General 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.

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 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%. As an agent for The Florida Department of Revenue, the Tax Collector's Office collects sale tax. Osceola County has an additional 1.5% local option tax, on the first $5000.00. (Maximum $75.00) 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.

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.