Tags & Registration
Florida uses a metal license plate with an alphanumeric system, meaning there are combinations of letters and numbers used for identification. The license plate is displayed on the rear of the vehicle with the exception of certain commercial vehicles. The plate is issued to the owner for 10 years. The owner will receive a new plate (with new numbers and letters) during the tenth year.
Vehicles are registered on a staggered basis according to the registered owner's birth month. The registration expires at midnight on the owner's birthday. The exceptions to this are company owned and short term lease vehicles, which expire in June. Long-term lease vehicles are staggered throughout the calendar year, and truck-tractors, semi-trailers, and trucks weighing over 5,000 pounds are renewed in December. Nine passenger and over vehicles used for hire and mobile homes are also renewed in December. All vehicles are licensed according to weight. Travel trailers and mobile homes are licensed according to length.
Registration and Decal Change In Appearance
Florida's vehicle registration and decals are changing, and as more counties institute the new system, that change will become more obvious.
The new registrations are easier to read, and are credit card size, which makes them easier to store.
Identifying numbers, as follows, will be printed on the decal when it is issued, which will help prevent theft.
License plate number assigned to the vehicle, truck/tractor or trailer.
Identification number when issued to a mobile home.
Florida Number (FL#) when assigned to a vessel.
Driver License number when a disabled parking placard is issued.
The lemon yellow background and black lettering, on the new decal make it more visible, and the same colors will be used each year, with changing expiration dates.
Vehicle Registration Prices
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Classifaction
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Net Weight
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1 Year Tag
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1 Automobile
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thru 2499
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$46.45
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2 Automobile
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2500 - 3499
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$57.15
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3 Automobile
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3500 - up
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$70.65
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Antique Automobile
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|
$36.90
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|
|
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1 Truck
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thru 1999
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$46.15
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2 Truck
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2000 - 3000
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$57.15
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3 Truck
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3001 - 5000
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$70.15
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Antique Truck
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|
$36.90
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Travel Trailer (over 35ft)
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$51.35
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Camp Trailer
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$38.65
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Fifth Wheel Trailer
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$38.65
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Travel Trailer
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$52.15
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Motor Home
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$46.60
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Motorcycle
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$41.15
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Antique Motorcycle and Antique Mopeds
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$34.40
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Misc. Fees for Motor Vehicles
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Classification
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Fee
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| Replacement Decal |
$39.85
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Duplicate Registration
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$5.00
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Transfer of License Plate
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$7.35
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Late Fee
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$20.00
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Temporary Operational Permit
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$8.50
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| Replacement License Plate |
$42.62 |
Specialty Tags
Specialty Tags may be purchased at any Tax Collector or Branch Tag Office. These plates carry unique designs, that were created to honor specific organizations. In addition to the annual license tax, there is an annual use fee ranging from $15.00 to $25.00. Additionally there is a $5.00 annual processing fee, and a $28.00 plate fee, each time a new plate is issued. The use fee and the processing fee are charged each year, in addition to the registration fee, upon renewal.
Personalized Tags
Personalized Tags may be ordered at any Tax Collector or Branch Tag Office. Application for the initial personalized tag can be made any time. A $28.00 plate fee and $15.00 personalization fee is charged, upon initial application, in addition to other registration fees. The $15.00 personalization fee is charged each year upon renewal.
If your current tag is 10 years old, you must order your new personalized tag two months ahead of expiration.
A Personalized License Plate Application may be picked up at any Tax Collector or Branch Tag Office, or click here to download.
Sales Tax
The State of Florida has a state sales tax of 6%. Which, as an agent for The Florida Department of Revenue, The Tax Collector's Office collects. Monroe County has an additional 1.5% local option tax, on the first $5000.00. Sales tax is collected when a customer transfers title to a motor vehicle, vessel or mobile home. Note: If a vehicle is traded in, sales tax is collected on the difference between the price of the vehicle and the trade in.
Proof of Insurance
Efective October 1, 2007, proof of insurance (binder, policy, or card) from a certified Florida agent or broker is required to purchase and renew a license plate in Florida. The vehicle owner must present to the Tax Collector documentation of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in the amount of at least $10,000 combined bodily injury liability and property damage liability insurance in the amount of $10,000. Motorcycles, mobile homes and trailers are exempt from the insurance requirement.
Renew Registration by Mail, or Online
License plates can be renewed by mail, and returned to the owner and a mail fee is charged. Or renew online at https://www7.hsmv.state.fl.us/VirtualOffice/faces/lobby.jsp
You must have:
1. Renewal notice with PIN
2. Credit Card
3. Pen & Paper
Change of Address
In order to maintain accurate records, and help ensure that each registered owner receives a tag renewal notice, all changes of address must be reported to the Tax Collectors' Office within 20 days. The vehicle owner is required to provide the license plate number, in order to facilitate the address change. Renewal notices are mailed as a courtesy service, to help facilitate the renewal process.
Vehicle Identification Numbers
All motor vehicles being registered in Florida for the first time must have the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verified. The Tax Collectors' Office will perform this service at the time of registration. The VIN can also be verified by, any law enforcement officer, a Florida notary public, or a motor vehicle dealer.
Rates
Annual license taxes, for the operation of motor vehicles is defined by Florida Statutes, and must be paid at the time of registration and renewal. All fees are subject to change by Legislative Act.
Initial Registration Fee
The first time a license plate is purchased for a motor vehicle, a $225.00 initial registration, plus a plate fee of $28.00 may be imposed. This fee applies to private automobiles, motor homes and trucks weighing less than 5,000 pounds.
Military Rates
Members of the Armed Forces stationed in Florida, but who maintain their legal residence out side the State of Florida, are classified as non-resident military and are eligible for special registration rates. To qualify for the special rates, Florida law requires that the vehicle owner must submit a copy of their military orders and an out-of-state drivers license for review. Proof of insurance is mandatory.
If the vehicle is not titled in Florida, a copy of the out-of-state title is required for application (DHSMV form 82042) . The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) must be verified by a Tax Collector employee, Florida notary, motor vehicle dealer, or a state or military law enforcement officer. State Statutes require the VIN be verified yearly upon registration.
Regular rates will apply if the non-resident's status changes. Also, if military orders transfer the owner out of the state of Florida, they are no longer entitled to Florida registration. If the vehicle owner is a Florida resident, the vehicle can be registered in Florida, by signing a military insurance exemption affidavit , furnishing an out-of-state address, and a copy of the military orders, or an affidavit from their commanding officer, confirming their date of assignment.
(WARNING: Military personnel who file for non-resident status on a vehicle will not be eligible to file homestead exemption in the State of Florida. Contact the Monroe County Property Appraisers' Office for more information).
Florida Vehicle Titles
To transfer a Florida Title, the seller must complete the transfer information on the current title, including the purchasers' name, the selling price, and the odometer reading at the time of sale. (A bill of sale may be submitted for proof of purchase price). Sales tax will be collected if applicable. All transfers of ownership must be completed within 30 days of the date the vehicle is assigned by the seller or a $20.00 fee is levied at the time of transfer. Our Key West location has a fast title service for an additional $10.00. You can have the title when you leave the office.
Out-of-State Titles
An out-of-state title must be submitted as proof of ownership and if transfer of ownership is involved, it must be properly assigned indicating the new owner's name and address. An application for Florida title must be completed and accompanied by 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. Sales tax will be collected if applicable.
New Vehicle Titles
All new vehicles are required to have a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO) which must be signed and notarized by a licensed dealer for transfer to the buyer. To obtain a Florida title, the MCO must be filled out completely and attached to the title application form (DHSMV form 82040) . The information must include the owner's complete name and Florida address, date of birth, sex, driver license number, a complete description of the vehicle, and any lien to be recorded. Sales tax will be collected if applicable.
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Classification
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Fee
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Florida Title (Mail)
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$77.75
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Florida Title (Fast)
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$85.25
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| Florida Title (ELT) |
$75.25 |
Duplicate Title
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$75.25
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Florida Title New (Lease)
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$45.50
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New Vehicle (MSO)
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$77.25
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Out of State Title (Used)
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$85.25
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Notice of Add Lien
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$76.75
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Parking Permits for Disabled Persons
A placard can be purchased by an individual with disabilities that limit or impair their ability to walk or is certified legally blind. The parking permit entitles the driver transporting the disabled passenger to utilize handicap-parking facilities. The placard is transferable to any vehicle transporting the disabled person. The placard is to be hung on the rear view mirror when using the designated parking spaces. Applicants and their physician are required to sign for the permit.
A temporary disabled parking permit ($15.00 fee) is also available for a 90-day period, which is good for up to one year.
Permanent disabled parking permits and disabled parking permits for organizations have no fee.
Mobile Homes
In Florida, mobile homes must be registered. A numbered decal, instead of a metal license plate, is issued for identification. State statutes require mobile home registrations be renewed annually by December 31st. A delinquent fee is charged if the registration is not renewed by the 10th day of the following month.
Registration fees are set by the Department of Motor Vehicles and are based on the length of the mobile home. Double wide and triple wide mobile homes are considered two and three separate units respectively, and the owner must purchase that many decals. Mobile home owners are required to display the decal in a window clearly visible from the road in front of the home.
To register a mobile home, the owner must present to the Tax Collector's Office the following documents:
1.) the current or last issued Florida Vehicle Registration Certificate for the mobile home (if lost, furnish the most current decal number)
2.) the title to the mobile home (if financed, the owner must obtain a copy from the lien holder) if the Registration Certificate is not available
3.) the title (from Florida or any other state) signed off by the previous owner if it has not been transferred into the current owner's name and the bill of sale (the Tax Office will process the transfer).
Real Property (RP) Decals
All mobile homes or recreational vehicles permanently affixed to the owner's land and declared as real property are issued a permanent "RP" decal. Owners must obtain a DR402 form from the Property Appraiser's Office, indicating the land and mobile home titles are in the same name, before applying for the "RP" decal from the Tax Collector's Office.
"RP" decals are permanent and transferable to a new owner when the land and mobile home are sold as a unit.
Mobile Home Registration Prices
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Classification
|
Fee
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| Up to 35ft. |
$35.35 |
| 36ft. trhough 40ft. |
$36.35 |
41ft. through 45ft.
|
$41.35
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46ft. through 50ft.
|
$46.35
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51ft. through 55ft.
|
$51.35
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56ft. through 60ft.
|
$56.35
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61ft. through 65ft.
|
$61.35
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66ft. and Up
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$91.35
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Vessel Registration
As an agent for Department of Highway Safety Motor Vehicle (DHSMV), the Tax Collector is responsible for providing the necessary service and record keeping procedures used in processing vessel titles and registrations. All motorized vessels, commercial and private, must be registered, titled and issued a decal before they can be used in Florida waters. The decal must be affixed to the port side of the boat.
Vessel registrations expire at midnight of the owner's birthday.
Vessel registration fees are based on the length of the boat.
Obtaining a Florida Boat Title
Application with a Manufacture's Statement of Origin
The selling dealer, for all new boats must complete the manufacturer's statement of origin (MSO), when applicable. Proof of sales tax paid or proof of exemption must be provided, or sales tax must be collected.
Application with a Florida Title
To transfer a Florida title of a used boat to the new owner, form #1 and form #2 on the title must be completed. If the vessel is purchased through a dealer, the dealer reassignment also must be completed. Sales tax will be collected if applicable. Boat registration must be transferred at the time of title transfer.
Application with an Out-of-State Title or Registration
Many states do not require boats to be titled. Proof of ownership on a used boat from a non-title state is the vessel registration. A notarized bill of sale is required with the registration to transfer ownership. If a title is available, it and Department of Highway Safety Motor Vehicle (DHSMV) form 82040 (title application form) must be completed for processing. Sales tax will be collected if applicable.
Sojourners
A non-resident boater with a valid out-of-state registration certificate may use his/her vessel in Florida waters for 90 days without applying for a Florida registration. This applies to pleasure boats only. If the non-resident intends to use the craft in Florida longer that 90 days, the boat must be registered with the Department of Highway Safety Motor Vehicle (DHSMV), which is processed at the Tax Collectors' Office.
Vessel Registration Prices
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Classification
|
Fee
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| Up to 11ft. |
$15.00
|
| 12ft. through 15ft. |
$31.13 |
16ft. through 25ft.
|
$49.88
|
26ft. through 39ft.
|
$124.13
|
40ft. through 64ft.
|
$198.32
|
65ft. through 109ft.
|
$235.88
|
110ft. through 999ft.
|
$291.38
|
Dealer Decal
|
$32.25
|
Replacement Decal
|
$5.75
|
Duplicate Registration
|
$2.25
|
Change of Class/Use
|
$2.25
|
Helpful Tips
Florida Vessels Owners - The Facts http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/dmv/vslfacts.html
Boater Saftey Courses are required for anyone born after September 30, 1980. You may call 850-488-5600 or take a course online at http://www.boatsafe.com
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