FL Registration Numbers • FWC Rules

Florida Boat Registration Numbers

Registering a boat in Florida? Your FL number goes on both sides of the bow, and your validation decal goes on the port side only. Here is exactly how Florida wants it displayed, so you can order your numbers once and get them right.

Design Your FL Numbers

Florida Registration Number Requirements

Florida boats are registered through your county tax collector’s office, and the rules are set by the FWC. Your number must be:

  • Painted on or permanently attached to each side of the forward half of the boat
  • Plain vertical block characters at least 3 inches tall
  • A color that contrasts with the hull so the number is clearly legible
  • A space or hyphen the width of a letter between groups
  • Reads left to right on both sides
  • Displayed on the forward half of the boat on both sides, above the waterline
  • Remove any decal that is no longer valid when you put on the new one
FL 1234 AB

Sources: FWC Boating Regulations, 33 CFR 173.27. Rules can change, so confirm with the FWC before you install.

Havin' Fun Naples, FL Boat Lettering

Where the Florida Registration Sticker Goes

Port (left) side only. The Florida validation decal goes on the port side of the boat, within 6 inches of the registration number, either before or after it and in line with the number.

The starboard (right) side gets the registration number by itself.

Coast Guard Documented Vessels

Coast Guard documented vessels don’t display an FL number. If a documented vessel needs Florida registration, it displays the Florida decal on the port side, and the decal may go on a port-side window or windshield instead of the hull.

Common Florida Registration Number Mistakes

  • Script, italic or outlined fonts. Florida requires plain block characters.
  • Numbers smaller than 3 inches. Measure the finished height, not the font size.
  • Missing spaces or hyphens between FL, the numbers and the suffix.
  • Low contrast, like silver on a white hull or navy on a dark blue hull.
  • Sticker in the wrong spot. Check the placement rule above before you apply your numbers so there's room for it.

Custom Florida Registration Numbers

Enter your FL number in our design area, choose a legal block font and a color that stands out on your hull, and preview it before you buy. All of our vinyl is laminated for extra protection from sun and salt.

Boating on Florida’s Gulf Coast? During our Naples season (October to April) we install lettering within 50 miles of our Naples location. Contact us to schedule.

Design Your FL Numbers

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Florida registration sticker go on both sides?

No. Florida uses one validation decal, placed on the port (left) side within 6 inches of the registration number, before or after it.

Do Florida registration numbers have to be above the waterline?

Yes. FWC requires the numbers on both sides of the forward half of the boat, above the waterline, in block letters at least 3 inches high that contrast with the hull.

How big do Florida boat registration numbers need to be?

At least 3 inches tall in plain block characters, on both sides of the forward half of the boat, in a color that contrasts with the hull.

Can I order Florida registration numbers online?

Yes. Use our online design area to enter your FL number, pick a legal block font, size and color, and preview both sides before you order. We offer 24 hour turnaround on orders placed Monday through Friday.

Registration Number Rules in Other States

California CFGeorgia GAMichigan MCMinnesota MNNew York NYNorth Carolina NCOregon ORTexas TXWashington WNWisconsin WS

See the full boat registration numbers guide for federal requirements, formatting and installation tips.