Do i have to pay the state to live aboard my boat?

Question

if i anchor offshore do i have to pay any fees to the state of florida. are there any regulations i need to know about?

Answer 1

If you are anchored in the waters of a country then you live by their rules and pay their taxes. You will have to go out a few miles and you should be OK (untill of course you leave international waters and go home!!)

Answer 2

Nels N has my vote.  He is dead on the spot.  I live in Destin, just a few miles away and we don't have to pay the state anything at all to liveaboard.  Destin Harbor issues a "cruising permit" that allows 15 days for 10 dollars.  Panama City has no fees whatsoever.  Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Anchor Island area charge a city "anchorage fee" but it is only a few dollars.  Remember to NOT use the term liveaboard.  You are either a Transient or a Cruiser.  The State has been trying for years to legislate liveaboards to no avail.  They mainly leave it to the city to determine what is in their best interests.  I hope this expands your knowledge a little more

Answer 3

You still have to have it registered with the state where you live.  Even if you anchor off-shore.

Answer 4

It depends on where you are, who notices you, how long you stay, etc.  It is getting harder and harder in Florida to find places where you can anchor for extended periods.  We anchored for quite some time at Fort Myers Beach a few years ago and no one asked any questions.   We also spent a few months at the Venoy Basin in St. Pete's.  You need to be a little careful about the term "liveaboard" in Florida.  Many now call themselves "full time cruisers" or something like that.  You may not want to ask the question of any "powers that be" because you may open a can of worms.  I know this may not help you a great deal, but it is food for thought.  Best of luck with your plans, though. Living aboard is a great lifestyle.

Answer 5

As I understand it, no.  You can live on a boat at no cost in fees to the State of Florida.  Registering the boat carries fees, but costs no more if you live aboard.  I live in Florida and have considered the same thing.  A member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary also tells me you can put out a mooring buoy at no charge, and as long as you stay out of navigable channels and wildlife managed areas with it, you're fine.  

Certain cities and counties have enacted regulations like, no anchoring overnight for boats under 45'.  Some of these regulations have been successfully challenged in court, but there are still a lot of harrassment regulations on the books.  I imagine that local game wardens would know the regulations, or at know where to look.  Normally you could just move a few miles down the coast, and city/county regulations will no longer be an issue.  In the Panama City area where I live, you don't need to worry.

Though you shouldn't have to pay the state fees, there are costs to consider.  Sewage pump out, water, and fuel/solar/wind power are all costs that you should consider.  You may want boat insurance as well.  I understand that boat insurance is fairly reasonable, even in Florida's 'hurricane alley'.  

Of course you'll want to keep up with Coast Guard regulations, i.e. lifejackets, signaling gear, proper marking lights, approved fire extinguishers, and so on.  It sounds daunting at first, but there are easy to understand publications that should get you started.  A courtesy inspection from the Coast Guard will point out deficiencies without the consequences if they board you and check.  

If you plan to sail/motor,  I'd strongly suggest taking a Coast Guard safe boating course.  The cost is reasonable, and there is a lot of good information, even if you're already knowledgeable.  

Fair winds and following seas.  --NNN