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.

Click Here To View Specialty Tags

Specialty & Personalized Tags:

Specialty Tags may  be 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 $5.00 annual processing fee, and a $28.00 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 ordered at any Tax Collector or Branch Tag Office. Application for the initial personalized tag can be made any time. A $28.00 plate fee  and $51.10 personalization fee is charged, upon initial application, in addition to other registration fees. The $15.00 personalization fee is charged each year upon renewal. If your current tag is 10 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.

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 - "82050 Bill of Sale"). 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 $20.00 fee is levied at the time of transfer.

• 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.

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 $225.00 initial registration fee may be imposed. This fee applies to trucks weighing less than 5,000 pounds, private automobiles and motor homes.

• 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. 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 Osceola County Property Appraisers' Office for more information.