Legal Question in Admiralty Law in Florida

Under these circumstances, you have a federal maritime lien for storage. Enforcement of a maritime lien against a vessel requires the vessel be arrested by U.S. Marshals, after an in rem lawsuit is filed in federal court. Assuming that the federal judge determines the storage claim to be valid, a maritime lien will exist and the boat may be sold at a US Marshall's auction and title transferred to the buyer through a US Marshall's Bill of Sale. You may not be the buyer, nor may the sale generate sufficient funds to pay the storage and cost judgment, but you could credit bid to the extent of your judgment if you want the vessel. The concern with this procedure is the expense involved and cost of a vessel arrest may easily exceed $ 10,000 to $15,000.00, including costs and attorney's fees, even when the claim is undisputed by the vessel owner. www.BoatLawyer.com

Chapter 705 of the Florida Statutes covers abandoned property.