Hi,

Hey guys and gals I have a few questions about regestering my vehicles in Florida. I am moving there in about 3-4months from California. I have two cars and would like them to be regestered in Florida. The only problem is I plan on only living there less than 1/2 the year. My residence will be here in California however I know your emissions standards are much lower in Florida and would like to have Florida plates. Can I regester my cars there eventhough my primary residence will be in California? Also, I was in the Florida DMV website and there seems to be some intitial regestration fee of $100, then it runs about $35 per a year..is this correct? Seems dirt cheap compaired to here.

Thanks,

Sam

 

It's been a while since I moved down here & had to go through all this, but I believe the process is as follows:

1.) Get a FL driver's license
2.) Get insurance using a FL address
3.) Fill out the necessary registration paperwork (which included getting the mileage on the car verified by a cop or a notary public)
4.) Apply for registration & get your new tags

Yes, there's some sort of first time charge. Guess it's DMV's way of welcoming all the new residents.

Oh, the other thing was that when I went to get a FL driver's license, they wanted me to turn in my NJ license. I gave them some line about needing it because I was going back to Jersey frequently & driving up there. The dumbass bought the story & let me keep it. However, when I went back a year later to have my name changed, there was a note that I still had my NJ license and they wanted it back then.

 

I've been in FL all my life, so I haven't had to change state licenses, but they never asked for my previous addressed licenses.

The thing about Cally is I think they charge the registration fee based on the value of the vehicle. I had a friend with a new 300Z a while back, and he was paying something outrageous like $4,000 a year or something. In FL (correct me if I'm wrong - and I'm sure someone will), the registration fee is based on the general weight classification of the vehicle, which seems fair enough since a heavier vehicle will have more impact on road conditions.

 

First make sure you are at this site: http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/html/titlinf.html

And here's the link of what's important if you are "new" to Florida: http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/dhsmv/newflres.html

Just moved to Florida and need to get a driver license and your car registered? Here's what to do:
If you have an out-of-state license, and it has not expired beyond 30 days, you may be able to convert your license without taking a written or road test. Review the requirements for citizens and non-citizens.
Obtain vehicle insurance from a company licensed to do business in Florida--in other words, visit a Florida insurance agent.
Take your proof of Florida insurance; your original out of state title and verification of the motor vehicle's *vehicle identification number (VIN), completed on form HSMV 82040 or HSMV 82042 (available on our website), to your local Florida county tax collector's office.
VIN verification is required for all USED motor vehicles not currently titled in Florida, including trailers with a weight of 2,000 pounds or more.



*The VIN must be verified by one of the following:

A law enforcement officer from any state.
A licensed Florida or out of state motor vehicle dealer.
NOTE: If the VIN is verified by an out of state motor vehicle dealer, the verification must be submitted on their letterhead stationary.

A Florida DMV Compliance Examiner/Inspector, DMV or tax collector employee.
A notary public commissioned by the state of Florida.
Provost Marshal (an officer who supervises the military police of a command) or a commissioned officer in active military service, with a rank of 2nd lieutenant or higher or an LNC, "Legalman, Chief Petty Officer, E-7".

If the out of state title is currently in the possession of an out of state lienholder, the tax collector's office will assist you in contacting the lienholder to obtain the title. The lien will be recorded on the Florida title when issued and will be mailed to the lienholder.

Sales tax information for the motor vehicle.

If the motor vehicle was purchased six months or more prior to the time it was brought into this state, it is not subject to the six percent Florida sales or use tax or local discretionary sales surtax. Documentary evidence must be shown that the motor vehicle or mobile home was used for six months or more in such jurisdiction.
If the motor vehicle was purchased and used less than six months in another state, territory of the United States or the District of Columbia, the full amount of the six percent Florida sales or use tax and local discretionary sales surtax is required to be paid before title and license plate can be issued by the department.
However, a credit is allowed for a like tax paid in another state, territory of the United States or the District of Columbia, against the amount of Florida sales or use tax and local discretionary sales surtax. For credit allowed, ONE of the following would apply:
If the credit is equal to or greater than the amount imposed by this state, no additional tax is due.
If the credit is less than the amount imposed by this state, only the difference between the two would be due.


Make sure you know that every year after that you registration amount is according to the weight of your vehicle. It's normally about $50 or so.. if you get a specialty plate it's an additional $25.00. I hope that helps!

 

Legally, your car should remain registered in California if more than 50% of your time will be spent living there. But I'm just speaking in legal terms...