In Florida if the state issues the HIN for whatever reason it will begin with FLZ. One way the bad guys get titles for stolen boats is to say its "homemade". They fill out a statement of builder and say it's 15'9" the state issues an FLZ number HIN and Fl registration. All boats over 16' and "homemade" must be inspected by a law enforcement officer. Then the bad guy puts the numbers on the stolen Sea Ray etc. and unless he gets stopped he's home free. Our they use the boat to go to Cuba pick up people and run back leave it someplace and go get another one.
We're still trying to change the law that ALL "homemade" boat must be inspected.
Here is another group that can be helpful, I'm past president.
http://www.fmiu.org/