Miami & Fort Lauderdale Boat Transportation Services

Local Logistics Expertise: Navigating South Florida's Waterways

Transporting a boat in the Fort Lauderdale and Miami area means navigating the densely populated Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), often called the "Venice of America." Our logistics team has specialized knowledge that saves you time and money and minimizes delays.

Expert Knowledge: Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) Management

• Bridge Restrictions: The ICW is lined with dozens of movable bridges. We factor in the specific operating schedules for key Fort Lauderdale and Miami bridges—like the 17th Street Causeway and Las Olas Bridge—to ensure your vessel is picked up and delivered during designated low-traffic, predictable opening times.
• Time-Sensitive Pickups: Moving your vessel from a New River or downtown marina often requires precise timing to align with drawbridge schedules. We coordinate with captains and marina staff to ensure minimal wait time and zero conflicts with local traffic, ensuring a smooth transition from water to trailer.
• Hurricane Season Planning: South Florida's boating calendar is defined by storm season. We provide expedited transport services during storm watches and hurricane warnings for quick evacuation from coastal marinas to secure, inland storage facilities or long-haul transport routes.

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Florida Vessel Tax & Registration Compliance (For Buyers)

If you are purchasing a boat in Miami or transporting a recently acquired vessel into Florida, understanding tax and registration rules is crucial. Our team offers general guidance to help ensure compliance from the moment your vessel is delivered.

Sales & Use Tax Considerations

• Florida Sales Tax Cap: Florida's boat sales tax is capped at $18,000, regardless of the vessel's value. This is a significant advantage for high-value yacht buyers.
• Out-of-State Use Tax: If you bought your boat in another state and bring it into Florida, you may owe a Florida Use Tax if your vessel remains in the state for more than 90 consecutive days or 183 days in a calendar year. We advise on these timeframes to help you plan your transport and avoid unexpected penalties.
• Non-Resident Exemptions: Non-residents may qualify for a tax exemption if they purchase a boat from a registered Florida dealer with the intent to remove the vessel from Florida waters within a specified timeframe. We can coordinate the transport to help you meet the removal requirements.

Vessel Registration & Titling

• 90-Day Grace Period: Non-residents with a valid out-of-state registration can use Florida waters for up to 90 days for pleasure boating. After this period, you must register the vessel in Florida.
• New Resident Requirement: If you establish Florida residency (e.g., enrolling children in school, filing for homestead), you must title and register your vessel within 30 days.
• Required Documentation: We recommend having the original title/Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO), a bill of sale, and proof of sales tax paid (if applicable) ready for your local Tax Collector’s office immediately upon delivery of your vessel.

***Disclaimer:*** Nationwide Boat Shipping provides transport services and general information only. We are not tax or legal advisors. Please consult with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) or a marine tax professional to confirm your specific tax and registration obligations.