As a Florida business and maritime attorney with over twelve years drafting vessel transaction documents, I can tell you that selling a boat in Florida without a proper bill of sale is one of the fastest ways to create headaches for both buyer and seller. A correctly completed Florida boat bill of sale protects you from future liability, proves change of ownership for registration purposes, and is required by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and the U.S. Coast Guard (for documented vessels).
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll give you my battle-tested, attorney-reviewed free printable boat bill of sale Florida template (updated for 2025 requirements), walk you through every step of how to sell a boat in Florida, explain trailer and motor requirements, and show you exactly which additional forms (including the dreaded Notice of Sale HSMV 82050) you must file to stay compliant.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the free template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and your specific situation may have unique requirements. Always consult a licensed Florida attorney or tax professional before completing a vessel sale.
A bill of sale for boat in Florida is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership of a vessel (and often the trailer and outboard motor) from seller to buyer. Florida Statute § 328.46 requires a bill of sale or executed title for registration of most vessels.
Even if your boat is USCG-documented and does not require state registration, a detailed Florida vessel bill of sale is still critical because it:
I’ve made my attorney-drafted printable boat bill of sale Florida template available completely free. It includes separate sections for the vessel, trailer, and outboard motor — exactly what the tax collector’s office wants to see.
Download Florida Boat Bill of Sale Template – PDF
Download Florida Boat Bill of Sale Template – Word (editable)
Both versions are 100% free, no email required, and compliant with current Florida and IRS requirements.
| Boat Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Non-documented boats ≥16 ft with motor | Florida title + registration |
| Boats <16 ft or non-motorized | Registration only (no title) |
| USCG Documented vessels | Federal documentation; Florida registration optional but recommended |
Use my free template above or create your own with these mandatory elements (per FLHSMV and IRS guidelines):
On the back of the Florida title:
Florida law requires you to submit Notice of Sale Form HSMV 82050 within 30 days of the sale, or you remain liable for tickets, towing, and accidents.
Official HSMV 82050 Notice of Sale (direct from FLHSMV)
You can file online at MyDMV Portal or mail to your local tax collector. I always recommend keeping proof of submission.
Provide the buyer:
Most sellers include the trailer. Florida requires a separate title for trailers over 2,000 lbs empty weight. Your Florida bill of sale for boat trailer section should list:
My free template has a dedicated trailer block that satisfies the tax collector every time.
According to the Florida Department of Revenue and IRS Publication 544:
Source: Florida Department of Revenue – Sales Tax on Boats
Do I need to notarize a boat bill of sale in Florida?
No, but notarization with two witnesses makes it self-proving in court.
Can I use a generic boat bill of sale in Florida?
You can, but it often lacks required trailer/motor fields and gets rejected.
Is a bill of sale required for a boat trailer in Florida?
Yes if the trailer has a title (over 2,000 lbs).
What if the boat has no title?
Use HSMV 82040 and your bill of sale to apply for new title in buyer’s name.
Selling a boat in Florida doesn’t have to be stressful. With the free Florida boat bill of sale template above and this guide, you’ll complete the transaction smoothly, stay protected from liability, and help the buyer register without delays.
Download the template now and close your sale with confidence.
Download Free Florida Boat Bill of Sale Template (PDF)
Safe boating and smooth sailing on your next adventure!
– Ryan J. Really, Esq.
Florida Bar Licensed Attorney
Specializing in Maritime & Business Transactions Since 2012