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Florida Guide

Titling a Car in Florida After Moving From Another State

Last verified: October 2026 against FLHSMV and Florida DOR sources

If you move to Florida with a car from another state, Florida law requires you to title it here, not just register it, and the deadline is short.

Here is what to do and what to bring.

Step by step

  1. 1

    Mark the 10-day deadline

    Register an out-of-state vehicle within 10 days of becoming employed, placing children in public school, or establishing residency in Florida.

  2. 2

    Get Florida insurance

    You need proof of Florida PIP and PDL insurance from a Florida insurance company.

  3. 3

    Get the VIN verified

    A vehicle not previously titled in Florida needs a VIN and odometer verification (HSMV 82042), done by an FLHSMV compliance examiner or officer, a licensed Florida dealer, a Florida notary public, or a police officer.

  4. 4

    Title and register in person

    At a motor vehicle service center, bring proof of identity for all owners, Florida insurance, your original out-of-state title, and HSMV 82040 signed by all owners. If a lienholder holds your title, the lienholder must send it.

    Fees include the $85.25 title fee for a used vehicle titled in Florida for the first time, registration by weight, the $225 initial registration fee if you have no Florida plate to transfer, and $28 for a new plate.

  5. 5

    Check whether use tax applies

    Florida’s 6% use tax applies to a vehicle brought in within six months of purchase, with credit for sales tax paid to another state (you pay any difference). A vehicle used in another state for six months or longer is presumed not bought for use in Florida.

What to bring

  • Proof of identity for all owners
  • Proof of Florida PIP and PDL insurance
  • Your original out-of-state title (or the lienholder sends it)
  • HSMV 82040, signed by all owners
  • VIN and odometer verification (HSMV 82042)
  • Payment for title and registration fees, the $225 initial registration fee if it applies, and any use tax

Estimate your Florida costs

If no use tax applies, enter $0 as the price. The calculator shows the $75.25 transfer title fee; a first-time Florida title is $85.25. Answer No to the plate question to include the $225 initial registration fee and $28 plate.

Open the full Florida calculator

Vehicle & Transaction Details

Enter purchase information to calculate true out-of-pocket costs in Florida.

51 Jurisdictions Active
Florida 6% tax base
$
7 years old
Standard Passenger
Florida tag options
EV surcharge rules
Lien fee: $2.00
Florida: Deductible
$

Florida Statute: Florida allows trade-in value on private sales to be deducted from the purchase price before applying the 6% fee.

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Estimated taxes & fees

Estimated taxes & fees

Jurisdiction

Florida

Estimated taxes & fees
$1,299.45 – $1,399.45

Sales/Excise Tax (State + Local Range) + Title Certificate + Tags & Registration + Initial Registration + Plate Fee

Itemized Line ItemEstimated Fee
1Vehicle Sales / Excise Tax (6% State + Local Range)

State tax $900.00 + Local tax (varies by county) $0.00–$100.00 on the first $5,000.00

$900.00 – $1,000.00
2Certificate of Title Fee

Standard state title certificate issuance

$75.25
3Lien / Security Filing Fee

Unfinanced / cash purchase (waived $0.00)

$0.00
4Registration & Tag Fee

Base license plates & tags

$71.20
5Initial Registration Fee

One-time fee when you have no plate of your own to transfer

$225.00
6New License Plate

New metal plate when you have no plate to transfer

$28.00

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Florida rates last verified: October 2026
Official Notice & Statutory Disclaimers

Estimates only, not tax or legal advice. Verify with the Florida Department of Revenue or FLHSMV.

Florida sales tax is 6%. Most counties add a discretionary surtax of 0.5% to 2% on the first $5,000, based on the buyer’s county of residence. The estimate shows the range from no surtax to 2%.

A $225 initial registration fee and $28 metal plate fee apply when the buyer has no Florida plate to transfer. They are included unless you answer Yes to the plate question.

Registration shown is for cars of 2,500 to 3,499 lbs ($35.60) and 3,500 lbs and up ($45.60). Cars under 2,500 lbs pay $27.60.

A trade-in between individuals reduces the taxable price only when vehicles are traded in a single transaction, documented on the bill of sale and titles.

A paper title is $77.75 instead of $75.25.

County & Local Tax Note: Most Florida counties add a discretionary sales surtax of 0.5% to 2% (Citrus and Collier have none), based on the buyer’s county of residence. It applies only to the first $5,000 of the price, so it adds at most $100.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this FLHSMV and Florida DOR process.

10 days after you become employed, place children in public school, or establish residency in Florida.

Sources

Last verified: October 2026. Rules change, so check with FLHSMV and Florida DOR before you go.

More Florida guides

How to Title a Private Car Sale in FloridaThe title transfer, 30-day deadline, sales tax, and the $225 fee.How to Gift a Car in FloridaWhen a gift is tax-free, the sworn statement, and titling.
Florida Private Party Car Tax Calculator