If you’ve decided to drive to your Southern residence, or if you purchase a second vehicle to leave at your winter home, you probably want to know: can a snowbird register a car in Florida?
I’m here to fill you in on all the details to decide if you can and should register a car in Florida, and if so, I can even tell you how!
Do You Have to Be a Florida Resident to Register a Car?
While you do have to have a Florida address, you do not need to be a permanent Florida resident to register a car there. Part time residents like snowbirds can absolutely register a car in Florida.
Your vehicle’s registration can be completed using your out of state Driver’s License and proof of Florida residence.
Do I Have to Register My Car in Florida as a Snowbird?
You do not have to register your car in Florida, unless you are staying for more than 90 days. Florida law requires vehicles being used within the state for over 90 days to be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
If you’ll be driving back to your Northern residence before then, you’re not going to want to be swapping plates and paying registration fees.
I recommend only registering your vehicle in Florida as a snowbird if you will be leaving the vehicle there year round, or if you become a sunbird and Florida becomes the place you reside the majority (or at least over 90 days) of the year.
How to Register a Car in Florida as a Snowbird
Luckily, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, but the DMV has actually made it a relatively easy process to register a car in Florida as a snowbird.
First, you’ll want to gather the necessary documents. You will need:
- Your valid out-of-state Driver’s License
- Proof of Florida auto insurance for the vehicle
- The title to the vehicle (unless it has an out-of-state lien in a state that will not release titles, in which case bring your out-of-state registration)
- Proof of Florida residency (like a mortgage, lease agreement, etc)
- VIN verification (this can be done on site as long as you bring the vehicle to the DMV)
Once you have everything ready to go here is the process:
- Head to the nearest Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles office.
- Present your documents
- Let them perform a VIN inspection and an odometer reading (if you didn’t have it performed elsewhere ahead of time)
- Pay for registration and any other fees (e.g. specialty plates)
- Receive your license plate and registration certificate
There is an initial registration fee of $225, title transfer fees of $75-$85, plate fees of $30, and annual fees which vary by weight but generally do not exceed $50. Note that all of these are subject to change by the state.
The estimated total cost to register a vehicle in Florida for the first time is around $400. This is just a ballpark, as individual circumstances can vary, and depending on how and when you purchased the vehicle you may also be subject to sales tax.
Options for Specialty Florida License Plates
If you’re looking for more than just the basic Florida license plates on your vehicle, there are a variety of specialty plates (over 100 in fact) to choose from. The themes include:
- Collegiate
- Environmental
- Sports
- Special Interest
- Military
- Special Military
Florida discontinues the least popular design at the start of every year, but often adds new designs as well. You can see the full list of available specialty plates currently available here.
Note that specialty or personalized plates cost an additional fee (which varies by design) on top of your regular registration fees.
Florida Auto Insurance for Snowbirds
As I mentioned before, Florida’s insurance laws require you to hold a Florida auto insurance policy if you have a car registered there.
The minimum requirements for Florida auto insurance include $10,000 of personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 of property damage liability (PDL) insurance.
But remember, these are just the baseline measures, so if going more than the minimum is right for you, that’s totally fine!
Your best bet for auto insurance in Florida is to ask your existing car insurance provider if they can add a Florida vehicle to your current policy. If they cannot, check with your home or rental insurance for your Florida property to see about a bundle option.
Note that you must keep active coverage on the vehicle at all times, even when you are not actively driving it. So, snowbirds should still plan to maintain and pay for year-round coverage.
The only way to avoid this is to turn in your plates before you cancel the insurance, in which case you’ll have to re-register the vehicle again at a later date.
Can You Renew Your Florida Registration Online?
Yes, your Florida vehicle registration can be completed online. If you are out of the state when your registration is due, simply access the online renewal form to complete your renewal online.
Note that if you have any violations (like unpaid tickets) this may error your online registration process and they will need to be resolved before you can complete your registration.
You may renew up to 3 months early, before expiration on midnight of your birthday. Registrations may be done for 1 or 2 years at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Snowbirds Need to Register Their Car in Florida?
Snowbirds need to register their car in Florida if they will be there for more than 90 days, per state law.
For a period under 90 days, a car does not need to be registered there.
How Much Does it Cost to Register a Car in Florida?
Actual registration fees vary by vehicle weight, but for most passenger cars and trucks the annual fee will be under $50.
However, for initial registration and all of the associated fees, expect to spend about $400. This does not include any sales tax that could be applicable to your situation.
Can a Snowbird Register a Car in Florida?
Yes, snowbirds can register a car in Florida if they meet the state’s residency requirements and provide the necessary documentation to prove their eligibility for vehicle registration.
This includes proof of ownership, insurance, residency, and your out of state Driver’s License.
What Documents Are Required to Register a Car in Florida as a Snowbird?
Snowbirds need to provide proof of identity, proof of Florida residency, vehicle title, vehicle identification number (VIN) verification, and proof of insurance to register a car in Florida.
An out of state Driver’s License is acceptable for proof of identity; it does not have to be a Florida license.
Are Snowbirds Required to Pay Taxes or Fees to Register a Car in Florida?
Yes, snowbirds are required to pay taxes and fees to register a car in Florida, including registration fees, sales tax on the vehicle purchase price, and any applicable county or local taxes.
Sales tax will not always apply, depending on when and where you purchased your vehicle.
Can Snowbirds Transfer Their Vehicle Registration from Another State to Florida?
Yes, snowbirds can transfer their vehicle registration from another state to Florida by submitting the required documentation, paying the necessary fees, and surrendering their out-of-state registration and license plates.
Given the paperwork and fees associated, it is not recommended to do this unless the vehicle will be remaining in Florida long term. It does not need transferring if you stay less than 90 days.
How Long Is a Vehicle Registration Valid for Snowbirds in Florida?
A vehicle registration for snowbirds in Florida is typically valid for one year and must be renewed annually by the expiration date (midnight on the first owner’s birthdate) to maintain legal registration status.
Two year registrations are also available, if a long term option makes sense. There is no discount offered for a multiple-year registration.
Can Snowbirds Drive Their Car in Florida with Out-of-State Registration While Establishing Residency?
Snowbirds can drive their car in Florida with out-of-state registration for a temporary period while establishing residency.
If you are permanently moving to Florida, you need to update your registration within 10 days.
Where Can Snowbirds Get More Information about Registering a Car in Florida?
Snowbirds can get more information about registering a car in Florida by visiting the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website or contacting their local county tax collector’s office for assistance.
Conclusion
Whether you’re planning your first snowbird trip to Florida or it’s become a regular routine, it’s important to know what to do with your car!
If you plan to stay for less than 90 days, then you don’t have to get a Florida registration. However, if you’re making Florida a longer term home, or want to leave a vehicle at your second residence year round, then you’re in luck.
A snowbird can register a car in Florida, even without being a full time permanent resident. Got more questions about living there? Check out my guide on Florida residency requirements for snowbirds for a more in depth look.
I hope I’ve helped you better understand the requirements and process, so that if you do choose to register your car as a snowbird, you are prepared and ready to tackle it!
I was born and raised in the northern United States, and one thing I learned pretty early on in life is: I hate the cold and snow. Sure, there’s something charming about the first snowfall of the year, but after that, I’m out.
While a part of my heart will always lie in New England, the older I get, the more I want to escape it during the coldest months.
That’s where the snowbirding lifestyle earned its appeal for me. When the bad weather starts to loom, I head south to find warmer climates to get me through until spring and warmer weather returns.
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