Each vessel that is operated, used, or stored on the waters of this state must display a commercial or recreational Florida registration number, unless it is:
(1) A vessel operated, used, and stored exclusively on private lakes and ponds;(2) A vessel owned by the United States Government;(3) A vessel used exclusively as a ship's lifeboat;(4) A non-motor-powered vessel less than 16 feet in length or a non-motor-powered canoe, kayak, racing shell, or rowing scull, regardless of length;(5) A federally documented vessel;(6) A vessel already covered by a registration number in full force and effect which has been awarded to it pursuant to a federally approved numbering system of another state or by the United States Coast Guard in a state without a federally approved numbering system, if the vessel has not been within this state for a period in excess of 90 consecutive days;(7) A vessel operating under a valid temporary certificate of number;(8) A vessel from a country other than the United States temporarily using the waters of this state; or(9) An undocumented vessel used exclusively for racing.s. 1, ch. 59-399; ss. 2, 3, ch. 61-511; s. 1, ch. 65-361; s.52, ch. 95-333; s.56, ch. 96-413; s.15, ch. 99-289; s.27, ch. 2000-362; s.3, ch. 2008-106; s.24, ch. 2009-86.Former s. 371.131; s. 327.15.