Florida Vehicle Registration Guide for New Residents

Overview

If you own a vehicle and are establishing Florida residency, you'll need to transfer your title and registration to Florida. This is an important step in establishing your domicile, as vehicle registration is one of the factors states examine when determining residency. This guide covers the complete process for cars, trucks, motorcycles, and RVs.

Before You Register: Get Florida Insurance

You must have Florida auto insurance before you can register your vehicle. Florida requires:

Coverage Type	Minimum Required
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)	$10,000
Property Damage Liability (PDL)	$10,000

Getting Florida Insurance

1. Contact your current insurer - many can update your policy to Florida
2. Provide your new Florida address
3. Obtain an insurance card or binder showing Florida coverage
4. Make sure the policy is active before your DMV/Tax Collector visit

Required Documents for Registration

Bring the following to the Tax Collector or DMV office:

• Current title - Must be the original certificate of title from your current state
• Current registration - Your out-of-state registration card
• Florida driver's license - Or your new license application if doing both same day
• Proof of Florida insurance - Insurance card or binder showing FL coverage
• VIN verification (if applicable) - Required if vehicle was not previously titled in the US
• Lien information - If you have a loan, you'll need the lienholder's name and address

The Registration Process

Step 1: Visit a Tax Collector or DMV Office

Vehicle registration is typically handled by your county's Tax Collector office. You can also use DMV Service Centers. Find locations at FLHSMV.gov/locations.

Step 2: Title Transfer

The office will:

• Verify your out-of-state title
• Issue a new Florida certificate of title
• Record any existing liens on the title

Step 3: Pay Fees and Taxes

Florida registration costs include:

Fee Type	Amount
Title transfer fee	$75.25
Initial registration fee	$225
Annual registration (varies by weight)	$14.50 - $32.50
License plate fee	$28.00

Sales/Use Tax

Florida charges 6% state sales tax on the vehicle's value, plus any county surtax (typically 0.5% - 1.5%). However, you may receive a credit for sales tax already paid in your previous state.

Step 4: Receive Your Florida Plate

You'll receive:

• Florida license plate (to be mounted immediately)
• Registration sticker for your plate
• Temporary operating permit while title is processed (if needed)
• New Florida title mailed to your address (or lienholder)

RV and Motorhome Registration

If you're registering an RV or motorhome (common for travel nurses and full-time RVers), the process is similar with some differences:

RV Classification

• Motorhomes: Registered as motor vehicles (same process as cars)
• Travel trailers: Registered as trailers (no insurance required for trailer itself)
• Fifth wheels: Registered as trailers

RV-Specific Considerations

• Weight matters: Registration fees are based on vehicle weight
• Specialty plates: Various options including RV-themed plates
• Full-time RVers: Your Florida address is your legal domicile; the RV is your home

Out-of-State Title Issues

Electronic/Paperless Titles

Some states (like California and Texas) issue electronic titles. You'll need to:

1. Request a paper title from your previous state's DMV
2. Wait for the physical title to arrive (can take 2-4 weeks)
3. Bring the paper title to Florida

Title with Lienholder

If your bank holds the title due to a loan:

• Contact your lender to request the title be sent to Florida
• The lender may send it directly to the Florida DMV
• You can register without the title using a lien statement from your lender

Timeline and Tips

Recommended Timeline

Task	When
Switch to Florida insurance	Before DMV visit
Request paper title (if electronic)	2-4 weeks before
Get Florida driver's license	Same day or before
Register vehicle	Within 30 days of residency

Pro Tips

• Same-day service: Many Tax Collector offices can do license + registration in one visit
• Book early: Registration appointments fill up quickly at busy offices
• Bring payment: Cash, check, or card (fees may apply for cards)
• Keep old plates: Return them to your old state or they may charge you for missing plates

After Registration

Once your vehicle is registered in Florida:

• Display your new plate: Florida requires a rear plate only (no front plate needed)
• Keep registration in vehicle: Required by law to carry current registration
• Note renewal date: Registration expires on your birthday (easy to remember!)
• Return old plates: Send back to your previous state to avoid fees