FL H0475

Creates the "Uniform Certificate of Title for Vessels Act" in Florida, establishing comprehensive requirements for vessel titling, including application procedures, certificate contents, and title brands for hull-damaged vessels

Requires vessel owners to apply for certificate of title within 30 days of ownership transfer or when Florida becomes the state of principal use, with exemptions for documented vessels, barges, government-owned vessels, and dealer inventory

Establishes security interest perfection procedures through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, requiring delivery of title applications identifying secured parties, with perfection occurring upon delivery and fee payment

Provides for transfer of ownership through signed certificates, secured party transfer statements, and transfers by operation of law (death, divorce, bankruptcy, court orders), with specific procedures for each method

Takes effect July 1, 2023, with transition provisions allowing security interests perfected before the effective date to remain valid for up to three years or until they would have otherwise ceased