Foreign Boats in US waters

[AOWYN]

I'm looking for details of the rules on a UK resident keeping a boat in Florida, in particular, the rules on how long a British registered vessel can stay.

All help will be much appreciated.

 

[DaveNTL]

If you're bringing the boat in you can apply for a cruising permit. There are then restrictions on how long the vessel can stay in the USA.

If you're buying the boat in the USA you can apply for a 'user fee decal' - $25 - then the boat doesn't have to leave the USA and you can leave / enter the USA to Canada, Mexico and most of the Caribbean and re-enter. You can also do this if you fly in on the 90 day visa and use the little green card you get at immigration to go in and out to the above countries.

Most details can be found HERE for cruising permit and HERE for 'user decals'

 

[DaveNTL]

Just to add specifically about the British registered vessel - I bought my boat in the USA, it was a USA 'coast guard documented vessel'.

The previous owner de-registered it, sold it to me, I part 3 British registered it and then got a USA user fee decal.

So now the boat stays here, we fly in and out on the 90 day visa waiver scheme and robert is your mothers brother!

 

[AOWYN]

Thanks for incredibly helpful response.

I will study later tonight, after dinner, and perhaps get back to you by Private Message if that is OK

Bernard

 

[DaveNTL]

No problem with a Private Message.