How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Florida From Out of State
Individuals relocating to Florida with vehicles previously registered in another jurisdiction must complete registration transfer within 10 days of either obtaining employment, enrolling children in public schools, or establishing residency. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles administers all motor vehicle titling and registration requirements throughout the state's 67 counties.
Base Registration and Title Fees
Florida assesses multiple fee components for transferring out-of-state vehicle registrations, including initial registration fees, license plate costs, title application charges, and applicable service fees. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles maintains standardized fee schedules applicable across all county tax collector offices.
Standard State Fees
Florida calculates annual registration fees based on vehicle weight for most classifications. The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Fee Schedule provides comprehensive rate information for all vehicle categories.
Annual Registration Fees by Vehicle Weight:
| Vehicle Weight | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 2,499 lbs | $14.50 |
| 2,500 to 3,499 lbs | $22.50 |
| 3,500 and above | $32.50 |
Specialized Vehicle Registration Fees:
| Vehicle Classification | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Motorcycles | $10.00 |
| Mopeds | $5.00 |
| Heavy Truck/Tractor | $324.00 |
| Recreational vehicles (camping trailer) | $13.50 |
| Commercial motor vehicle surcharge (vehicles 10,000 lbs and above) | $10.00 |
Additional Registration Components:
- Initial registration fee: $225.00 (new Florida residents)
- License plate fee: $28.00
The initial registration fee of $225.00 applies exclusively to individuals establishing Florida residency for the first time, as prescribed under Florida Statutes § 320.08.
Title Fees
Florida mandates certificate of title issuance for all motor vehicles, mobile homes, and certain trailer classifications. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Title Fees page details all title transaction costs.
Title Transaction Fees:
| Transaction Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Certificate of title (paper) | $79.75 |
| Electronic certificate of title | $77.25 |
| Transfer/Duplicate title | $75.25 |
| Lien only (no transfer of ownership) | $74.25 |
County Service Charges
Florida county tax collectors assess additional service charges for processing vehicle registration and title applications. These fees supplement state-mandated charges and vary by transaction type as authorized under Florida Statutes § 320.04.
New Resident Fee and Use Tax
Florida imposes sales and use tax obligations on motor vehicles brought into the state from other jurisdictions. The Florida Department of Revenue administers sales and use tax collection in coordination with county tax collector offices.
State Sales Tax
Florida's sales and use tax applies to motor vehicle purchases and transfers at a statewide rate. When relocating to Florida with a vehicle acquired in another state, use tax becomes due unless an exemption applies. The Florida Department of Revenue Sales and Use Tax provides comprehensive tax information for motor vehicles.
Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Rates:
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Motor vehicle sales tax | 6.0% |
| Motor vehicle use tax | 6.0% |
Florida grants credit for sales tax paid to another state when the vehicle was initially purchased. If the previous state's sales tax rate exceeded Florida's 6% rate, no additional tax is assessed. If the prior state imposed a lower rate, Florida collects the difference.
Discretionary Sales Surtax
Florida counties may impose a discretionary sales surtax in addition to the state's 6% motor vehicle sales and use tax. This local option tax varies by county and is collected at the time of vehicle registration. The Florida Department of Revenue Discretionary Sales Surtax Rates page maintains current rates for all Florida counties.
Discretionary sales surtax rates range from 0.5% to 1.5% depending on the county of residence. The first $5,000 of the vehicle purchase price is subject to discretionary surtax, with any amount exceeding $5,000 exempt from local taxation.
Salvage Vehicle Inspection
Motor vehicles designated as salvage, rebuilt, or insurance total loss must undergo physical inspection before receiving a rebuilt title and registration in Florida. The inspection verifies that vehicle identification numbers and major parts meet statutory requirements.
Salvage Vehicle Inspection Fees:
Information regarding salvage vehicle inspections is available through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Salvage Inspection page.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Salvage vehicle inspection (initial) | $40.00 |
| Salvage vehicle inspection (additional for each re-inspection) | $20.00 |
| Rebuilt title issuance (electronic) | $75.25 |
Physical inspections for salvage vehicles are conducted at authorized inspection stations or designated law enforcement facilities. The inspection fee is remitted directly to the inspection provider at the time of service.
Government Agencies and Contact Information
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
2900 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 617-2000
Official Website: Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles establishes regulatory standards for vehicle titling, registration, and driver licensing throughout Florida. The department coordinates with county tax collectors who serve as agents for processing vehicle registration transactions and title applications.
Florida Vehicle Licensing Offices
Florida operates motor vehicle services through tax collector offices in each of the state's 67 counties. Contact information for county tax collector offices is accessible through the Florida Tax Collectors Directory.
Miami-Dade County Tax Collector
200 Northwest 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33128
Phone: (305) 270-4916
Official Website: Miami-Dade County Tax Collector
Broward County Tax Collector
115 South Andrews Avenue, Room A-100, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 831-4000
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
601 East Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 635-5200
Official Website: Hillsborough County Tax Collector
Orange County Tax Collector
200 South Orange Avenue, Suite 1500, Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: (407) 836-4145
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, Suite 180, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 255-5000
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) 534-4600
Official Website: Polk County Tax Collector
Brevard County Tax Collector
400 South Street, Titusville, FL 32780
Phone: (321) 264-6969
Official Website: Brevard County Tax Collector
