This page is about Florida
Everything below describes Florida private and casual vessel sales. Other states have their own laws and their own tax treatment, and they do not necessarily work this way.
What Is a Private or Casual Sale in Florida?
A private sale — also commonly called a casual sale — is a boat sale directly between private parties, rather than a retail boat sale through a dealer.
For example: you own your personal boat and sell it directly to another person. That is the kind of transaction we mean when we say private or casual sale.
Is a Florida Private Sale Tax-Free?
No.
A private or casual sale does not automatically eliminate Florida sales or use tax. Florida still imposes applicable sales or use tax on the vessel transfer.
Dealer Sale vs. Casual Sale: What Gets Taxed
Florida's tax collection offices state it plainly. If the vessel is purchased through a vessel dealer, sales tax is due on the vessel, the motor (inboard or outboard), the trailer, and all accessories.
If the vessel is purchased through a casual sale — no dealer involved — sales tax is due on the vessel, the inboard motor, and the trailer. An outboard motor and accessories may be exempt from sales tax if they are separately itemized and priced on the bill of sale.
Dealer sale
Tax is due on:
- Vessel
- Motor — inboard or outboard
- Trailer
- All accessories
Casual (private) sale
Tax is due on:
- Vessel
- Inboard motor
- Trailer
An outboard motor and accessories may be exempt — but only if they are separately itemized and priced on the bill of sale.
Why the Bill of Sale Matters So Much
The exemption lives and dies on the paperwork. If the outboard motor and accessories are not separately itemized and priced on the bill of sale, there is nothing to separate — and the full purchase price is treated as taxable.
- Total purchase price
- $100,000
- Vessel / hull
- $70,000
- Outboard motors
- $30,000
- Taxable vessel purchase price
- $70,000
The buyer still paid $100,000 for the complete package. The transaction documents simply identify that $70,000 of the purchase price was for the vessel/hull and $30,000 was for the outboard motors.
The motor value should be separately and accurately stated in the Bill of Sale or supporting transaction documents.