 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Tags & RegistrationFlorida 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 five years. The owner will receive a new plate (with new numbers and letters) during the fifth 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.
|
| Classifaction | Net Weight | 1 Year Tag |
| 1 Automobile | thru 2499 | $28.10 |
| 2 Automobile | 2500 - 3499 | $36.10 |
| 3 Automobile | 3500 - up | $46.10 |
| 1 Truck | thru 1999 | $28.10 |
| 2 Truck | 2000 - 3000 | $36.10 |
| 3 Truck | 3001 - 5000 | $46.10 |
| Travel Trailer | $32.10 | |
| Motor Home | $47.10 | |
| Motorcycle | $24.60 |
Specialty and Personalized Tags 
Click
Here To View Specialty Tags
Specialty Tags
Specialty Tags may 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 $2.00 annual processing fee, and
a $10.00 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 order at any
Tax Collector or Branch Tag Office. Application for the initial personalized
tag can be made any time. A $10.00 plate fee and $12.00 personalization
fee is charged, upon initial application, in addition to other registration
fees. The $12.00 personalization fee is charged each year upon renewal.
If your current tag is 5 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. NOTE: The Personalized Plate form is required, even on the 5 year replacement plates. Customers must specify the intended meaning of the plate configuration in order to complete the transaction.
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.
Suwannee County has an additional 1% additional local option tax, on
the first $5000.00. (Maximum $50.00) 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
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, Phone, or Online
License plates can be renewed by mail, and returned to the owner
and no mail fee is charged.
Renew by phone at 866-467-3639, or
renew online at express.hsmv.state.fl.us
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.  |
Vehicle Identification Number and Odometer Verification |
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 $100.00 initial registration fee 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 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 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 Suwannee 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 $10.00 fee is levied at the time of transfer.
Our office has a fast title service for an additional $7.00. 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.
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 is also available. Temporary Parking Permits may be issued for up to 1 year, 6 months at a time.
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 31. A delinquent fee is charged if the registration is not renewed by the 10th 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 physical location/address of the mobile must be provided.
2.) whether the Mobile Home is located in a park of 10 or more lots.
3.) the current or last issued Florida Vehicle Registration Certificate for the mobile home (if lost, furnish the most current decal number)
4.) 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
5.) 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.