Selling boat in Fl information

sar3195

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 7, 2007
Messages
34
I have a clear title to a boat, motor and trailer.

If I sell it myself what all needs to be done to turn it over to the buyer?

Do I remove my plates from the trailer? What do I sign on the title? Do I have to have a notary stamp anything? Anything else?

Thanks for any information.
 

pine island fred

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Dec 20, 2002
Messages
1,144
Re: Selling boat in Fl information

My recent experience. Title signature no longer has to be notarized even if it is an older title with a place for the notary stamp. Deliver the boat/ trailer and take the plate with you. Give the buyer the current registration for the trailer so he can get new plates. As of my last experience there is no trailer title issued. If you really want to, remove or disfigure the registration sticker on the left of the boat but nobody does. Sign the title for the boat and take the CASH. FRED
 

dmcb

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Oct 13, 2007
Messages
93
Re: Selling boat in Fl information

In addition I would make a bill of sale and both sign and keep a copy.
If the guy uses it without changing the registration, you want proof you sold it to him.
Doug
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: Selling boat in Fl information

you want a bill of sale with the wording "buyer has inspected all items, and approves and accepts all in as is condition". list the id # of each item boat, motor, trailer.
 

arboldt

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 25, 2007
Messages
417
Re: Selling boat in Fl information

Requirements vary by state, so check with your Secretary of State's office (or whatever agency does that in your state). Some states title trailers, some only register them, some (so I've heard) don't even do that:confused:.

Be sure to take TD's advice -- if you want to know why, take an afternoon and read the thread about "Sold a boat and it busted".

In Michigan, it's strongly advised I keep a copy of the signed-over title and buyer's driver's license for 3 years after the sale, so I scanned 'em.

No reason to go through a dealer (I think that's what you were wondering), but you've got to check with *your* state about what's required.
 

jeeperman

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Aug 2, 2001
Messages
1,513
Re: Selling boat in Fl information

In Florida you can go here and printout this State of Florida Notice of Sale/ Bill of Sale. http://www.flhsmv.gov/dmv/forms/BTR/82050.pdf
Printout two copies and fill it out and keep a purchaser signed copy for yourself. Then go to your local DMV to have you removed as owner.

In Florida, the registration numbers stay with the boat, do not remove or mutilate. But you should keep the trailer plate.

Before turning over the current registration papers, I would sign them off as being sold on such and such a date and photocopy or scan them for your proof.
 

pine island fred

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Dec 20, 2002
Messages
1,144
Re: Selling boat in Fl information

As long as the boat is retitled and registered in FL. the numbers will remain the same so leave them alone. Remove or disfigure the square blue/red/green registration sticker before the numbers on the left side of the boat.
Have sold a few cars and boats in N.J. PA. and FL. Never thought I had to notify any state that I had sold an item. When I bought a car or boat and I was paying cash, I am sure I would walk away if the seller insisted on seeing my drivers license which by the way now, is a state issued federal ID.
Daughter works and had an old car in DC. Car was stolen, but the thieves could not keep it running so they abandoned it. Towing and car empoundment fees were so exhorbinant that she just handed the title to the tow lot. About a month later the police come looking for her as the car was found with blood in it. They found that she was OK and thats all they were concerned about. She had taken the plate off the car when she handed over the title. She now takes the subway. regards FRED
 

Solittle

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Apr 28, 2002
Messages
7,518
Re: Selling boat in Fl information

A word of caution - until the buyer does his/her part with the paperwork the state FL still has you as the owner and therefore liable. I would meet the buyer at a title place for the actual transfer. That way you are off the hook should problems come up later.
 
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