Florida License Plates and Tags

Florida employs a metal license plate with an alpha-numeric system, meaning that letters and number combinations are used for identification. The renewal sticker, which indicates the renewal month or the owner's birth month and expiration date, is placed in the upper right-hand corner of the license plate. Except for certain commercial vehicles, the license plate is displayed on the vehicle's rear. Only one plate may be displayed and permanently attached to the vehicle. The plate is valid for ten years and is granted to the owner.

Specialty License Plates

Stand out on the highway and help a good cause! Specialty license plates are available at all Florida vehicle tax offices and unique designs. The proceeds assist philanthropic and environmental groups around Florida. There is an extra annual charge, but no other requirements are required. To see a list of available specialty license plates, their annual use charge, and the organization or fund that receives the fees, go to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles' website. The annual use cost includes a $5 processing fee.

Wheelchair Emblem License Plates

Qualified individuals are awarded wheelchair symbol plates for passenger automobiles, light-duty trucks, travel trailers, and motor homes. For the issuance of this plate, proof of a current Florida disabled person parking permit placard or a properly completed Application for Disabled Person Parking Permit (Form HSMV 83039) form is required.

Disabled Persons Parking Placards

A placard can be acquired by someone who has a disability that limits or impairs their ability to walk or is legally blind. A disabled person must have a valid Florida driver's license or identification card. The parking permit allows the driver transporting the disabled passenger to park in handicapped spaces. The placard can be transferred to any vehicle transporting the disabled individual. The placard should be mounted on the rearview mirror when parking in authorized areas. The permit must be signed by both the applicant and their physician. Permanent or long-term disabled parking permits are valid for up to four years and expire on the disabled person's birthday. A physician specifies the length of time for temporary parking permits, which cannot exceed six months from the date of issuing.

Personalized License Plates

The initial customized tag application can be made at any time. In addition to the registration price, an initial application fee of $58.15 is collected. A $15 personalized plate cost will be added to the registration fee every subsequent renewal year. For the additional annual fee of the specialty plate, specialty license plates can also be personalized. If your current tag is ten years old, you must order a new personalized tag two months before it expires. A personalized license plate application can be obtained at the tax collector's office, or the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles' Form HSMV 83043 can be downloaded.

Service-Related License Plates

Owners of Florida-registered vehicles may get military service-related license plates if they complete the conditions stated for each plate. Most service-related plates do not have any additional fees; in fact, some service-related plates offer decreased registration rates.

Disabled Veteran License Plates

The applicant must be a Florida resident, honorably discharged from the Armed Forces, and have a service-connected 100 percent disability rating for compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. The request should be made to the local tax collector's office, along with a copy of the registration for the vehicle that needs a disabled veteran license plate, as well as proof of disability from the DVA or DOD and a $9.00 cost. Evidence of Florida insurance must be submitted. Applicant must have lived in Florida for the previous five years or declared domicile. Disabled veteran license plates must be renewed every year, and the applicant must sign a statement of continuous eligibility. While a disabled veteran may display a disabled veteran plate on each vehicle owned, only one plate will qualify for the lower fee.

Florida National Guard License Plates

The applicant must be a present or retired member of the Florida National Guard. Each year, an applicant who is a member of the Florida National Guard may be awarded one free license plate/registration. However, if applicable, any initial registration, specialty, and tailored fees would still apply. The U.S. visa application form License plates for the Reserve or Florida National Guard can be obtained online or from the tax collector's office.

Military Service-Related License Plates

Form HSMV83034, Application for Other Military Service-Related License Plates, is available online or at the tax collector's office.

Other Service-Related License Plates

  • Ex-prisoner of War
  • Medal of Honor Recipient
  • Wheelchair for Disabled Veterans
  • Disabled Veteran
  • S. Armed Forces Reserve
  • Pearl Harbor Survivor
  • Purple Heart Recipient
  • Paralyzed Veterans of America
  • National Guard
  • Operation Enduring Freedom
  • Operation Iraqi Freedom
  • S. Paratrooper
  • Korean Conflict Veteran
  • Vietnam War Veteran
  • Combat Action Badge
  • Gold Star

Florida Vehicle Titles

To transfer a Florida Title, the seller must complete the transfer information on the current title, including the purchaser's name, the selling price, and the odometer reading at the time of sale. If applicable, sales tax will be charged. All ownership transfers must be completed within 30 days of the date the seller assigns the vehicle, or a $20.00 fee will be charged at the time of transfer.

Out-of-State Titles

An out-of-state title must be submitted as proof of ownership, and if ownership is transferred, it must be properly assigned with the new owner's name and address. A Florida title application must be completed, along with verification of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and odometer reading (DHSMV form 82042). The owner(s) or purchaser(s) must sign this form or give power of attorney. If applicable, sales tax will be collected.

New Vehicle Titles

All new automobiles must have a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO), which must be signed and notarized by a certified dealer before the vehicle can be transferred to the buyer. TO GET A FLORIDA TITLE, the MCO must be properly filled out and linked to the title application form (DHSMV form 82040). The owner's full name and Florida address, date of birth, sex, driver's license number, a detailed description of the vehicle, and any liens to be recorded must all be included. If applicable, sales tax will be collected.

Rates

Annual registration fees are set by Florida Statute and can be changed by a legislative act. Rates are calculated depending on vehicle weight and range from $28.10 to $46.10 for ordinary cars and light-duty pickups. Commercial and for-hire vehicle rates vary depending on several factors. For rate amounts and questions about military personnel, don't hesitate to get in touch with the tax collector's office.

Initial Registration Fee

A $225.00 initial registration cost may be imposed when purchasing a license plate for a motor vehicle for the first time. Trucks weighing less than 5,000 pounds, private autos, and motor homes are exempt from this tax.

Military Rates

Members of the Armed Forces stationed in Florida but residing in another state are categorized as non-resident military and are eligible for reduced registration fees. To be eligible for the special rates, the car owner must present a copy of their military orders or current leave and earning statement for review. Insurance documentation is required. A copy of the out-of-state title is required for application if the vehicle is not titled in Florida. A Tax Collector employee, a Florida notary, a motor vehicle dealer, or a state or military law enforcement officer must verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). State statutes require that the VIN be verified yearly when registering a vehicle. If the non-status residents change, the regular tariffs will apply. Furthermore, if the owner is transferred out of Florida due to military orders, they are no longer eligible for Florida registration. Suppose the vehicle owner is a Florida resident. In that case, they can register the vehicle in Florida by signing a military insurance exemption affidavit, providing an out-of-state address, and a copy of their military orders or an affidavit from their commanding officer confirming their date of assignment.

Proof of Insurance

To acquire or renew a license plate in Florida, proof of insurance (binder, policy, or card) from a qualified Florida agent or broker is required. The vehicle owner must present to the tax collector documentation of at least $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 in property damage liability insurance; when required, the vehicle owner must present combined bodily injury liability and property damage liability insurance. Motorcycles, mobile homes, and trailers are not required to have insurance.