How long can a boat visit FL?

goplay

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How long can a boat be in FL without being subject to a use tax? 6 months like other states?

Any recommendations on highly secure marinas for a multi-month stay?

Thanks!
 
It would likely be south FL, probably Miami area. The boat would be unattended for a couple of weeks at a time.
 
most marinas in the miami area are pretty secure, 2 to 3 weeks at a time isnt' much. problem maybe to find a slip, assuming you're talking winter, depending on boat size. Large slips are hard to find...

if summer, you may have some issues with your insurer, they dont' like absentee owners !
 
Thanks Pascal. Yes it would be winter and yes it would be a larger slip. Just trying to plan out some options for next winter season...
 
there are plenty of out of states boat here in winter, under the 6 months rule.

Miami is great because you are right off the bay (no lenghty NWZ to open waters) and closer to the keys. Seasonal dockage is at least $20 and up depending on marina.

if you have Google Earth, download my Biscayne Bay GE file, it has a lot of info on the area including links to many marinas. There are a few marinas (connty) with a 50' limit :-(

http://www.sandbarhopper.com/biscayne.htm
 
if all these conditions are met, then why would there be any time limit (6 months) on a boat brought to FL?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Use tax is not due on boats brought to Florida if all of the following conditions are met:

The owner has owned the boat 6 months or longer.
The purchaser has shown no intent to use the boat in Florida at or before the time of purchase.
The boat has been used 6 months or longer within the taxing jurisdiction of another state, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia. Time spent in foreign waters does not count as part of the 6-month period.

So, seems to me all the east coast boaters who want to come to FL for 2d, 2 months, 2 years, 20 years, if they meet the above conditions can stay as long as they want w/o use tax concern.
 
But once it hits 6 months in Florida it all changes...that becomes a Florida boat and must be registered in the state of Florida...and yes, even documented boats must be registered in Florida, you just won't have to put the reg numbers on your vessel, sticker only...
 
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