Finally some good news for the Florida Boat Industry and for boat shoppers hoping to buy a boat here.  Florida Gov. Charlie Crist recently signed into law House Bill 7031, which offers incentives to boaters visiting Florida to stay in Florida. AND spend their dollars there.

A condensed explanation of the Bill is that it allows boaters that purchase a boat in Florida, or those who bring a boat into the state for refit or repair 180 days before being subject to the state's sales and use tax. The old law allowed just 90 days.

"Allows non-residents who purchase a boat in Florida, or bring a boat into Florida for repair or alteration, to remain in the state 180 days before becoming liable for the sales and use tax. Currently, the tax applies after 90 days. Allowing boat owners and their guests to remain in Florida waters will stimulate Florida's marine industry, as well as stimulate businesses that support the marine industry."

Some think Florida has a reputation for being an adversarial state to cruising boaters. Hopefully this new law combined with anchoring and tax laws that are beginning to show a change toward more hospitable standards will help change their minds.