General Information about Vehicle Tags & Registration

Registration and Decal Appearance

Identifying numbers, as follows, will be printed on the decal when it is issued, which will help prevent theft.

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

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. Osceola 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

License plates can be renewed by mail, and returned to the owner and no mail fee is charged.

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.

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