Does a storage facility need to provide a title for an abandoned boat sale?

Full question:

Does a storage facility have to provide a title for a boat that is sold as abandoned or does the purchaser have to apply for a lost title?

Answer:

In Florida, a vessel must be titled before it can be sold. According to Florida law, a person cannot sell a vessel without providing a valid certificate of title, which must be transferred to the new owner (Fla. Stat. § 328.03). This means that if a storage facility sells a boat deemed abandoned, they are typically required to deliver the title to the purchaser.

If the title is not available, the purchaser may need to apply for a lost title. However, it is important to note that the seller must still ensure that the title is transferred properly to comply with state law.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

If you find an abandoned boat, you should report it to local authorities or the Coast Guard. They can help determine ownership and whether the boat is truly abandoned. You may not be able to take possession of the boat until its status is clarified, as there are laws governing abandoned vessels.