How To Cancel Vehicle Registration Online in Florida in 2026
Florida provides both online and in-person options for certain registration cancellation situations. When selling a vehicle, Florida residents can file a Notice of Sale electronically through the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) online portal. For other cancellation circumstances, processing occurs through your local tax collector's office. The FLHSMV administers all motor vehicle registration programs, with county tax collectors serving as authorized agents for transaction processing.
When Registration Cancellation May Be Needed
Several situations require vehicle owners to cancel their Florida registration:
- Transferring ownership through sale or gifting the vehicle to another individual
- Establishing permanent residence in a different state
- Surrendering the vehicle to a salvage facility or recycling center
- Reporting the vehicle as stolen with no recovery
- Receiving an insurance total loss determination
- Placing the vehicle in extended storage without roadway use
- Terminating vehicle insurance without plans to operate the vehicle on public roads
- Converting the vehicle to off-road use exclusively
- Registering the vehicle in another jurisdiction while maintaining Florida residency
Online Notice of Sale Filing
Florida law requires sellers to notify FLHSMV within 30 days of selling or transferring a vehicle. This notification protects sellers from liability for parking violations, toll charges, or criminal activity involving the vehicle after the sale has been completed. Filing a Notice of Sale effectively relieves the seller of their responsibility for the vehicle registration.
Online Filing Process:
Access the FLHSMV Notice of Sale online system to complete your notification electronically. The system operates 24 hours a day and provides immediate confirmation.
Required Information:
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- License plate number
- Sale date
- Purchaser's name and address
- Sale price or gift designation
- Your Florida driver's license number or identification card number
Confirmation: The system generates an electronic confirmation number upon successful submission. Retain this number as proof of notification filing.
Alternative Filing Methods: Sellers may also file Notice of Sale in person at any county tax collector office or by mailing form HSMV 82050 to the address listed on the form.
In-Person Processing at Tax Collector Offices
For cancellation situations beyond vehicle sales, Florida requires processing through your local tax collector's office. These offices operate as authorized agents of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Required Steps:
- Present government-issued photo identification
- Provide your current registration certificate or renewal notice
- Surrender your license plate to the tax collector
- Complete documentation as directed by office personnel
- Obtain written confirmation of plate surrender and registration termination
Mail-In Alternative:
Some tax collector offices accept registration cancellations by mail. Contact your local office to verify this option and obtain specific mailing instructions. When mailing, include your license plate, registration certificate, and a written request stating your reason for cancellation.
Recommended Mailing Address:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Neil Kirkman Building, MS 92
2900 Apalachee Parkway
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0500
Application for Refund of Registration Fees
Florida provides a process to recover unused registration fees when canceling before the registration period expires.
Eligibility Standards
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles processes refund applications for:
- Registration fees covering unused months when voluntarily surrendering plates
- Fees paid in excess of the required amount due to calculation errors
- Multiple payments made for an identical registration period
- Registration fees collected improperly or without authorization
Important Restriction: Florida refund provisions apply solely to registration fees. No refunds are issued for local government fees, initial registration taxes, or other assessments collected at the time of registration.
Application Procedures
Step 1: Surrender Your License Plate
Visit your county tax collector's office to surrender your Florida license plate. The office will provide documentation confirming plate surrender with the date of submission.
Step 2: Submit Refund Application
Complete the Application for License Plate and Decal Refund (HSMV 83363). Attach your plate surrender receipt and submit the application to:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Neil Kirkman Building, MS 92
2900 Apalachee Parkway
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0500
Step 3: Department Processing
The FLHSMV reviews submitted applications to verify eligibility under administrative procedures. Approved refunds are calculated based on the complete months remaining in the registration period. The department issues refund payments directly to the registered owner by check.
Processing Timeline: Refund applications typically require 8-12 weeks for processing and payment issuance.
Governing Laws and Regulations
Florida's registration cancellation procedures operate under statutory authority and departmental rules:
- Florida Statute 319.22 establishes Notice of Sale requirements and seller liability limitations
- Florida Statute 320.02 establishes registration requirements and authorized agents
- Florida Statute 320.072 authorizes refunds for unused registration periods
Government Agencies
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Neil Kirkman Building, 2900 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 617-2000
Official Website: Florida FLHSMV
Online Services:
MyDMV Portal
County Tax Collector Offices
Vehicle registration cancellations are processed through county tax collector offices throughout Florida. The following offices serve major population centers:
Miami-Dade County Tax Collector
200 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33128
Phone: (305) 375-5448
Official Website: Miami-Dade Tax Collector
Broward County Tax Collector
115 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 357-4829
Official Website: Broward County Tax Collector
Palm Beach County Tax Collector
301 North Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone: (561) 355-2264
Official Website: Palm Beach County Tax Collector
Hillsborough County Tax Collector
1500 East 8th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605
Phone: (813) 635-5200
Official Website: Hillsborough County Tax Collector
Orange County Tax Collector
200 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: (407) 434-0312
Official Website: Orange County Tax Collector
Pinellas County Tax Collector
315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: (727) 464-7777
Official Website: Pinellas County Tax Collector
Duval County Tax Collector
231 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 255-5700
Official Website: Duval County Tax Collector
Lee County Tax Collector
2480 Thompson Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone: (239) 533-6000
Official Website: Lee County Tax Collector
Polk County Tax Collector
255 North Broadway Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830
Phone: (863) 534-4700
Official Website: Polk County Tax Collector
Brevard County Tax Collector
400 South Street, Titusville, FL 32796
Phone: (321) 264-6969
Official Website: Brevard County Tax Collector
