Sojourner Registration.
If your plans include cruising to Florida this winter you need to be aware of this.
Florida requires that vessels be registered in Florida after 30 days in state. However, the state provides reciprocity for of out of state vessels. This allows you to operate your vessel in state waters for up to 90 days. There is however, a little used statue, 328.58, that provides cruising in Florida waters beyond the 90 day limit without Florida registration, the Sojourner Registration.
Why is this important? If you are stopped and are asked to produce documentation about your presence in the State, you may be required to register you boat to remain. More importantly, in your registration process, you'll be asked to produce evidence that you have paid sales tax on your vessel. Many states do not tax used boats, Florida does.
For cruisers entering Florida from the north via the ICW, Nassau County is your first Florida county at Fernandina Beach. This where I am. I spoke to the County office yesterday and got what you'll need to make this painless.
The Nassau County Tax Office is prepared to issue you the registration. The tax office is a short 5 minute walk to the county offices from the City marina.
You should read the simple instructions and complete and take the completed form with you. I have posted the forms on my website under the news page. If you are already in the State, I suggest you take the instructions and forms with you to the county offices as the workers will not likely know about this provision.
Mike
If a man must be obsessed by something, a boat is as good as anything, perhaps better than most E.B. White
