Moving to Florida: Insurance, Registration and License Deadlines
New residents usually face two different deadlines handled by two different agencies.
- Register your vehicle within
- 10 days
A newcomer who accepts employment, engages in a trade or profession, or enrols children in Florida public schools must register their vehicles within 10 days (§ 320.38). Proof of PIP and property damage liability coverage is required at registration, and the agent must refuse to register the vehicle without it (§ 320.02(5)(a)).
- Get a state license within
- 30 days
The same newcomer has 30 days after starting the job or the schooling to obtain a Florida driver license (§ 322.031(1)). The two clocks run from the same event but are 20 days apart.
- Emissions inspection
- Not required
Florida repealed its motor vehicle exhaust emissions inspection program in 2000 (SB 772, ch. 2000-266, effective June 14, 2000).
- Handled by separate agencies
- No
Both the registration and the driver license run through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. County tax collectors issue registrations as its authorized agents (§ 320.03(1)).
What changed
June 14, 2000
Motor vehicle emissions inspection program repealed
SB 772 (ch. 2000-266) repealed the provisions requiring inspection of motor vehicle exhaust emissions. Florida has had no state emissions testing program since June 14, 2000.
Florida Senate — SB 772 (2000)