Moving to Florida: car title and registration costs
Moving to Florida with a car you own: title and registration come to about $130.85–$383.85 for a $20,000 car you have owned over a year (estimate). Register within 10 days of moving (Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles).
Tax on the car itself: $0.00 plus anything you fill in.
Estimate of government charges. The DMV or county office calculates the final amount.
Your own numbers
Set up for: moving to Florida · Different situation?
Every line for a new resident
| Line | Group | Amount | Set by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Use tax for new residents | State & local tax | you fill in | Florida Department of Revenue |
| Original title, used vehicle / previously titled in another state | Title | $85.25 | Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles |
| Initial registration fee (no Florida plate to transfer) | Registration & plates | $0.00–$225.00 | Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles |
| Annual license tax and other fees, private automobile (by net weight) | Registration & plates | $45.60 | Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles |
| New metal license plate | Registration & plates | $0.00–$28.00 | Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles |
Deadlines
- Late title fee if title application filed more than (days after purchase): 30 days (Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles)
- New resident / newly employed: register out-of-state vehicle within (days): 10 days (Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles)
- Nonresident partial exemption: license in home state within (days): 45 days (Florida Department of Revenue)
Sales tax when you move
- Use tax for new residents: Did you use the vehicle in another state for at least 6 months before bringing it to Florida? If not, 6% use tax plus surtax is due (less tax paid elsewhere).
Checklist before the DMV visit
- Your out-of-state title (or the lender's details if there is a loan) and current registration
- Proof of insurance that meets the state's requirements
- Your new driver license or ID, and proof of your new address
- Odometer reading; some states also need a VIN or safety/emissions inspection
- Proof of sales tax you paid when you bought the car, if it was recent (several states credit it or exempt you)
After that: yearly renewal
See registration and title fees in Florida for the yearly cost.
Official tools: FLHSMV fee schedule (no official calculator found) · Florida DOR discretionary sales surtax rates
Sources
- Florida Department of Revenue: TIP 26A01-01 Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Rates by State (February 11, 2026)
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles: Fees (motorist services fee schedule)
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles: Motor Vehicle Registrations
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles: HSMV 83140 License Plate Rate Chart and fee check-off list (Rev. 08/26)
FAQ
How long do I have to register my car after moving to Florida?
New resident / newly employed: register out-of-state vehicle within (days): 10 days, per Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Do I pay sales tax when I bring my car to Florida?
Did you use the vehicle in another state for at least 6 months before bringing it to Florida? If not, 6% use tax plus surtax is due (less tax paid elsewhere).
How much does it cost to register an out-of-state car in Florida?
About $130.85–$383.85 for a $20,000 car owned over a year (estimate of title and registration).