All vessels weighing five net tons or more meeting the criteria of a commercial vessel as defined by the U.S. Coast Guard, must be federally documented. Pleasure yachts weighing five net tons or more may be federally documented or titled at the owner's option.

For information on how to apply for federal documentation on a vessel, contact:

• United States Coast Guard
• National Vessel Documentation Center
• 2039 Stonewall Jackson Drive
• Falling Waters, West Virginia 25419
• 800-799-8362

Information is also available on the Coast Guard's website.

To apply for a documented vessel registration, the following information must be submitted to the tax collector's office:

• DHSMV Form 87244 completed by the owner(s) or the managing owner.
• Copy of documentation papers. If the documentation papers have not been received, proof of documentation on file with the Coast Guard must be provided.
• Copy of executed bill of sale to document amount of sales tax due, proof of payment of sales tax or proof of exemption.
• Payment of registration fees.
• If the vessel has been previously registered in Florida, an additional $1.00 transfer fee is charged.