Florida Title & Registration Guide
Complete guide to Florida vehicle titling, registration, fees, taxes, lien laws, and official forms. Maintained by Illinois Title Services.
Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles
2900 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32399
850.617.2000
Title & Proof of Ownership
Motor vehicles, autonomous vehicles, motorcycles, autocycles, vessels, and trailers must be titled, unless exempt. OHVs purchased after July 1, 2002 and all OHVs operated on public lands must be titled. Mopeds, trailers with a net weight of less than 2,000 lbs., slide-in campers, motorized and disability access vehicles, transporters, government-owned vessels, federally-documented vessels, non-motorized vessels less than 16 feet in length, and vessels used exclusively on private lakes and ponds are exempt.
Mobile & Modular Homes
Mobile and modular homes must be titled unless permanently affixed to real property owned by the same person — one title is issued for each mobile home unit; however, modular homes are considered one unit and one title is issued regardless of the number of MCOs. All mobile homes or RVs with the body type of "HS" permanently affixed to the owner's land, declared as real property, may permanently retire the title. A Real Property (RP) decal must be issued prior to retiring the title(s). Decals are $3.00.
Application for Title
Application for Certificate of Title (82040MV for vehicles, 82040MH for mobile homes, or 82040VS for vessels) is filed with the local County Tax Collector. An Application for Multiple Certificates of Title with/without Registrations (82039) may be used by companies making application for multiple Florida titles. All owners must sign application. Valid identification required. Titles are held electronically, unless otherwise specified.
All fees are for electronic titles; add $2.50 when paper title is issued. Allow 3–4 weeks to receive a paper title. An additional $2.00 lien recording fee may also apply. A $0.50 branch fee may be charged for each title issued through a County Tax Collector. A $2.00 Motor Vehicle Warranty (lemon law) fee is imposed on the sale or rental of each new motor vehicle in Florida*. Add $8.00 if last titled or registered outside Florida; $4.00 for vessels. All online payment transactions will include a non-refundable convenience fee. Florida has an online Vehicle Information Check.
| Fee Type | Motor Vehicle | For Hire | Mobile Home | Rec. MV | OHV | Vessel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original title | $77.25 | $56.25 | $76.25 | $78.25 | $37.25 | $5.25 |
| Transfer title | $75.25 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Lien only | $74.25 | — | — | — | — | $1.00/lien |
| Fast Title (additional) | $10.00 | $10.00 | $10.00 | $10.00 | $7.00 | $5.00 |
* New vehicles sold by an out-of-state dealer or manufacturer, non-motorized vehicles, motorcycles, mopeds, ORVs, vessels, and trucks over 10,000 lbs. GVW are exempt from the $2.00 lemon law fee. If vehicle is to be removed from Florida and not titled or registered in Florida, a Motor Vehicle Warranty Fee Return (DR-35) must be submitted to the DOR with the fee.
Electronic Signatures
Computer generated, laser-printed, or original stamped signatures are acceptable on applications for title, affidavits, etc.; however, they are not acceptable for odometer disclosure. Only insurers making odometer disclosures in connection with total loss transactions and dealers or manufacturers may submit electronically signed forms for odometer disclosure. The electronic signatures on odometer disclosures must meet the National Institute of Standards and Technology Assurance Level 2 requirements. Remote Online Notarization (RON) is accepted on FLHSMV forms. RON is not acceptable when a physical inspection of the VIN is required. A computer-generated signature is not accepted on a lien satisfaction.
Proof of Ownership
New Vehicles
Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin. A dealer's bill of sale is required if purchased in a state where MCO is not required. A duplicate MCO is only accepted if accompanied by an affidavit on dealer letterhead stating the original MCO was lost or destroyed and has not been submitted with an application for title in any state or when the original MCO was previously submitted to FLHSMV in error or as a new car non-delivery.
Used Vehicles
Certificate of title.
Non-Title Issuing Jurisdiction
Registration and bill of sale.
Government Surplus Vehicles
U.S. Government Certificate to Obtain Title to a Vehicle (SF97-1).
Foreign Vehicles
Foreign ownership documents plus an Entry Summary (CBP 7501), a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety, Bumper and Theft Prevention Standards Declaration (NHTSA HS-7), and bill of sale. Documents written in a language other than English must be accompanied by a notarized written English translation. Translator must state they are fluent in the two languages, translates documents as a normal course of business, and the translation is accurate.
Surrender of Proof of Ownership: Required. Documents are not returned to state of issue; however, Florida provides data to and inquiries NMVTIS prior to issuing new titles.
Insufficient Evidence of Ownership
If title is in the possession of an out-of-state lienholder, the lienholder must be contacted to request the title be transferred to Florida. A Registration of a Vehicle/Vessel with an Out-of-State Title and Lien (83060) may be used. If the lienholder refuses, a refusal letter on lienholder letterhead with a copy of the title are required to apply for registration.
If applicant is unable to obtain ownership documents, bonded title procedure must be followed. See below.
Odometer Disclosure Statement
The purchaser and seller must acknowledge odometer disclosure on all title transactions. Vehicles with a model year of 2010 or older, trailers and other vehicles without odometer devices, and trucks over 16,000 lbs. GVW are exempt. A Separate Odometer Disclosure Statement and Acknowledgment (82993) may be used.
VIN/HIN Inspection
Required for used motor vehicles and trailers with a net weight of 2,000 lbs. or more to be titled in Florida for the first time, for state-assigned VINs, for stolen recovered vehicles, and when original VIN has been lost, stolen, or mutilated. A Vehicle Identification Number and Odometer Verification (82042) must be verified by a law enforcement officer, military police officer, licensed Florida dealer, county tax collector employee, or Division of Motorist Services Compliance Examiner. Recreational trailers, OHVs, and vessels are exempt.
Special Titles
Bonded Title
Applicants unable to obtain a valid title completed for transfer from the prior owner may apply for a bonded title. An Affidavit to Accompany Application for Bonded Title (82026), a Title Surety Bond for a Motor Vehicle (82033), a Vehicle Identification Number and Odometer Verification (82042), must be submitted with the application for title and proper fees. Bond must be equal to twice the retail value of the vehicle and expires three years from effective date. Bonded titles may not be issued to vehicles with an electronic title, vehicles with a model year of 2011 or newer, vehicles more than 29 model years old, vehicles titled out of state, vehicles with an NMVTIS record other than Florida, vehicles with a lien, vessels, mobile homes, RVs, OHVs, and trucks 8,000 lbs. or more net weight.
Salvage / Stolen Vehicle
A vehicle is considered a total loss when the insurer pays the owner to replace the wrecked or damaged vehicle with one of like kind and quality or upon payment of a theft claim; or when the estimated cost of repair is at least 80% or more of the current retail value. A late model vehicle (seven model years or newer) with a retail value of at least $7,500 and an estimated cost of repair equal to 90% or more of the current retail value will be declared unrebuildable and a Certificate of Destruction will be issued. An insurer must apply for a Salvage Certificate of Title or Certificate of Destruction. Title must be surrendered within 72 hours of receipt and NMVTIS must be notified.
Rebuilt Vehicle
Vehicles must be in their rebuilt state prior to applying for a rebuilt title. Applications are submitted to the FLHSMV Bureau of Dealer Services (BDS) Regional Office or a Private Rebuilt Vehicle Inspection Program (PRVIP) facility. Proof of ownership, original bills of sale or receipts for major component parts, photographs, and a Statement of Builder (84490) must be submitted. Fee is $40.00 for inspection plus $75.25 title fee.
Junk Vehicle
When a motor vehicle or mobile home is declared "Junk" by the owner or insurance company, the title must be surrendered with the notation "Junked" and the signature of the owner or insurer. A Certificate of Destruction is issued upon payment of a $7.25 fee; add $10.00 if previously titled in another state.
Derelict Vehicle / Vessel
A derelict motor vehicle is any motor vehicle or mobile home valued under $1,000 ($5,000 for trailers) that is at least 10 model years old and is in such a condition that its highest value is for sale or delivery to a licensed salvage motor vehicle dealer or secondary metals recycler. An Application for an Original/Duplicate Derelict Motor Vehicle Certificate and Request to Cancel Title (82137) must be submitted with a fee of $5.50. Intentionally dumping a vessel may result in a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.
Abandoned Vehicle / Vessel
When a motor vehicle or vessel has been abandoned and towed, it may be sold at public sale to satisfy towing and storage charges if not claimed by the owner or lienholder. A person who finds an abandoned vessel must first report it to law enforcement to determine the owner. If the vessel is not claimed, law enforcement may transfer it to the finder with a bill of sale and evidence of the investigation.
Title Only
The Non-Use and Other Certifications section of the application for title must be checked certifying that the vehicle will not be operated on the streets and highways of Florida until properly registered.
Duplicate / Corrected Title
When a title is lost, stolen, or destroyed, the owner or lienholder may submit an Application for Duplicate or Lost in Transit/Reassignment (82101) with the title fee. Duplicate title fee is $75.25; $23.25 for OHVs, $6.00 for vessels. Fee is $150.50 for duplicate with transfer; $11.25 for vessels. "Duplicate Copy" will be plainly marked across the title.
Title Brands
Brands are shown on the face of the Florida title in the Primary Brand and Secondary Brand fields. Brands from out of state are forwarded onto Florida titles.
Lien Law
One lien may be entered on the Application for Title by Purchaser section of the title or on the application for title and submitted to County Tax Collector. Additional liens may be filed on an Application for Notice of Lien (82139). Current Florida title must be submitted, if applicable. The lien is perfected as of the date of filing the notice of lien. Fee is $74.25 for a lien add; $53.25 for a for-hire vehicle, $34.25 for OHVs, $6.25 for vessels.
Lien Expiration
Lien remains valid until satisfied by the lienholder or court order.
Responsible Party for Filing
All valid liens must be recorded properly on the application for title. It is the dealer's responsibility to apply for title and note the lien on dealer sales.
Assignment of Lien
Title must be submitted, unless held electronically, with an Application for Reassignment of Lien (82139) and a fee of $78.25 for an assignment of lien (owner to another owner); $75.25 for title and reassignment of lien (lienholder to another lienholder); or $34.25 for OHVs.
UCC Filings
The Florida Secured Transaction Registry is a privatized UCC filing and retrieval system. Contact FloridaUCC, LLC, 2002 Old Saint Augustine Road, Building D, Tallahassee, FL 32301, 850.222.8526, [email protected]. Online filing available.
Labor / Service / Storage Lien
A repair shop or tow company may claim a lien for labor, services, or reasonable towing and storage fees and may enforce the lien by sale of the vehicle. A Notice of Lien must be sent to the owner(s) and lienholder(s) by certified mail through an approved service provider within seven business days after the date on which storage charges begin to accrue but not less than 30 days prior to the sale of the vehicle.
A person regularly engaged in the business of transporting motor vehicles/vessels that recovers, removes, or stores a vehicle/vessel may claim a lien for reasonable towing and storage fees. The tow company must notify local law enforcement within 30 minutes of the vehicle/vessel arriving at the storage facility. Detailed procedures vary based on vehicle age and value.
Release of Lien
Lienholder must deliver the properly released title to the owner and a Lien Satisfaction (82260) must be sent to the Department within 10 days* of satisfaction of the lien. If the title shows a subsequent lien, the first lienholder must provide to the owner a properly completed lien satisfaction for the first lien and the title must be forwarded to the Department within 10 days* of satisfaction.
* Thirty days for vessels.
Electronic Lien & Titling (ELT) Program
Requires mandatory participation from lenders who regularly engage in the business of financing vehicles/vessels. Lenders must contract with a third-party service provider. Lien notifications and satisfactions are transmitted electronically between the Department and the lienholder. All titles are held electronically until the owner or lienholder requests a printed title. Fee $2.50 to request a paper title via mail, or $4.50 online. Allow 3–4 weeks to receive title. Fee $10.00 for expedited title.
Lien Records on File
Central office of the FLHSMV.
Title on Which a Lien is Shown
Held electronically unless a printed title is requested. Printed titles are mailed to the lienholder, or to the owner if lienholder so designates on the Application for Notice of Lien (82139).
Transfer of Title
Transfer is accomplished by assignment of title. A lien release is required to transfer title on private party sales if there is an existing lien on the vehicle. Transfer must be applied for within 30 days to avoid a penalty of $20.00; $10.00 for OHVs and vessels. New residents moving into Florida have 10 days to title and register vehicles. Sellers must file the Notice of Sale on the back of the title or a Notice of Sale and/or Bill of Sale (82050).
Damage Disclosure
Dealers must disclose any damage to a new motor vehicle when the cost to the dealer exceeds 3.0% of the MSRP or $650.00, whichever is less. Dealers must disclose in writing if a vehicle has been branded.
Add / Remove a Party
If a lien is recorded on the title, the lienholder must provide a statement on lienholder letterhead authorizing the addition or removal of the party and the transfer of the lien to the new owner(s). The removal/addition of a party from a title in which the names are joined by "and" is taxable. The removal of one party from a title in which the names are joined by "or" is sales tax exempt.
Joint Ownership
When names are joined by "or", the vehicle is held in joint tenancy and one signature is required to transfer or encumber the vehicle. When names are joined by "and", all signatures are required. Tenancy by the Entirety (ownership recorded in the names of a married couple) or With Rights of Survivorship may be indicated on the title application.
Notarization
Not required for title transfer in Florida.
Deceased Owner
A copy of the death certificate and a copy of the Will, if available, are required for all transfers upon death unless names are joined by "or". If names are joined by "or", surviving co-owner receives all rights. If names are joined by "and", the surviving spouse of the deceased co-owner receives the decedent's interest. If names are followed by "with Rights of Survivorship", the surviving co-owner receives all rights.
An Application for Surviving Spouse Transfer of Florida Certificate of Title for a Motor Vehicle (82152) must be submitted with an original or certified copy of the death certificate. Title fee does not apply. Registration fees are due at time of title transfer unless spouse certifies that the vehicle will not be operated in Florida until properly registered.
Transfer on Death (TOD)
There is no procedure to add beneficiaries to a title in Florida.
Power of Attorney
A secure Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney/Odometer Disclosure (82995) must be used when odometer disclosure is required and title is held by a lienholder or is lost/destroyed and is not available for disclosure. A general or limited POA, or a Power of Attorney for a Motor Vehicle, Mobile Home or Vessel (82053) may be used otherwise.
Limited Assignment Space
When all dealer reassignments have been used, a dealer may reassign the title by using a separate dealer reassignment form, such as a Motor Vehicle Dealer Title Reassignment Supplement (82994). A Reassignment Supplement to a Certificate of Title (82091) may be used by a licensed dealer on odometer-exempt vehicles. Individuals must apply for title in their name prior to transfer.
Repossession
Upon default in the terms of a security agreement or other instrument, the secured party may take possession of the vehicle without judicial process, if it proceeds without a breach of the peace. A Notice to Surrender Motor Vehicle/Vessel (82192) must be completed by the lienholder and sent to the owner. Failure to surrender the vehicle will result in the owner being placed on a list that prevents the issuance of license plates, revalidation stickers, or replacement plates/decals.
Requirements
- The motor vehicle/vessel must be in the possession of the repossessor and the title record must show the lien
- The repossessor must apply for title and check the Repossession Declaration on the title application
- At least five days prior to selling the repossessed vehicle, any subsequent lienholder named on the title must be sent a Repossession Notice to Subsequent Lienholder (82048) by certified mail
- To transfer the vehicle to a new owner, the title must be assigned by the lienholder to the purchaser
- To transfer a vessel, the title must be submitted with an application for title, a copy of the contract or court order, and an Affidavit for Transfer/Sale on a Repossessed Vessel (87008)
Out-of-State Repossession
If the vehicle is titled in Florida with an out-of-state lienholder, the lienholder must apply for title. If the vehicle is titled out of state with a Florida lienholder, and the vehicle was repossessed in Florida, the lienholder must apply for Florida title and have a VIN verification. If the vehicle is titled out of state with an out-of-state lienholder, the Florida applicant must apply for title, have a VIN verification, and submit an out-of-state affidavit of repossession.
Registration
All motor vehicles, autonomous vehicles, trailers, motorcycles, mopeds, vessels, and manufactured homes are registered. Slide-in campers, ATVs, ORVs, farm tractors/trailers, federally-owned vessels, non-motorized vessels less than 16 feet in length, lifeboats, and non-motorized canoes, kayaks, racing shells, and rowing sculls are exempt.
Application for Registration
Made to any Motor Vehicle Service Center. Registration or rental/lease document must be carried in the vehicle/vessel. Proof of identification required. New residents must obtain Florida registration and license plates within 10 days of establishing residency.
Nonresidents
Nonresidents may operate their vehicles in Florida with proper registration issued by home state or country, with reciprocity. Nonresident motor vehicles operated for hire and commercial vehicles operated in Florida must be registered in Florida. Nonresident recreational vehicles and mobile homes located in Florida for six consecutive months must be registered in Florida. Vessels used in Florida for more than 90 days must be registered in Florida.
Expiration
Most vehicles expire the last day of the month preceding the owner's birth month. Vessels expire in owner's birth month. Company-owned vehicles/vessels and manufacturer plates expire June 30. Mobile homes not owned by a natural person, heavy trucks 8,000 lbs. and over, semitrailers, and buses expire December 31. Fleet registrations expire in June or December. IRP registrations are assigned a renewal month between January and October. Dealer plates expire concurrently with the licensing period.
Delinquent Registration Fees
Imposed when applicant fails to renew their registration by the 11th calendar day of the month following the month in which the renewal registration was due.
| License Tax Range | Delinquent Fee |
|---|---|
| $5.00 to $25.00 | $5.00 |
| Over $25.00 to $50.00 | $10.00 |
| Over $50.00 to $100.00 | $15.00 |
| Over $100.00 to $400.00 | $50.00 |
| Over $400.00 to $600.00 | $100.00 |
| Over $600.00 and up | $250.00 |
Plates
One plate issued; two plates for trucks weighing 26,001 lbs. and over. Plates remain with owner or may be surrendered to a Motor Vehicle Service Center. License plates for private passenger cars and light trucks under 5,000 lbs. are transferable to similar lesser weight vehicles.
Military Registration
100% disabled veterans, ex-POWs, Pearl Harbor survivors, and Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, and Gold Star surviving spouse or parent are eligible for a military or specialty license plate without payment of the license tax. Active Florida National Guard members are eligible for one tax-free license plate registration or renewal per year. Nonresident military personnel are not required to title their vehicles in Florida.
IRP
Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Division of Motorist Services, Bureau of Commercial Vehicle and Driver Services, 2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS 62, Tallahassee, FL 32399-6552, 850.617.3711. Renewals and most supplements may be filed online.
Taxes
Sales / Use Tax
6.0%
State Sales Tax
3.0%
New Mobile Homes
$18,000
Max Vessel Tax
State Sales/Use Tax
6.0% is collected on sales price; 3.0% for new mobile homes. Credit allowed for trade-in of a motor vehicle, mobile home, or vessel. Credit is allowed for a like tax paid to another state or U.S. territory. Credit is not allowed for taxes paid to a foreign country. Dealer sales to nonresidents are taxable in an amount equal to the sales tax imposed in purchaser's state of residence, not to exceed 6.0%. The maximum total sales tax and discretionary sales surtax to be collected on a vessel is $18,000.
Discretionary Sales Surtax (DSS)
A Discretionary Sales Surtax (DSS) is imposed in most counties on the first $5,000 of the sales price. Nonresidents are exempt. Current DSS rates are available online.
Exemptions
Vehicles purchased in another state six months or more prior to being brought into Florida are exempt sales tax, provided the owner was subject to tax in the other state. Trailers purchased for exclusive use in agricultural production and transport are exempt. OHVs used exclusively on a farm or in a forest for agricultural purposes are exempt. Vehicles received due to inheritance, as a gift, or awarded in a court order are exempt. Enrolled members of the Miccosukee or Seminole Tribe of Florida are exempt when sale and delivery take place on tribal trust land or reservation.
Nonresident Partial Exemption
Motor vehicles purchased by nonresidents in a casual sale are subject to the partial exemption if the motor vehicle is to be licensed in their home state within 45 days and an Affidavit for Partial Exemption of Motor Vehicle Sold for Licensing in Another State (DR-123) is completed. If the vehicle is transported by a common carrier, licensed exporter, or freight forwarder for shipment to another state or overseas, the vehicle is exempt from sales and use tax.
Property Tax
None. Mobile homes permanently affixed to land are taxed annually as real property. Mobile homes that are not affixed must either pay an annual registration fee or must be assessed annually as tangible personal property.
Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax
Vehicles 55,000 lbs. GVW or more must provide proof of filing, payment of, or exemption from tax.
Registration / Plate Fees
Important Notes
- •A $225.00 Initial Registration Fee is imposed upon the initial registration of private automobiles, trucks 5,000 lbs. or less, motor homes, and truck campers when an appropriate registration is not being transferred to a newly purchased vehicle and a new license plate is being purchased.
- •Fees include EMS, reflectorization, FRVIS, Juvenile Justice, Decal on Demand, Air Pollution Control, Law Enforcement Radio, Transportation Disadvantaged, State Transportation Surcharge, Advanced Replacement, Accident Records, Service Charge, and State Transportation fees.
- •A $0.50 branch fee is required if processing through a County Branch Office.
- •Plates must be replaced every 10 years. Add $28.00 when plates are to be issued.
- •If plates or decals are mailed, a $5.70 plate or $1.00 decal mailing fee is required.
- •Vehicles may be renewed for one or two years.
Motor Vehicle Registration Fees
| Vehicle Type | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Automobiles under 2,500 lbs. | $27.60 |
| Automobiles 2,500–3,499 lbs. | $35.60 |
| Automobiles 3,500 lbs. or more | $45.60 |
| Trucks under 2,000 lbs. | $27.60 |
| Trucks 2,000–3,000 lbs. | $35.60 |
| Trucks 3,001–5,000 lbs. | $45.60 |
| Motorcycles/autocycles | $24.10 |
| Mopeds | $19.10 |
| Truck campers, motor homes under 4,500 lbs. | $38.60 |
| Truck campers, motor homes 4,500 lbs. or more | $58.85 |
| Travel trailers up to 35 feet | $38.60 |
| Travel trailers over 35 feet | $36.60 |
| Camp trailers | $25.10 |
| Private use trailers under 500 lbs. | $18.35 |
| Semitrailers drawn by GVW truck-tractors | $25.10 |
| Permanent semitrailers drawn by GVW truck-tractors | $101.80 |
| Transporters | $112.85 |
| Antiques | $20.60 or $21.60 for motorcycles |
| Hearses/ambulances | $52.10 |
| Dealer plates | $55.60 |
Truck-Tractors & Wreckers (by GVW)
| Weight Range | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| 5,001–5,999 lbs. | $72.35 |
| 6,000–7,999 lbs. | $99.35 |
| 8,000–9,999 lbs. | $114.60 |
| 10,000–14,999 lbs. | $139.60 |
| 15,000–19,999 lbs. | $198.60 |
| 20,000–25,999 lbs. | $272.60 |
| 26,000–34,999 lbs. | $345.60 |
| 35,000–43,999 lbs. | $426.60 |
| 44,000–54,999 lbs. | $794.60* |
| 55,000–61,999 lbs. | $937.60* |
| 62,000–71,999 lbs. | $1,101.60 |
| 72,000 lbs. or more | $1,343.60 |
* Subtract $1.00 for wreckers.
Vessels
| Vessel Length | State Fee | Optional County Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 12 ft. and motorized canoes | $5.50 | $1.75 |
| 12 ft. to less than 16 ft. | $16.25 | $7.13 |
| 16 ft. to less than 26 ft. | $28.75 | $13.37 |
| 26 ft. to less than 40 ft. | $78.25 | $38.13 |
| 40 ft. to less than 65 ft. | $127.75 | $62.88 |
| 65 ft. to less than 110 ft. | $152.75 | $75.38 |
| 110 ft. or more | $189.75 | $93.88 |
| Dealer classification | $25.50 | $11.75 |
An additional $2.25 service fee and a $0.50 FRVIS fee are charged. A $50.00 Commercial Vessel License Fee is required for all nonresident commercial vessels. Certain counties have elected to impose an optional county fee.
OHVs
Not registered; however, during titling process, a decal is produced for placement on the OHV. Fee $9.25, plus $0.50 branch fee, and $1.00 mail fee, if applicable.
Plate Transfer Fee
$4.10. An additional $4.50 transfer fee is required for any plate transferred to or from a vehicle other than a passenger car or truck less than 5,000 lbs. Fee $1.00 to transfer a vessel registration.
Lost Plate / Decal
An Application for Replacement License Plate, Validation Decal or Parking Permit (83146) must be submitted with a fee of $28.00 for duplicate plates. Stolen plates or decals will be replaced at no cost if accompanied by a copy of the police report.
Official Forms & Resources
Links to official Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) forms and resources. Title and registration transactions are processed through the local County Tax Collector.
Florida Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles
Address:
2900 Apalachee Parkway
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Helpful Links
FLHSMV — Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles
Main resource for titling and registration
FLHSMV Online Services
Title status, registration renewal, and more
Vehicle Information Check
Check vehicle title, lien, and registration status
FLHSMV Forms Library
All Florida motor vehicle forms and applications
County Tax Collector Locator
Find your local County Tax Collector for title & registration
Florida Highway Patrol
Enforcement and commercial vehicle information
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Lease Information
Lease vehicles are subject to the same requirements as privately-owned vehicles. Titles are issued in the name of the lessor. Registration is issued in the name of the lessee, unless vehicle's class code is not lessee/registrant possible. A copy of the lease agreement must accompany registration documents. Leased vehicles pay "For Hire" registration fees.
Motor vehicles purchased for lease are exempt from sales and use tax on the purchase price. The total rental payment received on a leased vehicle is subject to 6.0% sales tax and may be subject to surtax. A $2.00 per day rental car surcharge is imposed on the lease or rental of motor vehicles designed to accommodate less than nine passengers. The surcharge applies to the first 30 days.
Financial Responsibility Law
| Coverage | Minimum |
|---|---|
| PIP (Personal Injury Protection) | $10,000 |
| PDL (Property Damage Liability) | $10,000 |
| Bodily Injury / Person (certain offenses) | $10,000 |
| Bodily Injury / Accident (certain offenses) | $20,000 |
Proof of insurance is a prerequisite to registration. Mopeds, motorcycles, trailers, and federally-owned vehicles are exempt. Failure to maintain required insurance may result in suspension of driving privileges and registration plus reinstatement fees. New residents must obtain insurance from a Florida insurance agent within 10 days of establishing residency.
Emission Inspection
Not required in Florida.
Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection
Commercial vehicles are subject to spot inspections.
Records
Filed by driver license number, name, title number, and VIN. Title records are kept for 10 years. Electronic registration records are retained for 10 years. A Motor Vehicle, Vessel and Mobile Home Records Request (90510) must be submitted with applicable fees.
Enforcement
Florida Highway Patrol, 2900 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32399, 850.617.2300, 850.617.2606 CDL help desk, 850.617.3711 IFTA/IRP help desk, 850.617.3010 commercial vehicle enforcement, [email protected].
Florida Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles
Address:
2900 Apalachee Parkway
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone:
850.617.2000Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Fees, requirements, and procedures may change. Always verify current information with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles — or contact Illinois Title Services for professional assistance.