Car Registration Requirements for New Florida Residents
Individuals relocating to Florida from another state must complete the registration transfer process within a specified timeframe. Florida law establishes registration obligations that begin when residency is established through employment, school enrollment, or other qualifying activities.
Timeline for New Florida Residents
Individuals moving to Florida must register within 10 days of establishing residency. This deadline applies when the owner becomes employed, enrolls children in public school, or meets other residency criteria.
Failure to complete registration within the required timeframe results in penalties. The state imposes a $20.00 late title fee when title applications are submitted after the deadline. Additionally, delinquent registration fees apply when registration is not completed by the required date. The delinquent fee structure varies based on the license tax amount, ranging from $5.00 for taxes up to $25.00, to $250.00 for taxes exceeding $600.01.
Establishing Florida Residency
Section 320.02, Florida Statutes governs registration requirements for vehicles operated on Florida roads. An individual establishes residency by meeting one or more of the following conditions:
- Starting employment or engaging in a trade, profession, or occupation within the state
- Enrolling children in Florida public schools
- Registering to vote in Florida elections
- Filing for a homestead tax exemption on Florida property
- Living in Florida for more than six consecutive months
Upon meeting any of these criteria, the 10-day registration period begins immediately.
Required Documentation for Car Registration in Florida
Essential Documents
New residents must submit the following materials when registering their vehicle:
- Proof of identity for all owners listed on the title
- Proof of Florida insurance meeting state requirements
- Original out-of-state title
- Completed Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration (HSMV form 82040)
- Physical VIN verification completed on HSMV form 82040 or HSMV form 82042
VIN Verification Requirements
All used vehicles brought from out-of-state require physical verification of the vehicle identification number. Authorized individuals who may perform this verification include:
- Law enforcement officers
- Military police officers
- Licensed Florida dealers
- County tax collector employees
- Division of Motorist Services Compliance Examiners
The verification must be documented on either HSMV form 82040 or HSMV form 82042 before registration can be issued.
Insurance Requirements
Florida law mandates that all registered vehicles carry minimum insurance coverage of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability. Policies must be issued by insurance companies licensed to conduct business in Florida or through self-insurance certification issued by the department.
Vehicles with Liens
When an out-of-state lienholder holds the original title, owners must request that the lienholder transfer the title to Florida. If the lienholder declines to transfer the title, owners should obtain written notification on the lienholder's letterhead and present this documentation to a motor vehicle service center when applying for registration.
Application Submission Methods
Registration applications for new residents must be submitted in person at a motor vehicle service center or tax collector's office. Initial registrations cannot be completed through online portals or by mail.
Local service centers are located throughout the state and accept walk-in applications during business hours. County tax collector offices also process vehicle registration applications for new residents.
Registration Fees and Costs in Florida
Initial Registration Fee
The state assesses a $225.00 Initial Registration Fee when the owner does not have a license plate or record of a license plate previously registered in their name in Florida. This fee applies to most new residents transferring an out-of-state vehicle.
Vehicle Registration Taxes
Registration taxes are calculated based on vehicle weight and type. Base registration fees vary as follows:
Automobiles:
- Net weight up to 2,499 pounds: $14.50
- 2,500 to 3,499 pounds: $22.50
- 3,500 pounds or more: $32.50
Trucks:
- Net weight up to 1,999 pounds: $14.50
- 2,000 to 3,000 pounds: $22.50
- 3,001 to 5,000 pounds: $32.50
Heavy Trucks:
- 5,001 to 5,999 pounds: $60.75
- 6,000 to 7,999 pounds: $87.75
- 8,000 to 9,999 pounds: $103.00
Motorcycles and Other Vehicles:
- Motorcycles: $10.00
- Mopeds: $5.00
- Antique automobiles: $7.50
- Antique motorcycles: $7.50
Title Fees
Original title fees depend on whether the vehicle is new or used:
- Original used vehicle title: $85.25 (electronic title)
- Original new vehicle title: $77.25 (electronic title)
- Paper title service and handling fee: $2.50 (if requested)
- Lien recording fee: $2.00 (when applicable)
License Plate Fee
A $28.00 original license plate fee applies when obtaining Florida plates.
Additional Costs
Tax collector offices may charge a $6.25 service fee for processing transactions. Counties may assess local fees in addition to state charges. The License Plates Rate Chart (HSMV form 83140) provides detailed fee calculations for specific vehicle types.
Contact Information
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Neil Kirkman Building, 2900 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 617-2000
Florida DHSMV
