Nearly 1 million boats are registered in Florida. Do you need to add yours to that list? Here’s how:

First, you should know that not all types of boats require a registration. Vessels exempt from registration include non-powered boats under 16 feet, vessels used on private lakes and ponds, those visiting the state for less than 90 days, lifeboats solely used for that purpose, kayaks, canoes, rowing skiffs and racing shells.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles issues registrations for boats requiring them and the boat registration process pretty much mirrors the registration process for our over the road vehicles…

You can renew your boat registration for one to two years by submitting your renewal fee and necessary vessel information either online at flhsmv.gov/virtualoffice/lobby.aspx, in person at your local county tax collector’s office or by mail to the address and specifications provided on your renewal card. The registration renewal period for privately owned vessels is during the birth month of the owner and the month of June is the registration renewal period for corporation or dealer owned vessels.

If your registration is lost or damaged, you can visit your local county tax collector’s office, complete an application for a duplication registration and submit the necessary registration fee. If you have any questions about any of the above, you can call the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles at 1-800-617-2000.