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 ten years. The owner will receive a new plate (with new numbers and letters) during the tenth year.

REGISTRATION AND DECAL APPEARANCE:

• 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 decal makes it more visible, and the same colors will be used each year with changing expiration dates.

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.

• Registering a Heavy Truck

Nine passengers 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.

Specialty & Personalized 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.

Click Here to see our Specialty Tag Catalog

Information, Forms & Applications:

PERSONALIZED TAGS:

Personalized Tags may be ordered at any Tax Collector or Branch Tag Office. Application for the initial personalized tag can be made at any time. A $28.00 plate fee  and $51.10 personalization fee are 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.

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 – “Bill/Notice of Sale“). 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.

• Out-of-State Titles:

An out-of-state title must be submitted as proof of ownership and if a transfer of ownership is involved, it must be properly assigned indicating the new owner’s name and address. An application for a 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.

RATES:

Annual license taxes for the operation of motor vehicles are 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 fee may be imposed. This fee applies to trucks weighing less than 5,000 pounds, private automobiles, and motor homes.

• Military Rates

Members of the Armed Forces stationed in Florida but who maintain their legal residence outside 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 or a current leave & earning statement 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 the application. 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 to 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 Osceola County Property Appraiser’s Office for more information.

PARKING PERMITS FOR DISABLED PERSONS

A placard can be issued to 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 handicapped parking facilities. The placard is transferable to any vehicle transporting the disabled person. The placard is to be hung on the rearview mirror when using the designated parking spaces. Applicants and their physicians are required to sign for the permit.

A temporary disabled parking permit is also available for a 90-day period, which is good for up to one year. Administratively, a temporary disabled parking placard may be issued to a citizen of another country who is here in a visitor status.

GENERAL INFORMATION

INFORMATION ABOUT VEHICLE TAGS & REGISTRATION:

Florida uses a metal license plate with an alpha numeric 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 ten years. The owner will receive a new plate (with new numbers and letters) during the tenth year.

SALES TAX:

PROOF OF INSURANCE:

RENEW REGISTRATION BY MAIL:

CHANGE OF ADDRESS:

Name and address changes must be updated on BOTH your driver license/ID Card and title/registration within 30 days after changing your name or address. Please read the following to find out how to complete name/address changes as easily and quickly as possible:

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.