The Florida yacht market is shifting in 2026. Learn why boat sales have slowed, what’s driving the market reset, and what buyers and sellers should expect.

Buying a boat is exciting — but few topics generate more confusion, misinformation, and costly mistakes than sales tax on a boat. Every year, buyers are surprised to learn that sales or use tax applies when they buy through a dealer, broker, or purchase from a private seller. They think they can simply register the vessel in another state, or they wrongly assume boats are treated differently than the sale of other assets, like cars.

Buying your first powerboat is an exciting milestone, especially in Florida where year-round boating, fishing, and family cruising are...