty for being a tourist in Florida. Am I reading this right?

Thanks C Brats!
 
I've no first hand experience, but in reading FL's Department of Revenue docs on this it looks do-able, albeit some hassle. From the Specific Exemptions section listed here:

http://dor.myflorida.com/Forms_library/ ... 800005.pdf

It looks like after the paperwork and affadavits are done, you simply need to show proof the boat left FL. It says nothing about bringing it back in after it has left that I could see. This of course, might be a PITA depending on where in FL you take delivery.

Then, you need to license and title it in OR within 30 days. I was able to do this when registering my boat in WA from CA, so in my case it could be done remotely. Does OR allow for this?
 
You should be able to get a form swearing that you are removing the boat from Florida within 90 days. I did it for my son in Mass. when he bought his boat here. You might have to prove you registered it and paid sales tax in Oregon. Good luck, Bob
 
The double good news is that we have no sales tax in Oregon, and boat registration fees are very reasonable compared to neighboring states.

Go for it, moknots!
 
I bought E Z DUZIT in Crystal River, FL. , brought it home to Louisiana to register and legally paid no taxes. I doubt you have to produce the boat in Oregon, to register it, only the necessary paperwork.

As for returning to Fl. for vacation, unless you call some govt. agency and report yourself, who's going to know. Your title and registration will show your home state, Oregon, not the state where you bought it.
 
I have heard that some states are stepping up enforcement of these rules because they want to secure the tax revenue. Similar rules apply for airplanes, although the is usually an exemption for bringing a plane into the state for periods longer than the tax window to perform maintenance (protects the MROs).
 
Hello moknots,

Here (http://www.tugnuts.com/viewtopic.php?f= ... ion#p46644) is a recent thread on Tugnuts.com which addresses the issue of non-Florida registered boats cruising in FL waters.

Basically, if you are IN FL for 90 cumulative days, they require you obtain a permit at an, not unexpectedly, HIGH cost. My guess is it would be cheaper to simply REGISTER your boat. Anyway, there are a few more details in the thread linked above.

dave
 
I bought two boats from Wefings over the years. Both experiences were the same. We had to pay sales tax on the new trailer to the state of Florida. Being from Pa. the trailer had proof that tax was paid to Florida so Pa. required no more tax required to register the trailer in Pa.. We paid no Florida tax on the boat. But for that we had to furnish motel, meal, tolls, and fuel receipts in thirty days, receipts showing we had left the Sunshine state. I sent those in proof of departure receipts for fuel motels, meals, tolls etc.. Then they mailed in more threat letters wanting proof of my PA state boat registration. I sent that which proved that we had registered the boat in Pa. and had paid Pa tax on it.. Once that was taken care of all was well. But make mistake about it Florida is serious about sales tax on boats.. Marc from Wefings is well versed in these laws and would be a great source of information on this subject. Wefings, phone number 850 670 8100
D.D.
 
Six years ago I bought my Grady White from an individual. Much of the sale price was reflected in the recently repowered twin yami's. When I went to register it here in Florida I found out I owed no sales tax on the value of the outboard motors.
Here's the 411:

" If a non-dealer makes the sale, then the outboard motor, equipment, devices, and accessories included with the vessel are not subject to tax when the outboard motor, equipment, devices, or accessories are separately itemized and separately priced on the invoice"

More details here:

http://www.floridasalestax.com/Florida- ... Motor.aspx

So if you're buying privately and registering in Florida, detail the bill of sale to show the cost of the boat without "accessories" like the outboard motors :-)

BTW: I will be posting under C-Dory's for sale later this month. Great boat but I've got too many toys.
 
Dave D., Melissa is the real expert at Wefings , but you got it right.
Florida will want trailer tax if you tow on our roads ,and will want tax if you keep the boat in Fl for over 90 days . Have had a few do the afadavit and tow the 90 miles or so to Ga. get a fuel reciept or two for the required documentation and come right back . Folks go to phenonmenal lengths to avoid taxes . Most states will not double charge [some like Maryland and Mississippi will] , and they will not come looking for you in North Fl [the real south] ...... South Fl is another world .
Dealers have to charge tax on local sales in Fl and smart ones play by the rules .
Marc
 
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