All motor vehicles and trailers in the State of Florida must be registered and titled. It is the responsibility of the Tax Collector, as an agent for the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, to provide the necessary services and operations to accomplish this function in accordance with state rules and regulations.
Tag Registration & Renewal

Florida uses a metal license plate with the alpha numeric system, meaning there are combinations of letters and numbers used for identification. The renewal decal with the vehicle description and month and year of expiration is placed in the upper right hand corner of the plate. The license plate is issued for five years and displayed on the rear of the vehicle with the exception of certain commercial vehicles. The owner will receive a new plate (with new numbers and letters) during the fifth year. Vehicles are registered on a staggered basis according to the first listed registered owner's birth month.

Florida Titles

To transfer a Florida Title, the seller must complete the transfer information on the current title, including the purchaser's 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.) 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 $10 fee is levied at the time of transfer.
Out-of-State Vehicle 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 purchase(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(if applicable) 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). Sales tax will be collected if applicable.

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. Commercial vehicles require additional Insurance coverage. Please contact our office for further information.
Renewal Registration by Mail

Most registrations can be renewed by mail. You must send the renewal card or a copy of the current registration along with proof of insurance.

A Military resident of Florida stationed outside of the state and still wanting to register a vehicle in Florida must send his/her renewal card, an out of state mailing address, an affidavit for exemption of Florida insurance stating that the vehicle is used in Florida for transient purposes only, and a copy of the orders showing the owner is stationed outside of Florida.

A Military non-resident of the state of Florida must send in his/her renewal card, proof of insurance, and an affidavit stating the owner is still an out of state resident stationed in Florida.

Change of Address

In order to maintain accurate records, and to help ensure that each registered owner receives a tag renewal notice, all changes of address must be reported to the Tax Collector's Office within 20 days. The vehicle owner is required to provide the license plate number along with the address change report. It is the responsibility of each registered owner to ensure that the vehicle's registration is kept current. Notices are mailed as a courtesy service only and to help facilitate the renewal process.

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 collects on transactions where applicable. Washington County has an additional 1% local option tax on the first $5,000 for a maximum of $50. 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.
 

Parking Permits for
Disabled Persons

A placard can be purchased by any individual with disabilities who holds a Florida Drivers License or Florida ID card that limit or impair the ability to walk or is certified legally blind. The parking permit entitles the driver transporting the disabled passenger to utilize handicap parking facilities. The placard is transferable to any vehicle transporting the disabled person. The placard is to be hung on the rear view mirror when using the designated parking spaces.

Applications must be completed and signed by the applicant and his/her physician.

A temporary disabled parking permit is also available for a 90 day period which is good for up to one year.

For more information on disabled parking permits contact the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.