Need to register a Boat or Utility trailer? Follow these 6 easy steps!
1. Appointments Required / Office Locations
Appointments are required for all transactions! Visit taxcollector.com to schedule an appointment for your title/registration transfer. We only serve Manatee County residents and businesses. Limit four transactions per appointment. We have 3 convenient offices to serve you: our DeSoto office (located closest to the Island and to West and Central Bradenton), our Lakewood Ranch office (located closest to Lakewood Ranch and East Manatee County), and our North River office (located closest to Palmetto, Ellenton, and Parrish).
2. Proof of Ownership
For a Used Boat or Utility Trailer (1,999 pounds or less), you must submit one of the following:
Bill of Sale – Must contain the vehicle identification number (VIN) and other trailer details, and must be signed by the seller(s) and list the purchaser(s).
Prior Owner’s Registration and a Bill of Sale – Must be signed by the seller(s) and list the purchaser(s). If both items are presented, Bill of Sale does not need to contain the VIN as long as it is signed by the current registered owner. On newer Florida registrations, the Bill of Sale is located in the lower right hand corner.
Dealer Invoice – If purchased from a Florida Dealer.
Out-of-State Title, Registration, or Manufacturer Statement of Origin (MSO) – must show complete “chain of ownership”.
For a New Manufactured Boat or Utility Trailer (1,999 pounds or less):
Original MSO - must show a "complete chain" of ownership from dealer to dealer until assigned to you
For Homemade Trailers Never Registered - No Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) (1,999 pounds or less):
Bill of Sale with perjury clause or notary (only if purchased from the builder).
Note: If you are the builder of the trailer, all you need is a weight slip (see below).
3. Proof of Empty Weight
Submit one of the following:
Weight slip (see list of weight stations below)
Weight indicated on dealer paperwork
Weight indicated on the Out-of-State title, registration, or MSO
If previously registered in Florida, the weight listed in our system will suffice
Weigh Stations in Manatee County
County Landfill
3333 Lena Road
Bradenton, FL 34211
Phone: 941.748.5543
Port Manatee
300 Regal Cruise Way
Ste. 100
Palmetto, FL 34221
Phone:941.722.6621
4. Identification
At least one registered owner or person appointed Power of Attorney for one registered owner must be present with their valid (unexpired) state-issued Driver License/ID Card. If using a Power of Attorney form for a registered owner, you must submit a copy of the valid (unexpired) state-issued Driver License/ID Card for the registered owner who you are representing.
5. Sales Tax
For a New Manufactured Boat or Utility Trailer (1,999 pounds or less), submit one of the following:
If purchased from a Florida dealer, you must submit their Trailer Sales Tax Statement.
An invoice from the Dealer/Manufacturer showing the purchase price and sales tax collected.
If you just purchased the trailer and are unable to prove that you paid sales tax, you will be required to pay sales tax, if applicable. The sales tax rate in Manatee County is 7%.
6. Estimated Fees and Payment Methods
We accept cash, check, debit cards, and credit cards. A $2.50 processing fee for debit and a 2.5% processing fee (minimum of $2.50) for credit cards will apply. Our office does not retain any portion of this fee.
$4.60 - $65.00
Note: Estimated fees do not include sales tax and are based on annual registration fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone sell a non-titled trailer (weighing 1,999 pounds or less without registering it in their name first?
Yes. Unlike titled vehicles, the owner of a non-titled trailer does not have to register it in their name before selling it. However, they must be able to prove to the purchaser (and our office) that they are the owner by way of a "complete chain" of ownership.
The purchaser must submit to our office all ownership documents that make up the "complete chain" of ownership, including the bills of sale to each purchaser(s) to the new, current purchaser(s).
What is required if I purchased a trailer weighing 2,000 pounds or more?
Trailers weighing 2,000 pounds or more are required to be titled and registered, and additional documentation is required. For more information, read our Florida Title Transfer publication or Out-of-State Title Transfer publication. Note: If the trailer is homemade (weighing 2,000 pounds or more) and has never been titled or registered, the DMV Regional Office located in Palmetto must inspect the trailer and assign a FLT number before a Florida title and registration may be issued. Appointments are required.
DMV Regional Office
323 10th Avenue West, Suite #200
Palmetto, FL 34221
Mon to Fri 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Phone: 941.723.4551
(option 6, then option 2)
Death Scenario Transactions
Due to the many variables that may be involved with a death scenario transaction, the Manatee County Tax Collector's Office has created the Death Scenario Assistance Chart (taxcollector.jotform.com/221954883649977) - or scan the QR code to access the chart - to walk you through determining the requirements.
First Manatee South County Tag Agency
The First Manatee South County Tag Agency processes registration and title transactions for vehicles, boats, and mobile homes, as well as parking permits. This office does not offer driver license, hunting and fishing, or property tax services.
It offers extended hours (9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday) and Saturday hours (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Appointments are available but not required. To schedule an appointment, visit the auto tag agency website (autotagagency.net). It is located in Southwood Shoppes at 5756 14th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34207. Their phone number is (941) 782-6050.
This office accepts cash, check, and debit. A 3.5% fee will be charged on all check transactions to guarantee funds and on all debit transactions as a processing fee. An additional $20 fast title fee applies to titles printed on-site.
The First Manatee South County Tag Agency is a privately owned office operating under the authority granted by the Manatee County Tax Collector's Office.
Non-Manatee County residents
Not a Manatee County Resident? Out-of-County residents can only be served at First Manatee South County Tag Agency, located at 5756 14th St W, Bradenton, FL 34207. You can contact that office at 941.782.6050 or visit the auto tag agency website (autotagagency.net) for more information.
the Manatee County Tax Collector's Office has created the Death Scenario Assistance Chart (taxcollector.jotform.com/221954883649977) - or scan the QR code to access the chart - to walk you through determining the requirements.