CHAPTER 320

320.01 Definitions, general. As used in the Florida Statutes, except as otherwise provided, the term: (1) “Motor vehicle” means: (a) An automobile, motorcycle, truck, trailer, semitrailer, truck tractor and semitrailer combination, or any other vehicle operated on the roads of this state, used to transport persons or property, and propelled by power other than muscular power, but the term does not include traction engines, road rollers, motorized scooters, micromobility devices, personal delivery devices and mobile carriers as defined in s. 316.003, special mobile equipment as defined in s. 316.003, vehicles that run only upon a track, bicycles, electric bicycles, swamp buggies, or mopeds. (b) A recreational vehicle-type unit primarily designed as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use, which either has its own motive power or is mounted on or drawn by another vehicle. Recreational vehicle-type units, when traveling on the public roadways of this state, must comply with the length and width provisions of s. 316.515, as that section may hereafter be amended. As defined below, the basic entities are: 1. The “travel trailer,” which is a vehicular portable unit, mounted on wheels, of such a size or weight as not to require special highway movement permits when drawn by a motorized vehicle. It is primarily designed and constructed to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use. It has a body width of no more than 8 1 / 2 feet and an overall body length of no more than 40 feet when factory-equipped for the road. 2. The “camping trailer,” which is a vehicular portable unit mounted on wheels and constructed with collapsible partial sidewalls which fold for towing by another vehicle and unfold at the campsite to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use. 3. The “truck camper,” which is a truck equipped with a portable unit designed to be loaded onto, or affixed to, the bed or chassis of the truck and constructed to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use. 4. The “motor home,” which is a vehicular unit which does not exceed the length, height, and width limitations provided in s. 316.515, is a self-propelled motor vehicle, and is primarily designed to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use. 5. The “private motor coach,” which is a vehicular unit which does not exceed the length, width, and height limitations provided in s. 316.515(9), is built on a self-propelled bus type chassis having no fewer than three load-bearing axles, and is primarily designed to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use. 6. The “van conversion,” which is a vehicular unit which does not exceed the length and width limitations provided in s. 316.515, is built on a self-propelled motor vehicle chassis, and is designed for recreation, camping, and travel use. 7. The “park trailer,” which is a transportable unit which has a body width not exceeding 14 feet and which is built on a single chassis and is designed to provide seasonal or temporary living quarters when connected to utilities necessary for operation of installed fixtures and appliances. The total area of the unit in a setup mode, when measured from the exterior surface of the exterior stud walls at the level of maximum dimensions, not including any bay window, does not exceed 400 square feet when constructed to ANSI A-119.5 standards, and 500 square feet when constructed to United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Standards. The length of a park trailer means the distance from the exterior of the front of the body (nearest to the drawbar and coupling mechanism) to the exterior of the rear of the body (at the opposite end of the body), including any protrusions. 8. The “fifth-wheel trailer,” which is a vehicular unit mounted on wheels, designed to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use, of such size or weight as not to require a special highway movement permit, of gross trailer area not to exceed 400 square feet in the setup mode, and designed to be towed by a motorized vehicle that contains a towing mechanism that is mounted above or forward of the tow vehicle’s rear axle. (2)(a) “Mobile home” means a structure, transportable in one or more sections, which is 8 body feet or more in width and which is built on an integral chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling when connected to the required utilities and includes the plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, and electrical systems contained therein. For tax purposes, the length of a mobile home is the distance from the exterior of the wall nearest to the drawbar and coupling mechanism to the exterior of the wall at the opposite end of the home where such walls enclose living or other interior space. Such distance includes expandable rooms, but excludes bay windows, porches, drawbars, couplings, hitches, wall and roof extensions, or other attachments that do not enclose interior space. In the event that the mobile home owner has no proof of the length of the drawbar, coupling, or hitch, then the tax collector may in his or her discretion either inspect the home to determine the actual length or may assume 4 feet to be the length of the drawbar, coupling, or hitch. (b) “Manufactured home” means a mobile home fabricated on or after June 15, 1976, in an offsite manufacturing facility for installation or assembly at the building site, with each section bearing a seal certifying that it is built in compliance with the federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standard Act. (3) “Owner” means any person, firm, corporation, or association controlling any motor vehicle or mobile home by right of purchase, gift, lease, or otherwise. (4) “Trailer” means any vehicle without motive power designed to be coupled to or drawn by a motor vehicle and constructed so that no part of its weight or that of its load rests upon the towing vehicle. (5) “Semitrailer” means any vehicle without motive power designed to be coupled to or drawn by a motor vehicle and constructed so that some part of its weight and that of its load rests upon or is carried by another vehicle. (6) “Net weight” means the actual scale weight in pounds with complete catalog equipment. (7) “Gross weight” means the net weight of a motor vehicle in pounds plus the weight of the load carried by it. (8) “Cwt” means the weight per hundred pounds, or major fraction thereof, of a motor vehicle. (9) “Truck” means any motor vehicle with a net vehicle weight of 5,000 pounds or less and which is designed or used principally for the carriage of goods and includes a motor vehicle to which has been added a cabinet box, a platform, a rack, or other equipment for the purpose of carrying goods other than the personal effects of the passengers. (10) “Heavy truck” means any motor vehicle with a net vehicle weight of more than 5,000 pounds, which is registered on the basis of gross vehicle weight in accordance with s. 320.08(4), and which is designed or used for the carriage of goods or designed or equipped with a connecting device for the purpose of drawing a trailer that is attached or coupled thereto by means of such connecting device and includes any such motor vehicle to which has been added a cabinet box, a platform, a rack, or other equipment for the purpose of carrying goods other than the personal effects of the passengers. (11) “Truck tractor” means a motor vehicle which has four or more wheels and is designed and equipped with a fifth wheel for the primary purpose of drawing a semitrailer that is attached or coupled thereto by means of such fifth wheel and which has no provision for carrying loads independently. (12) “Gross vehicle weight” means: (a) For heavy trucks with a net weight of more than 5,000 pounds, but less than 8,000 pounds, the gross weight of the heavy truck. The gross vehicle weight is calculated by adding to the net weight of the heavy truck the weight of the load carried by it, which is the maximum gross weight as declared by the owner or person applying for registration. (b) For heavy trucks with a net weight of 8,000 pounds or more, the gross weight of the heavy truck, including the gross weight of any trailer coupled thereto. The gross vehicle weight is calculated by adding to the gross weight of the heavy truck the gross weight of the trailer, which is the maximum gross weight as declared by the owner or person applying for registration. (c) The gross weight of a truck tractor and semitrailer combination is calculated by adding to the net weight of the truck tractor the gross weight of the semitrailer, which is the maximum gross weight as declared by the owner or person applying for registration; such vehicles are together by means of a fifth-wheel arrangement whereby part of the weight of the semitrailer and load rests upon the truck tractor. (13) “Passenger,” or any abbreviation thereof, does not include a driver. (14) “Private use” means the use of any vehicle which is not properly classified as a for-hire vehicle. (15)(a) “For-hire vehicle” means any motor vehicle, when used for transporting persons or goods for compensation; let or rented to another for consideration; offered for rent or hire as a means of transportation for compensation; advertised in a newspaper or generally held out as being for rent or hire; used in connection with a travel bureau; or offered or used to provide transportation for persons solicited through personal contact or advertised on a “share-expense” basis. When goods or passengers are transported for compensation in a motor vehicle outside a municipal corporation of this state, or when goods are transported in a motor vehicle not owned by the person owning the goods, such transportation is “for hire.” The carriage of goods and other personal property in a motor vehicle by a corporation or association for its stockholders, shareholders, and members, cooperative or otherwise, is transportation “for hire.” (b) The following are not included in the term “for-hire vehicle”: a motor vehicle used for transporting school children to and from school under contract with school officials; a hearse or ambulance when operated by a licensed embalmer or mortician or his or her agent or employee in this state; a motor vehicle used in the transportation of agricultural or horticultural products or in transporting agricultural or horticultural supplies direct to growers or the consumers of such supplies or to associations of such growers or consumers; a motor vehicle temporarily used by a farmer for the transportation of agricultural or horticultural products from any farm or grove to a packinghouse or to a point of shipment by a transportation company; or a motor vehicle not exceeding 1 1 / 2 tons under contract with the Government of the United States to carry United States mail, provided such vehicle is not used for commercial purposes. (16) “Road” means the entire width between the boundary lines of every way or place of whatever nature when any part thereof is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular traffic. (17) “Brake horsepower” means the actual unit of torque developed per unit of time at the output shaft of an engine, as measured by a dynamometer. (18) “Department” means the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. (19)(a) “Registration period” means a period of 12 months or 24 months during which a motor vehicle or mobile home registration is valid. (b) “Extended registration period” means a period of 24 months during which a motor vehicle or mobile home registration is valid. (20) “Marine boat trailer dealer” means any person engaged in: (a) The business of buying, selling, manufacturing, or dealing in trailers specifically designed to be drawn by another vehicle and used for the transportation on land of vessels, as defined in s. 327.02; or (b) The offering or displaying of such trailers for sale. (21) “Renewal period” means the period during which renewal of a motor vehicle registration or mobile home registration is required, as provided in s. 320.055. (22) “Golf cart” means a motor vehicle that is designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes and that is not capable of exceeding speeds of 20 miles per hour. (23) “International Registration Plan” means a registration reciprocity agreement among states of the United States and provinces of Canada providing for payment of license fees on the basis of fleet miles operated in various jurisdictions. (24) “Apportionable vehicle” means any vehicle, except recreational vehicles, vehicles displaying restricted plates, city pickup and delivery vehicles, and government-owned vehicles, which is used or intended for use in two or more member jurisdictions that allocate or proportionally register vehicles and which is used for the transportation of persons for hire or is designed, used, or maintained primarily for the transportation of property and: (a) Is a power unit having a gross vehicle weight in excess of 26,000 pounds; (b) Is a power unit having three or more axles, regardless of weight; or (c) Is used in combination, when the weight of such combination exceeds 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. Vehicles, or combinations thereof, having a gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or less and two-axle vehicles may be proportionally registered. (25) “Commercial motor vehicle” means any vehicle which is not owned or operated by a governmental entity, which uses special fuel or motor fuel on the public highways, and which has a gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more, or has three or more axles regardless of weight, or is used in combination when the weight of such combination exceeds 26,001 pounds gross vehicle weight. A vehicle that occasionally transports personal property to and from a closed-course motorsport facility, as defined in s. 549.09(1)(a), is not a commercial motor vehicle if the use is not for profit and corporate sponsorship is not involved. As used in this subsection, the term “corporate sponsorship” means a payment, donation, gratuity, in-kind service, or other benefit provided to or derived by a person in relation to the underlying activity, other than the display of product or corporate names, logos, or other graphic information on the property being transported. (26) “Motorcycle” means any motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground. The term includes an autocycle, as defined in s. 316.003, but excludes a tractor, a moped, or any vehicle in which the operator is enclosed by a cabin unless it meets the requirements set forth by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for a motorcycle. (27) “Moped” means any vehicle with pedals to permit propulsion by human power, having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels, with a motor rated not in excess of 2 brake horsepower and not capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed greater than 30 miles per hour on level ground, and with a power-drive system that functions directly or automatically without clutching or shifting gears by the operator after the drive system is engaged. If an internal combustion engine is used, the displacement may not exceed 50 cubic centimeters. (28) “Interstate” means vehicle movement between or through two or more states. (29) “Intrastate” means vehicle movement from one point within a state to another point within the same state. (30) “Person” means and includes natural persons, corporations, copartnerships, firms, companies, agencies, or associations, singular or plural. (31) “Registrant” means a person in whose name or names a vehicle is properly registered. (32) “Motor carrier” means any person owning, controlling, operating, or managing any motor vehicle used to transport persons or property over any public highway. (33) “Motorized disability access vehicle” means a vehicle designed primarily for handicapped individuals with normal upper body abilities and designed to be fueled by gasoline, travel on not more than three wheels, with a motor rated not in excess of 2 brake horsepower and not capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed greater than 30 miles per hour on level ground, and with a power-drive system that functions directly or automatically without clutching or shifting gears by the operator after the drive system is engaged. If an internal combustion engine is used, the displacement may not exceed 50 cubic centimeters. (34) “Resident” means a person who has his or her principal place of domicile in this state for a period of more than 6 consecutive months, who has registered to vote in this state, who has made a statement of domicile pursuant to s. 222.17, or who has filed for homestead tax exemption on property in this state. (35) “Nonresident” means a person who is not a resident. (36) “Electric vehicle” means a motor vehicle that is powered by an electric motor that draws current from rechargeable storage batteries, fuel cells, or other sources of electrical current. (37) “Disabled motor vehicle” means any motor vehicle as defined in subsection (1) which is not operable under its own motive power, excluding a nondisabled trailer or semitrailer, or any motor vehicle that is unsafe for operation upon the highways of this state. (38) “Replacement motor vehicle” means any motor vehicle as defined in subsection (1) under tow by a wrecker to the location of a disabled motor vehicle for the purpose of replacing the disabled motor vehicle, thereby permitting the transfer of the disabled motor vehicle’s operator, passengers, and load to an operable motor vehicle. (39) “Wrecker” means any motor vehicle that is used to tow, carry, or otherwise transport motor vehicles and that is equipped for that purpose with a boom, winch, car carrier, or other similar equipment. (40) “Tow” means to pull or draw any motor vehicle with a power unit by means of a direct attachment, drawbar, or other connection or to carry a motor vehicle on a power unit designed to transport such vehicle from one location to another. (41) “Low-speed vehicle” means any four-wheeled vehicle whose top speed is greater than 20 miles per hour but not greater than 25 miles per hour, including, but not limited to, neighborhood electric vehicles. Low-speed vehicles must comply with the safety standards in 49 C.F.R. s. 571.500 and s. 316.2122. (42) “Utility vehicle” means a motor vehicle designed and manufactured for general maintenance, security, and landscaping purposes, but the term does not include any vehicle designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons or property on a street or highway, or a golf cart, or an all-terrain vehicle as defined in s. 316.2074. (43) For purposes of this chapter, the term “agricultural products” means any food product; any agricultural, horticultural, or livestock product; any raw material used in plant food formulation; and any plant food used to produce food and fiber. (44) “Mini truck” means any four-wheeled, reduced-dimension truck that does not have a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration truck classification, with a top speed of 55 miles per hour, and which is equipped with headlamps, stop lamps, turn signal lamps, taillamps, reflex reflectors, parking brakes, rearview mirrors, windshields, and seat belts. (45) “Swamp buggy” means a motorized off-road vehicle that is designed or modified to travel over swampy or varied terrain and that may use large tires or tracks operated from an elevated platform. The term does not include any vehicle defined in chapter 261 or otherwise defined or classified in this chapter. (46) “Valid passport” means: (a) An unexpired passport or passport card issued by the United States Government; or (b) An unexpired passport issued by the government of another country with: 1. A stamp or mark affixed by the Federal Government onto the passport to evidence and authorize lawful presence in the United States; or 2. An unexpired I-94, or current permanent resident card, or unexpired immigrant visa, issued by the Federal Government. History. — ss. 1, 6, ch. 7275, 1917; s. 1, ch. 7737, 1918; RGS 1006, 1011; ss. 2, 5, ch. 8410, 1921; s. 2, ch. 9156, 1923; s. 1, ch. 9157, 1923; ss. 1, 3, ch. 10182, 1925; CGL 1280, 1285, 1677; s. 3, ch. 15625, 1931; s. 3, ch. 16085, 1933; s. 1, ch. 20743, 1941; s. 1, ch. 20911, 1941; s. 1, ch. 26923, 1951; s. 1, ch. 59-351; s. 1, ch. 65-61; s. 1, ch. 65-446; ss. 23, 24, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-215; s. 1, ch. 70-391; s. 93, ch. 71-377; s. 1, ch. 72-339; s. 1, ch. 73-284; s. 2, ch. 74-243; s. 3, ch. 75-66; s. 2, ch. 76-135; s. 4, ch. 76-286; s. 1, ch. 77-180; s. 1, ch. 77-357; s. 1, ch. 78-221; s. 125, ch. 79-400; s. 12, ch. 81-151; s. 22, ch. 82-134; s. 3, ch. 83-188; s. 23, ch. 83-215; s. 1, ch. 83-318; s. 1, ch. 84-182; s. 7, ch. 84-260; s. 5, ch. 85-155; s. 43, ch. 85-180; s. 10, ch. 85-309; s. 4, ch. 85-343; s. 11, ch. 86-243; s. 11, ch. 87-161; s. 20, ch. 87-198; s. 5, ch. 87-225; s. 1, ch. 88-147; s. 66, ch. 89-282; s. 2, ch. 89-320; s. 1, ch. 90-163; s. 4, ch. 90-270; s. 5, ch. 92-148; s. 39, ch. 94-306; s. 910, ch. 95-148; s. 10, ch. 95-247; s. 10, ch. 95-333; s. 29, ch. 96-413; s. 3, ch. 97-58; s. 2, ch. 99-163; s. 15, ch. 99-248; s. 39, ch. 2001-196; s. 1, ch. 2007-242; s. 16, ch. 2008-176; s. 2, ch. 2008-179; s. 6, ch. 2009-183; s. 20, ch. 2012-174; s. 27, ch. 2012-181; s. 27, ch. 2013-160; s. 72, ch. 2016-239; s. 4, ch. 2017-150; s. 5, ch. 2018-130; s. 5, ch. 2019-109; s. 11, ch. 2020-69; s. 7, ch. 2022-175; s. 3, ch. 2025-1. 320.0104 Legislative intent with respect to implementation of chapter. (1) It is the intent of the Legislature that the provisions of this chapter be implemented in such a manner that the convenience of the applicant is the first consideration. (2) Further, it is the intent of the Legislature that all services affecting motor carriers be consolidated in order to encourage interstate commerce and achieve maximum efficiency in registration, permitting, and safety programs administered by this state. In order to achieve this goal, Florida must join the cooperative effort that is being conducted on the national level by Congress, the United States Department of Transportation, and other groups to achieve uniformity among the jurisdictions and reduce the number of separate reports required by each jurisdiction of the motor carrier industry. Florida shall consolidate all requirements imposed on motor carriers operating in this state and shall actively negotiate reciprocal agreements and compacts with other jurisdictions to accomplish the intent of this chapter. History. — s. 2, ch. 83-318; s. 44, ch. 85-180. 320.011 Administration and enforcement; rules. The department shall administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter and has authority to adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement them. History. — s. 3, ch. 65-190; ss. 24, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 3, ch. 77-357; s. 14, ch. 80-217; s. 3, ch. 83-318; s. 62, ch. 98-200. Note. — Former s. 318.031. 320.015 Taxation of mobile homes. (1) A mobile home, as defined in s. 320.01(2), regardless of its actual use, shall be subject only to a license tax unless classified and taxed as real property. A mobile home is to be considered real property only when the owner of the mobile home is also the owner of the land on which the mobile home is situated and said mobile home is permanently affixed thereto. Any prefabricated or modular housing unit or portion thereof not manufactured upon an integral chassis or undercarriage for travel over the highways shall be taxed as real property once it is permanently affixed to real property. This subsection does not apply to a display home or other inventory being held for sale by a manufacturer or dealer of modular housing units. (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1), any mobile home classified by a seller or a lender as personal property at the time a security interest was granted therein to secure an obligation shall continue to be so classified for all purposes relating to the loan and security interest, at least as long as any part of such obligation, or any extension or renewal thereof, remains outstanding. Classification of a mobile home as personal property by a seller or a lender shall not prohibit the owner from having the mobile home classified and taxed as real property under subsection (1). History. — Former s. 13, Art IX of the State Constitution of 1885, as amended; converted to statutory law by s. 10, Art. XII of the State Constitution as revised in 1968; s. 2, ch. 70-391; s. 2, ch. 72-339; s. 3, ch. 85-155; s. 6, ch. 87-225; s. 27, ch. 2006-290. 320.02 Registration required; application for registration; forms. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, every owner or person in charge of a motor vehicle that is operated or driven on the roads of this state shall register the vehicle in this state. The owner or person in charge shall apply to the department or to its authorized agent for registration of each such vehicle on a form prescribed by the department. A registration is not required for any motor vehicle that is not operated on the roads of this state during the registration period. (2)(a) The application for registration must include the street address of the owner’s permanent Florida residence or the address of his or her permanent place of business in Florida and be accompanied by personal or business identification information. If the vehicle is registered to an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces who is a Florida resident, the active duty member is not required to provide the street address of a permanent Florida residence. (b) An individual applicant must provide proof of address satisfactory to the department and: 1. A valid REAL ID driver license or identification card issued by this state or another state; 2. A valid, unexpired United States passport; or 3. A valid, unexpired passport issued by another country and an unexpired Form I-94 issued by the United States Bureau of Customs and Border Protection. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “REAL ID driver license or identification card” has the same meaning as provided in 6 C.F.R. s. 37.3. (c) A business applicant must provide a federal employer identification number, if applicable, or verification that the business is authorized to conduct business in this state, or a Florida municipal or county business license or number. (d) The department shall prescribe a form upon which motor vehicle owners may record odometer readings when registering their motor vehicles. (3) Prior to the registration in this state of any vehicle registered outside the state, the application must be accompanied by either a sworn affidavit from the seller and purchaser verifying that the vehicle identification number shown on the affidavit is identical to the vehicle identification number shown on the motor vehicle or a copy of the appropriate departmental form evidencing that a physical examination has been made of the motor vehicle by the owner and by a duly constituted police officer of any state, a licensed motor vehicle dealer, a license inspector as provided by s. 320.58, or a notary public commissioned by any state and that the vehicle identification number shown on the applicable form and the application is identical to the vehicle identification number shown on the motor vehicle. Vehicle identification number verification is not required for any new vehicle sold in this state by a licensed motor vehicle dealer, any mobile home, any trailer or semitrailer with a net weight of less than 2,000 pounds, or any travel trailer or camping trailer. (4) Except as provided in ss. 775.21, 775.261, 943.0435, 944.607, and 985.4815, the owner of any motor vehicle registered in the state shall notify the department in writing of any change of address within 30 days of such change. The notification shall include the registration license plate number, the vehicle identification number (VIN) or title certificate number, year of vehicle make, and the owner’s full name. (5)(a) Proof that personal injury protection benefits have been purchased if required under s. 627.733, that property damage liability coverage has been purchased as required under s. 324.022, that bodily injury or death coverage has been purchased if required under s. 324.023, and that combined bodily liability insurance and property damage liability insurance have been purchased if required under s. 627.7415 shall be provided in the manner prescribed by law by the applicant at the time of application for registration of any motor vehicle that is subject to such requirements. The issuing agent shall refuse to issue registration if such proof of purchase is not provided. Insurers shall furnish uniform proof-of-purchase cards in a paper or electronic format in a form prescribed by the department and include the name of the insured’s insurance company, the coverage identification number, and the make, year, and vehicle identification number of the vehicle insured. The card must contain a statement notifying the applicant of the penalty specified under s. 316.646(4). The card or insurance policy, insurance policy binder, or certificate of insurance or a photocopy of any of these; an affidavit containing the name of the insured’s insurance company, the insured’s policy number, and the make and year of the vehicle insured; or such other proof as may be prescribed by the department shall constitute sufficient proof of purchase. If an affidavit is provided as proof, it must be in substantially the following form: Under penalty of perjury, I (Name of insured) do hereby certify that I have (Personal Injury Protection, Property Damage Liability, and, if required, Bodily Injury Liability) Insurance currently in effect with (Name of insurance company) under (Policy number) covering (Make, year, and vehicle identification number of vehicle) . (Signature of Insured) Such affidavit must include the following warning: WARNING: GIVING FALSE INFORMATION IN ORDER TO OBTAIN A VEHICLE REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE UNDER FLORIDA LAW. ANYONE GIVING FALSE INFORMATION ON THIS AFFIDAVIT IS SUBJECT TO PROSECUTION. If an application is made through a licensed motor vehicle dealer as required under s. 319.23, the original or a photostatic copy of such card, insurance policy, insurance policy binder, or certificate of insurance or the original affidavit from the insured shall be forwarded by the dealer to the tax collector of the county or the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for processing. By executing the aforesaid affidavit, no licensed motor vehicle dealer will be liable in damages for any inadequacy, insufficiency, or falsification of any statement contained therein. A card must also indicate the existence of any bodily injury liability insurance voluntarily purchased. (b) When an operator who owns a motor vehicle is subject to the financial responsibility requirements of chapter 324, including ss. 324.022 and 324.023, such operator shall provide proof of compliance with such financial responsibility requirements at the time of registration of any such motor vehicle by one of the methods constituting sufficient proof of purchase under paragraph (a). The issuing agent shall refuse to register a motor vehicle if such proof of purchase is not provided or if one of the other methods of proving financial responsibility as set forth in s. 324.031 is not met. (c) For purposes of providing proof of purchase of required insurance coverage under this subsection, the Office of Insurance Regulation of the Financial Services Commission shall require that uniform proof-of-purchase cards specified by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles be furnished by insurers writing motor vehicle liability insurance in this state. Any person altering or counterfeiting such a card or making a false affidavit in order to furnish false proof or to knowingly permit another person to furnish false proof is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. (d) The verifying of proof of personal injury protection insurance, proof of property damage liability insurance, proof of combined bodily liability insurance and property damage liability insurance, or proof of financial responsibility insurance and the issuance or failure to issue the motor vehicle registration under the provisions of this chapter may not be construed in any court as a warranty of the reliability or accuracy of the evidence of such proof. Neither the department nor any tax collector is liable in damages for any inadequacy, insufficiency, falsification, or unauthorized modification of any item of the proof of personal injury protection insurance, proof of property damage liability insurance, proof of combined bodily liability insurance and property damage liability insurance, or proof of financial responsibility insurance prior to, during, or subsequent to the verification of the proof. The issuance of a motor vehicle registration does not constitute prima facie evidence or a presumption of insurance coverage. (e) Upon the expiration date noted in the cancellation notice that the department receives from the insurer, the department shall suspend the registration issued under this chapter or revoke the license issued under s. 207.004(1) of a motor carrier who operates a commercial motor vehicle or a qualified motor vehicle who permits it to be operated in this state during the registration period or licensure period without having in full force liability insurance, a surety bond, or a valid self-insurance certificate that complies with this section. The insurer shall provide notice to the department at the same time the cancellation notice is provided to the insured pursuant to s. 627.7281. The department may adopt rules regarding the electronic submission of the cancellation notice. (6) Any person who registers his or her motor vehicle by means of false or fraudulent representations made in any application for registration is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. The department may demand the return of, and may cancel, any license plate issued based on false or fraudulent representations. (7) Every owner or person in charge of a motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of 55,000 pounds or more shall present proof of filing or proof of payment, in such form as may be prescribed by the United States Secretary of the Treasury, of the use tax imposed by s. 4481 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended, upon application for registration. Proof of payment or proof of filing will be made in accordance with the gross vehicle weight tax schedule established by s. 4481 of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended. An owner or person in charge of such a motor vehicle who has been exempted from the use tax by the Secretary of the Treasury shall present proof of such exemption in lieu of proof of payment. When an application is made through a licensed motor vehicle dealer as required in s. 319.23, the original or photostatic copy of such prescribed proof shall be forwarded by the dealer to the tax collector or the department for processing. The issuing agent shall refuse to issue a registration if such prescribed proof is not presented. Any person making a false affidavit in order to furnish false proof or to knowingly permit another person to furnish such false proof is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. (8) The application form for motor vehicle registration shall include language permitting a voluntary contribution of $1 per applicant, which contribution shall be paid into the Nongame Wildlife Trust Fund. The application form shall also include language providing for a voluntary contribution of $2, which shall be paid into the Highway Safety Operating Trust Fund and used to purchase child safety seats. (9) Before a motor vehicle which has not been manufactured in accordance with the federal Clean Air Act and the federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act can be sold to a consumer and titled and registered in this state, the motor vehicle must be certified by the United States Bureau of Customs and Border Protection or the United States Department of Transportation and the United States Environmental Protection Agency to be in compliance with these federal standards. A vehicle which is registered pursuant to this subsection shall not be titled as a new motor vehicle. (10) An owner or person in charge of a motor vehicle subject to inspection pursuant to the Clean Outdoor Air Law shall provide proof of inspection or waiver at the time of registration of any such motor vehicle. The issuing agent shall refuse to register a motor vehicle if such proof of inspection or waiver is not provided. (11) The department shall audit affidavits utilized as proof of insurance under subsection (5) to verify that the affidavits are not false. The department shall take action as appropriate with respect to false affidavits. (12) The department is authorized to withhold registration or reregistration of any motor vehicle if the owner, or one of the co-owners of the vehicle, has a driver license which is under suspension for the failure to remit payment of any fines levied in this state pursuant to chapter 318 or chapter 322. (13)(a) The license inspectors appointed by the department pursuant to s. 320.58 are empowered to issue a notice of violation on a form prescribed by the department to unattended motor vehicles that reasonably appear to such examiners to be required to be registered under this chapter and that are not so registered. The notice of violation shall include a summary of the provisions of this section and shall contain such other information as the department in its discretion shall determine. (b) The owner or person in charge of any vehicle that is issued a notice of violation pursuant to this section shall, within 30 days of the date of issuance shown on the notice, register the vehicle as required by this chapter or provide proof satisfactory to the department that the vehicle is exempt from such registration. If the vehicle is not registered or the proof is not provided on or after the 31st day following the date of issuance shown on the notice, the department is authorized to immobilize the vehicle by use of an immobilization device. Upon proof of registration of the vehicle or proof satisfactory to the department that the vehicle is exempt from such registration, the department shall remove the immobilization device. The department shall immediately remove, at no charge, any immobilization device that has been placed on any vehicle in error. (c) The license inspectors appointed by the department pursuant to s. 320.58 are empowered to enter upon both publicly owned and privately owned property in order to carry out the provisions of this section. (d) Any person who, without the authorization of the department, disables, removes, tampers with, damages, or unlocks an immobilization device placed on a vehicle pursuant to this section, or who attempts to do so, is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. (14) The application form for motor vehicle registration must include language allowing an applicant who is deaf or hard of hearing to voluntarily indicate that he or she is deaf or hard of hearing. If the applicant indicates on the application that he or she is deaf or hard of hearing, such information shall be included through the Driver and Vehicle Information Database and available through the Florida Crime Information Center system. (15) The application form for motor vehicle registration must include language allowing an applicant to voluntarily indicate that the applicant has been diagnosed with, or is the parent or legal guardian of a child or ward who has been diagnosed with, any of the following disabilities or disorders by a physician licensed under chapter 458 or chapter 459: (a) Autism. (b) Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. (c) Down syndrome. (d) Alzheimer’s disease. (e) Traumatic brain injury. (f) Posttraumatic stress disorder. (g) Diabetes. (h) An autoimmune disorder. (i) Deafness. (j) Blindness. (k) Any other mentally or physically limiting disorder. If the applicant indicates one or more of the diagnoses listed above on the application, the department must include the designation “SAFE” in the motor vehicle record. For purposes of this subsection, the department may not include in the motor vehicle record personal identifying information of, or any diagnosis of, a person for whom a diagnosis is indicated. The department must allow a motor vehicle owner or co-owner to update a motor vehicle registration to include or remove the “SAFE” designation under this subsection at any time. (16) The application form for motor vehicle registration must include language permitting a voluntary contribution of $1 per applicant, which contribution must be transferred into the Transportation Disadvantaged Trust Fund created in s. 427.0159 and must be expended as provided in that section. (17)(a) The application form for motor vehicle registration must include language permitting the voluntary contribution of $1 per applicant, to be quarterly distributed by the department to Preserve Vision Florida, a not-for-profit organization, to prevent blindness and preserve the sight of the residents of this state. A statement providing an explanation of the purpose of the funds shall be included with the application form. Before the department distributes the funds collected pursuant to this paragraph, Preserve Vision Florida must submit a report to the department that identifies how such funds were used during the preceding year. (b) The application form for motor vehicle registration and renewal of registration must include language permitting a voluntary contribution to the Florida Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Inc., which contribution must be transferred by the department to the Florida Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Inc., on a monthly basis. (c) The application form for motor vehicle registration shall include language permitting the voluntary contribution of $1 per applicant, to be distributed quarterly by the department to Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc., a corporation not for profit under s. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, to be used by that organization for the purpose of breeding, raising, and training guide dogs for the blind. Such funds may also be used toward the costs of the required in-residence training for the individual receiving a guide dog. (d) The application form for motor vehicle registration shall include language permitting the voluntary contribution of $1 per applicant to Stop Heart Disease. The proceeds shall be distributed quarterly by the department to the Miami Heart Research Institute, Inc., doing business as the Florida Heart Research Institute, a corporation not for profit under s. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, to be used by that organization for the purpose of heart disease research, education, and prevention programs. (e) The application form for motor vehicle registration and renewal registration must include language permitting a voluntary contribution of $1 per applicant, which contribution must be distributed to the Children’s Hearing Help Fund to be used for purposes provided for the fund. (f) Notwithstanding s. 320.023, the application form for motor vehicle registration and renewal of registration must include language permitting a voluntary contribution of $1 per applicant to the state homes for veterans, to be distributed on a quarterly basis by the department to the Operations and Maintenance Trust Fund within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. (g) The application form for motor vehicle registration and renewal of registration must include language permitting a voluntary contribution of $1 to Family First. Such contributions must be transferred by the department each month to Family First, a nonprofit organization. (h) The application form for motor vehicle registration and renewal of registration must include language permitting a voluntary contribution of $1 to Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, Inc. Such contributions must be transferred by the department each month to Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, Inc., a not-for-profit organization. (i) The application form for motor vehicle registration and renewal of registration must include language permitting a voluntary contribution of $1 to Blind Babies and Blind Youth Services. Such contributions shall be transferred by the department each month to the Florida Association of Agencies Serving the Blind, Inc., a not-for-profit organization. (j) The application form for motor vehicle registration and renewal of registration must include language permitting a voluntary contribution of $1 for services for persons with developmental disabilities. Such contributions shall be transferred by the department to The Arc of Florida to be used by that organization for programs and services in this state for persons with developmental disabilities. (k) The application form for motor vehicle registration and renewal of registration must include language permitting a voluntary contribution of $1 to the Ronald McDonald House. Such contributions shall be transferred by the department each month to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay, Inc. (l) Notwithstanding s. 320.023, the application forms for motor vehicle registration and renewal of registration must include language permitting a voluntary contribution of $1 per applicant, which shall be distributed to the League Against Cancer/La Liga Contra el Cancer. Such contributions shall be distributed by the department to the League Against Cancer/La Liga Contra el Cancer, a not-for-profit organization that provides free medical care to needy cancer patients. The department shall retain all contributions necessary, up to a maximum of $10,000, to defray the cost of including the voluntary contribution language on the registration forms. (m) The application forms for motor vehicle registration and renewal of registration must include language permitting a voluntary contribution of $1 to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse. Such contributions shall be distributed by the department to Lauren’s Kids, Inc., a corporation not for profit under s. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The funds shall be used by the organization for the prevention of childhood sexual abuse. (n) The application form for motor vehicle registration and renewal registration must include language permitting the voluntary contribution of $1 per applicant, to be distributed quarterly by the department to Florida Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers, Inc. The network may retain a maximum of 50 percent of the revenues to support the activities of the network and shall distribute the remainder equitably among the network members, as determined by the board of directors of the network. (o) The application form for motor vehicle registration and renewal registration must include language permitting a voluntary contribution of $1 to the Florida Association of Food Banks, Inc. The proceeds shall be distributed by the department each month to the Florida Association of Food Banks, Inc., to be used by that organization for the purpose of ending hunger in this state. (p) The application form for motor vehicle registration and renewal of registration must include language permitting a voluntary contribution of $1 per applicant for Autism Services and Supports. Such contributions must be transferred by the department each month to the Achievement and Rehabilitation Centers, Inc., Autism Services Fund. (q) The application form for motor vehicle registration and renewal of registration must include language permitting a voluntary contribution of $1 per applicant to Support Our Troops, which shall be distributed monthly to Support Our Troops, Inc., a Florida not-for-profit organization. (r) The application form for motor vehicle registration and renewal of registration must include language permitting a voluntary contribution of $1 to Take Stock In Children. Such contributions shall be transferred by the department to Take Stock In Children, Inc. (s) Notwithstanding s. 320.023, the application form for motor vehicle registration and renewal of registration must include language permitting a voluntary contribution of $1 per applicant to aid the homeless. Contributions made pursuant to this paragraph shall be deposited into the Grants and Donations Trust Fund of the Department of Children and Families and used by the State Office on Homelessness to supplement grants made under s. 420.622(4) and (5), provide information to the public about homelessness in the state, and provide literature for homeless persons seeking assistance. The application fee required under s. 320.023 for an organization that seeks authorization to establish a voluntary contribution does not apply to this paragraph. 1 (t) The application form for motor vehicle registration and renewal of registration must include language permitting a voluntary contribution of $1 or more per applicant to End Breast Cancer. Such contributions shall be distributed by the department to the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation. (u) Notwithstanding s. 320.023(1) and (2), the application form for motor vehicle registration and renewal of registration must include language permitting a voluntary contribution of $1 or more per applicant to the Live Like Bella Childhood Cancer Foundation. Such contributions must be distributed by the department to the Live Like Bella Childhood Cancer Foundation. (v) The application form for motor vehicle registration and renewal of registration must include language permitting a voluntary contribution of $1 to Best Buddies International, Inc. Such contributions shall be distributed monthly by the department to Best Buddies International Inc., a corporation not for profit under s. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. For the purpose of applying the service charge provided in s. 215.20, contributions received under this subsection are not income of a revenue nature. (18) The department is authorized to withhold registration or re-registration of a motor vehicle if the name of the owner or of a co-owner appears on a list submitted to the department by a licensed motor vehicle dealer for a previous registration of that vehicle. The department shall place the name of the registered owner of that vehicle on the list of those persons who may not be issued a license plate, revalidation sticker, or replacement plate for the vehicle purchased from the licensed motor vehicle dealer. The motor vehicle dealer must maintain signed evidence that the owner or co-owner acknowledged the dealer’s authority to submit the list to the department if he or she failed to pay and must note the amount for which the owner or co-owner would be responsible for the vehicle registration. The dealer must maintain the necessary documentation required in this subsection or face penalties as provided in s. 320.27. This subsection does not affect the issuance of a title to a motor vehicle. (a) The motor vehicle owner or co-owner may dispute the claim that money is owed to a dealer for registration fees by submitting a form to the department if the motor vehicle owner or co-owner has documentary proof that the registration fees have been paid to the dealer for the disputed amount. Without clear evidence of the amounts owed for the vehicle registration and repayment, the department will assume initial payments are applied to government-assessed fees first. (b) If the registered owner’s dispute complies with paragraph (a), the department shall immediately remove the motor vehicle owner or co-owner’s name from the list, thereby allowing the issuance of a license plate or revalidation sticker. (19) If an applicant’s name appears on a list of persons who may not be issued a license plate, revalidation sticker, or replacement license plate after a written notice to surrender a vehicle was submitted to the department by a lienor as provided in s. 320.1316, the department shall withhold renewal of registration or replacement registration of the motor vehicle identified in the notice submitted by the lienor. The lienor must maintain proof that written notice to surrender the vehicle was sent to each registered owner pursuant to s. 320.1316(1). A revalidation sticker or replacement license plate may not be issued for the identified vehicle until the person’s name no longer appears on the list, the person presents documentation from the lienor that the vehicle has been surrendered to the lienor, or a court orders the person’s name removed from the list as provided in s. 320.1316. The department may not withhold an initial registration in connection with an applicant’s purchase or lease of a motor vehicle solely because the applicant’s name is on the list created by s. 320.1316. (20) The department shall retain all electronic registration records for at least 10 years. (21) A personal delivery device and a mobile carrier as defined in s. 316.003 are not required to satisfy the registration and insurance requirements of this section. History. — s. 2, ch. 7275, 1917; RGS 1007; s. 3, ch. 8410, 1921; s. 2, ch. 10182, 1925; CGL 1281; s. 1, ch. 15625, 1931; s. 1, ch. 16085, 1933; s. 1, ch. 26909, 1951; s. 1, ch. 28186, 1953; s. 6, ch. 65-190; ss. 24, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 71-42; s. 2, ch. 73-284; s. 1, ch. 75-57; s. 4, ch. 75-66; s. 4, ch. 77-357; s. 4, ch. 77-468; s. 1, ch. 78-186; s. 3, ch. 78-225; s. 2, ch. 78-353; s. 4, ch. 78-363; s. 4, ch. 78-412; s. 3, ch. 79-32; s. 2, ch. 80-388; s. 1, ch. 83-200; s. 6, ch. 83-298; s. 4, ch. 83-318; s. 1, ch. 83-320; ss. 2, 3, ch. 84-155; s. 3, ch. 84-194; s. 45, ch. 85-180; s. 3, ch. 86-182; s. 12, ch. 86-243; s. 21, ch. 87-198; s. 19, ch. 88-129; s. 4, ch. 88-253; ss. 4, 5, ch. 88-370; s. 1, ch. 89-212; s. 26, ch. 90-119; s. 1, ch. 90-329; s. 27, ch. 91-107; s. 43, ch. 94-306; s. 911, ch. 95-148; s. 14, ch. 95-333; s. 19, ch. 97-300; s. 1, ch. 99-233; ss. 16, 259, ch. 99-248; ss. 48, 49, ch. 2000-171; s. 358, ch. 2003-261; s. 26, ch. 2004-5; s. 8, ch. 2004-235; s. 14, ch. 2005-164; s. 1, ch. 2005-254; s. 1, ch. 2006-44; s. 28, ch. 2006-290; s. 1, ch. 2007-50; s. 3, ch. 2007-150; s. 2, ch. 2007-324; s. 2, ch. 2008-87; s. 1, ch. 2008-102; ss. 17, 18, ch. 2008-176; s. 1, ch. 2009-110; s. 2, ch. 2009-206; s. 1, ch. 2010-82; s. 1, ch. 2010-86; s. 1, ch. 2010-186; s. 10, ch. 2010-198; s. 16, ch. 2010-223; s. 1, ch. 2012-86; s. 28, ch. 2012-181; s. 1, ch. 2013-74; s. 28, ch. 2013-160; s. 18, ch. 2014-216; s. 1, ch. 2015-60; s. 8, ch. 2015-163; s. 57, ch. 2016-239; s. 5, ch. 2017-150; s. 6, ch. 2017-157; s. 1, ch. 2018-42; s. 6, ch. 2018-130; s. 1, ch. 2019-47; s. 6, ch. 2021-156; s. 3, ch. 2023-186; s. 12, ch. 2024-71; s. 5, ch. 2024-73; s. 2, ch. 2024-150; s. 8, ch. 2026-39. 1 Note. — As created by s. 8, ch. 2015-163. For a description of multiple acts in the same session affecting a statutory provision, see preface to the Florida Statutes , “Statutory Construction.” Paragraph (u), redesignated as paragraph (t) by s. 1, ch. 2019-47, was also created by s. 1, ch. 2015-60, and that version reads: (t) The application form for motor vehicle registration and renewal of registration must include language permitting a voluntary contribution of $1 or more per applicant to End Breast Cancer. Such contributions shall be distributed by the department to the Florida Breast Cancer Coalition Research Foundation, Inc., an organization not-for-profit under s. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and shall be used for breast cancer research and education. 320.021 Blue envelope and blue card program. (1) The department shall establish a blue envelope and blue card program for the purpose of improving communication between individuals with autism spectrum disorder and law enforcement officers. (2)(a) By January 1, 2027, the department shall develop and make available to individuals with autism spectrum disorder a blue envelope that is intended to hold a copy of an individual’s driver license and his or her vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and emergency contact information, and a blue card, which envelope or card may be provided by an individual with autism spectrum disorder to a law enforcement officer during an interaction with the law enforcement officer. (b) The exterior of the blue envelope must identify the individual as an individual with autism spectrum disorder and include communication guidelines intended to assist law enforcement officers during interactions with drivers with autism spectrum disorder. (c) The blue card may be digital or a durable, wallet-sized card and must identify the individual as an individual with autism spectrum disorder and include communication guidelines intended to assist law enforcement officers during interactions with individuals with autism spectrum disorder. (3) Beginning January 1, 2027, an individual with autism spectrum disorder may request a blue envelope, blue card, or both a blue envelope and blue card from the department or a tax collector’s office. History. — s. 1, ch. 2026-147. 320.023 Requests to establish voluntary checkoff on motor vehicle registration application. (1) An organization that seeks authorization to establish a voluntary contribution on a motor vehicle registration application must submit to the department: (a) A request for the particular voluntary contribution being sought, describing the proposed voluntary contribution in general terms. (b) An application fee, not to exceed $10,000 to defray the department’s cost for reviewing the application and developing the voluntary contribution checkoff, if authorized. State funds may not be used to pay the application fee. (c) A marketing strategy outlining short-term and long-term marketing plans for the requested voluntary contribution and a financial analysis outlining the anticipated revenues and the planned expenditures of the revenues to be derived from the voluntary contribution. The information required under this subsection must be submitted to the department at least 90 days before the convening of the next regular session of the Legislature. (2) If the voluntary contribution is not approved by the Legislature, the application fee must be refunded to the requesting organization. (3) The department must include any voluntary contributions approved by the Legislature on the motor vehicle application form when the form is reprinted by the agency. (4)(a) The department must discontinue the voluntary contribution if: 1. Less than $25,000 has been contributed by the end of the 5th year. 2. Less than $25,000 is contributed during any subsequent 5-year period. (b) The department is authorized to discontinue the voluntary contribution and distribution of associated proceeds if the organization no longer exists, if the organization has stopped providing services that are authorized to be funded from the voluntary contributions, or pursuant to an organizational recipient’s request. Organizations are required to notify the department immediately to stop warrants for voluntary check-off contributions if any of the conditions in this subsection exist, and must meet the requirements of paragraph (5)(b) or paragraph (5)(c), if applicable, for any period of ope