320.0705  Semiannual registration or renewal for certain vehicles.--

(1)  The owner of a motor vehicle taxed under s. 320.08(4) or (6)(b) may register his or her vehicle semiannually, if the amount of license tax due annually is more than $100 and the vehicle registration fee is not required to be apportioned, upon payment of a fee of $2.50 for each semiannual registration.

(2)  During the first 3 months of the semiannual registration period beginning either June 1 or December 1, the semiannual tax shall be one-half of the respective annual amount set forth in s. 320.08. The fee for registration during the fourth month of the semiannual period or thereafter shall be at the rate of one-twelfth of the annual amount for the month of registration and one-twelfth of the annual amount for each month of the semiannual registration period succeeding the month of registration. However, any vehicle not registered in this state during the prior semiannual period and not subject to registration during such prior registration period may be registered in any month of the semiannual registration period beginning June 1 or December 1 at the rate of one-twelfth of the annual amount for the month of registration and one-twelfth of the annual amount for each month of the semiannual period succeeding the month of registration. The provisions of s. 320.14 do not apply to such vehicles.

(3)  The owner of a motor vehicle taxed under s. 320.08(6)(a) may register such vehicle for any 6-month period upon payment of one-half the annual license tax plus an additional fee of $2.50 for each period; provided, notwithstanding any other provision of law, such person is not entitled to a refund of any tax imposed under s. 320.08(6) upon such vehicle.

History.--s. 19, ch. 83-318; s. 48, ch. 85-180; s. 3, ch. 89-364; s. 351, ch. 95-148.

320.0706  Display of license plates on trucks.--The owner of any commercial truck of gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more shall display the registration license plate on both the front and rear of the truck in conformance with all the requirements of s. 316.605 that do not conflict with this section. The owner of a dump truck may place the rear license plate on the gate no higher than 60 inches to allow for better visibility. However, the owner of a truck tractor shall be required to display the registration license plate only on the front of such vehicle.

History.--s. 11, ch. 84-260; s. 49, ch. 85-180; s. 17, ch. 86-243; s. 26, ch. 87-198; s. 37, ch. 96-413; s. 31, ch. 2006-290.

320.071  Advance registration renewal; procedures.--

(1)(a)  The owner of any motor vehicle or mobile home currently registered in this state may file an application for renewal of registration with the department, or its authorized agent in the county wherein the owner resides, any time during the 3 months preceding the date of expiration of the registration period.

(b)  The owner of any apportioned motor vehicle currently registered in this state may file an application for renewal of registration with the department any time during the 5 months preceding the date of expiration of the registration period.

(2)  Upon the filing of the application and payment of the appropriate license tax under s. 320.08, service charges required by s. 320.04, and any additional fees required by law, the department or its agent shall issue to the owner of the motor vehicle or mobile home a validation sticker or mobile home sticker, as appropriate, which, when affixed to the license plate or mobile home, shall renew the registration for the appropriate registration period.

(3)  Any person who uses a mobile home sticker or validation sticker without lawful authority or who willfully violates any rule of the department relating to this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

History.--s. 1, ch. 70-6; s. 1, ch. 70-439; s. 194, ch. 71-136; s. 10, ch. 77-357; s. 20, ch. 83-318; s. 18, ch. 86-243.

320.0715  International Registration Plan; motor carrier services; permits; retention of records.--

(1)  All commercial motor vehicles domiciled in this state and engaged in interstate commerce shall be registered in accordance with the provisions of the International Registration Plan and shall display apportioned license plates.

(2)(a)  An International Registration Plan motor vehicle trip permit registration may be issued for any vehicle which could be lawfully operated in the International Registration Plan jurisdiction if full registration or proportional registration were obtained. A Florida trip permit shall expire 10 days after issuance. The cost of a trip permit shall be $30, payment of which shall exempt the vehicle from payment of Florida apportioned license plate fees during the term for which the permit is valid. Any vehicle for which a trip permit has been issued may be operated in interstate or intrastate commerce in the jurisdiction for the period allowed under such permit. No motor carrier to whom a trip permit is issued shall knowingly allow the permit to be used by any other person, organization, or vehicle.

(b)  A motor carrier may, upon payment of the $30 fee, secure from the department or a designated authorized agent of the department a Florida International Registration Plan motor vehicle trip permit which shall be valid for 10 days. Such trip permit shall show the name and address of the motor carrier to whom it is issued, the date the vehicle is placed in and removed from service, a complete identification of the vehicle on which the permit is to be used, and the name and address of the owner or lessee of the vehicle. The permit shall then be carried on the vehicle which it identifies and shall be exhibited on demand to any authorized personnel. The motor carrier to whom a permit is issued shall be solely responsible for the proper use of the permit by its employees and lessees. Any erasure, alteration, or unauthorized use of such permit shall render it invalid and of no effect. Florida International Registration Plan motor vehicle trip permits may be transmitted to the motor carrier by electronic means and shall be complete as outlined by department personnel prior to transmittal.

(c)  Special temporary permits shall be provided to owner-operators not operating as a lessor, for a fee of $5. Such permit shall be valid for 10 days and shall only be utilized for owner-operator vehicles with a registered gross weight not in excess of the empty or unladen weight of the vehicle. Special temporary permits may be issued by the department or by any of its designated authorized agents. A special temporary permit may be transmitted to the owner-operator by electronic means and must be completed as outlined by department personnel prior to transmittal.

(3)(a)  If the department is unable to immediately issue the apportioned license plate to an applicant currently registered in this state under the International Registration Plan or to a vehicle currently titled in this state, the department or its designated agent is authorized to issue a 60-day temporary operational permit. The department or agent of the department shall charge a $3 fee and the service charge authorized by s. 320.04 for each temporary operational permit it issues.

(b)  The department shall in no event issue a temporary operational permit for any commercial motor vehicle to any applicant until the applicant has shown that:

1.  All sales or use taxes due on the registration of the vehicle are paid; and

2.  Insurance requirements have been met in accordance with ss. 320.02(5) and 627.7415.

(c)  Issuance of a temporary operational permit provides commercial motor vehicle registration privileges in each International Registration Plan member jurisdiction designated on said permit and therefore requires payment of all applicable registration fees and taxes due for that period of registration.

(d)  Application for permanent registration must be made to the department within 10 days from issuance of a temporary operational permit. Failure to file an application within this 10-day period may result in cancellation of the temporary operational permit.

(4)  Each motor carrier registered under the International Registration Plan shall maintain and keep, for a period of 4 years, pertinent records and papers as may be required by the department for the reasonable administration of this chapter.

(5)  The provisions of this section do not apply to any commercial motor vehicle domiciled in a foreign state that enters this state solely for the purpose of bringing a commercial vehicle in for repairs, or picking up a newly purchased commercial vehicle, so long as the commercial motor vehicle is operated by its owner and is not hauling a load.

History.--s. 50, ch. 85-180; s. 19, ch. 86-243; s. 27, ch. 87-198; s. 8, ch. 88-306; s. 8, ch. 90-329; s. 27, ch. 95-143; s. 40, ch. 99-385.

¹320.072  Additional fee imposed on certain motor vehicle registration transactions.--

(1)  A fee of $100 is imposed upon the initial application for registration pursuant to s. 320.06 of every motor vehicle classified in s. 320.08(2), (3), and (9)(c) and (d).

(2)  The fee imposed by subsection (1) shall not apply to:

(a)  Any registration renewal transaction.

(b)  A transfer or exchange of a registration license plate from a motor vehicle that has been disposed of to a newly acquired motor vehicle pursuant to s. 320.0609(2) or (5).

(c)  Any initial registration resulting from transfer of title between coowners as provided by s. 319.22, transfer of ownership by operation of law as provided by s. 319.28, or transfer of title from a person to a member of that person's immediate family as defined in s. 657.002 who resides in the same household.

(d)  The registration of any motor vehicle owned by and operated exclusively for the personal use of:

1.  Any member of the United States Armed Forces, or his or her spouse or dependent child, who is not a resident of this state and who is stationed in this state while in compliance with military orders.

2.  Any former member of the United States Armed Forces, or his or her spouse or dependent child, who purchased such motor vehicle while stationed outside of Florida, who has separated from the Armed Forces and was not dishonorably discharged or discharged for bad conduct, who was a resident of this state at the time of enlistment and at the time of discharge, and who applies for registration of such motor vehicle within 6 months after discharge.

3.  Any member of the United States Armed Forces, or his or her spouse or dependent child, who was a resident of this state at the time of enlistment, who purchased such motor vehicle while stationed outside of Florida, and who is now reassigned by military order to this state.

4.  Any spouse or dependent child of a member of the United States Armed Forces who loses his or her life while on active duty or who is listed by the Armed Forces as "missing-in-action." Such spouse or child must be a resident of this state and the service member must have been a resident of this state at the time of enlistment. Registration of such motor vehicle must occur within 1 year of the notification of the service member's death or of his or her status as "missing-in-action."

5.  Any member of the United States Armed Forces, or his or her spouse or dependent child, who was a resident of this state at the time of enlistment, who purchased a motor vehicle while stationed outside of Florida, and who continues to be stationed outside of Florida.

(e)  The registration of any motor vehicle owned or exclusively operated by the state or by any county, municipality, or other governmental entity.

(f)  The registration of a truck defined in s. 320.08(3)(d).

(g)  Any ancient or antique automobile or truck for private use registered pursuant to s. 320.086(1) or (2).

(3)  A refund of the fee imposed under subsection (1) shall be granted to anyone who, within 3 months after paying such fee, sells, transfers, or otherwise disposes of a motor vehicle classified in s. 320.08(2), (3), or (9)(c) or (d) in any transaction not exempt from the fee pursuant to paragraph (2)(b), paragraph (2)(c), or paragraph (2)(d). A person requesting a refund must present proof of having paid the fee pursuant to subsection (1) and must surrender the license plate of the disposed-of vehicle.

(4)  A tax collector or other duly authorized agent of the department shall promptly remit all moneys collected pursuant to this section, less any refunds granted pursuant to subsection (3), to the department to be deposited into the State Transportation Trust Fund.

(5)  The fee imposed in subsection (1) shall not apply if it is determined, pursuant to an affidavit submitted by the owner on a form approved by the department, that the registration being transferred is from a vehicle that is not operational, is in storage, or will not be operated on the streets and highways of this state.

History.--s. 1, ch. 89-364; s. 74, ch. 90-132; s. 113, ch. 90-136; s. 8, ch. 91-79; s. 10, ch. 91-82; s. 352, ch. 95-148; ss. 22, 38, ch. 96-413; s. 8, ch. 97-300; s. 31, ch. 99-248; s. 10, ch. 2000-257.

¹Note.--Section 22, ch. 2000-257, provides that "[n]otwithstanding any other law to the contrary the requirements of sections 206.46(3) and 206.606(2), Florida Statutes, shall not apply to any funding, programs, or other provisions contained in this act."

320.08  License taxes.--Except as otherwise provided herein, there are hereby levied and imposed annual license taxes for the operation of motor vehicles, mopeds, motorized bicycles as defined in s. 316.003(2), and mobile homes, as defined in s. 320.01, which shall be paid to and collected by the department or its agent upon the registration or renewal of registration of the following:

(1)  MOTORCYCLES and MOPEDS.--

(a)  Any motorcycle: $10 flat.

(b)  Any moped: $5 flat.

(c)  Upon registration of any motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or moped there shall be paid in addition to the license taxes specified in this subsection a nonrefundable motorcycle safety education fee in the amount of $2.50. The proceeds of such additional fee shall be deposited in the Highway Safety Operating Trust Fund and be used exclusively to fund a motorcycle driver improvement program implemented pursuant to s. 322.025 or the Florida Motorcycle Safety Education Program established in s. 322.0255.

(d)  An ancient or antique motorcycle: $10 flat.

(2)  AUTOMOBILES FOR PRIVATE USE.--

(a)  An ancient or antique automobile, as defined in s. 320.086, or a street rod, as defined in s. 320.0863: $7.50 flat.

(b)  Net weight of less than 2,500 pounds: $14.50 flat.

(c)  Net weight of 2,500 pounds or more, but less than 3,500 pounds: $22.50 flat.

(d)  Net weight of 3,500 pounds or more: $32.50 flat.

(3)  TRUCKS.--

(a)  Net weight of less than 2,000 pounds: $14.50 flat.

(b)  Net weight of 2,000 pounds or more, but not more than 3,000 pounds: $22.50 flat.

(c)  Net weight more than 3,000 pounds, but not more than 5,000 pounds: $32.50 flat.

(d)  A truck defined as a "goat," or any other vehicle when used in the field by a farmer or in the woods for the purpose of harvesting a crop, including naval stores, during such harvesting operations, and which is not principally operated upon the roads of the state: $7.50 flat. A "goat" is a motor vehicle designed, constructed, and used principally for the transportation of citrus fruit within citrus groves or for the transportation of crops on farms, and which can also be used for the hauling of associated equipment or supplies, including required sanitary equipment, and the towing of farm trailers.

(e)  An ancient or antique truck, as defined in s. 320.086: $7.50 flat.

(4)  HEAVY TRUCKS, TRUCK TRACTORS, FEES ACCORDING TO GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT.--

(a)  Gross vehicle weight of 5,001 pounds or more, but less than 6,000 pounds: $45 flat.

(b)  Gross vehicle weight of 6,000 pounds or more, but less than 8,000 pounds: $65 flat.

(c)  Gross vehicle weight of 8,000 pounds or more, but less than 10,000 pounds: $76 flat.

(d)  Gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or more, but less than 15,000 pounds: $87 flat.

(e)  Gross vehicle weight of 15,000 pounds or more, but less than 20,000 pounds: $131 flat.

(f)  Gross vehicle weight of 20,000 pounds or more, but less than 26,001 pounds: $186 flat.

(g)  Gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more, but less than 35,000: $240 flat.

(h)  Gross vehicle weight of 35,000 pounds or more, but less than 44,000 pounds: $300 flat.

(i)  Gross vehicle weight of 44,000 pounds or more, but less than 55,000 pounds: $572 flat.

(j)  Gross vehicle weight of 55,000 pounds or more, but less than 62,000 pounds: $678 flat.

(k)  Gross vehicle weight of 62,000 pounds or more, but less than 72,000 pounds: $800 flat.

(l)  Gross vehicle weight of 72,000 pounds or more: $979 flat.

(m)  Notwithstanding the declared gross vehicle weight, a truck tractor used within a 150-mile radius of its home address shall be eligible for a license plate for a fee of $240 flat if:

1.  The truck tractor is used exclusively for hauling forestry products; or

2.  The truck tractor is used primarily for the hauling of forestry products, and is also used for the hauling of associated forestry harvesting equipment used by the owner of the truck tractor.

(n)  A truck tractor or heavy truck, not operated as a for-hire vehicle, which is engaged exclusively in transporting raw, unprocessed, and nonmanufactured agricultural or horticultural products within a 150-mile radius of its home address, shall be eligible for a restricted license plate for a fee of $65 flat, if such vehicle's declared gross vehicle weight is less than 44,000 pounds; or $240 flat, if such vehicle's declared gross vehicle weight is 44,000 pounds or more and such vehicle only transports:

1.  From the point of production to the point of primary manufacture;

2.  From the point of production to the point of assembling the same; or

3.  From the point of production to a shipping point of either a rail, water, or motor transportation company.

Such not-for-hire truck tractors and heavy trucks used exclusively in transporting raw, unprocessed, and nonmanufactured agricultural or horticultural products may be incidentally used to haul farm implements and fertilizers when delivered direct to the growers. The department may require any such documentation deemed necessary to determine eligibility prior to issuance of this license plate. For the purpose of this paragraph, "not-for-hire" means the owner of the motor vehicle must also be the owner of the raw, unprocessed, and nonmanufactured agricultural or horticultural product, or the user of the farm implements and fertilizer being delivered.

(5)  SEMITRAILERS, FEES ACCORDING TO GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT; SCHOOL BUSES; SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLES.--

(a)1.  A semitrailer drawn by a GVW truck tractor by means of a fifth-wheel arrangement: $10 flat per registration year or any part thereof.

2.  A semitrailer drawn by a GVW truck tractor by means of a fifth-wheel arrangement: $50 flat per permanent registration.

(b)  A motor vehicle equipped with machinery and designed for the exclusive purpose of well drilling, excavation, construction, spraying, or similar activity, and which is not designed or used to transport loads other than the machinery described above over public roads: $32.50 flat.

(c)  A school bus used exclusively to transport pupils to and from school or school or church activities or functions within their own county: $30 flat.

(d)  A wrecker, as defined in s. 320.01(40), which is used to tow a vessel as defined in s. 327.02(39), a disabled, abandoned, stolen-recovered, or impounded motor vehicle as defined in s. 320.01(38), or a replacement motor vehicle as defined in s. 320.01(39): $30 flat.

(e)  A wrecker, as defined in s. 320.01(40), which is used to tow any motor vehicle, regardless of whether or not such motor vehicle is a disabled motor vehicle as defined in s. 320.01(38), a replacement motor vehicle as defined in s. 320.01(39), a vessel as defined in s. 327.02(39), or any other cargo, as follows:

1.  Gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or more, but less than 15,000 pounds: $87 flat.

2.  Gross vehicle weight of 15,000 pounds or more, but less than 20,000 pounds: $131 flat.

3.  Gross vehicle weight of 20,000 pounds or more, but less than 26,000 pounds: $186 flat.

4.  Gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or more, but less than 35,000 pounds: $240 flat.

5.  Gross vehicle weight of 35,000 pounds or more, but less than 44,000 pounds: $300 flat.

6.  Gross vehicle weight of 44,000 pounds or more, but less than 55,000 pounds: $572 flat.

7.  Gross vehicle weight of 55,000 pounds or more, but less than 62,000 pounds: $678 flat.

8.  Gross vehicle weight of 62,000 pounds or more, but less than 72,000 pounds: $800 flat.

9.  Gross vehicle weight of 72,000 pounds or more: $979 flat.

(f)  A hearse or ambulance: $30 flat.

(6)  MOTOR VEHICLES FOR HIRE.--

(a)  Under nine passengers: $12.50 flat plus $1 per cwt.

(b)  Nine passengers and over: $12.50 flat plus $1.50 per cwt.

(7)  TRAILERS FOR PRIVATE USE.--

(a)  Any trailer weighing 500 pounds or less: $5 flat per year or any part thereof.

(b)  Net weight over 500 pounds: $2.50 flat plus 75 cents per cwt.

(8)  TRAILERS FOR HIRE.--

(a)  Net weight under 2,000 pounds: $2.50 flat plus $1 per cwt.

(b)  Net weight 2,000 pounds or more: $10 flat plus $1 per cwt.

(9)  RECREATIONAL VEHICLE-TYPE UNITS.--

(a)  A travel trailer or fifth-wheel trailer, as defined by s. 320.01(1)(b), that does not exceed 35 feet in length: $20 flat.

(b)  A camping trailer, as defined by s. 320.01(1)(b)2.: $10 flat.

(c)  A motor home, as defined by s. 320.01(1)(b)4.:

1.  Net weight of less than 4,500 pounds: $20 flat.

2.  Net weight of 4,500 pounds or more: $35 flat.

(d)  A truck camper as defined by s. 320.01(1)(b)3.:

1.  Net weight of less than 4,500 pounds: $20 flat.

2.  Net weight of 4,500 pounds or more: $35 flat.

(e)  A private motor coach as defined by s. 320.01(1)(b)5.:

1.  Net weight of less than 4,500 pounds: $20 flat.

2.  Net weight of 4,500 pounds or more: $35 flat.

(10)  PARK TRAILERS; TRAVEL TRAILERS; FIFTH-WHEEL TRAILERS; 35 FEET TO 40 FEET.--

(a)  Park trailers.--Any park trailer, as defined in s. 320.01(1)(b)7.: $25 flat.

(b)  A travel trailer or fifth-wheel trailer, as defined in s. 320.01(1)(b), that exceeds 35 feet: $25 flat.

(11)  MOBILE HOMES.--

(a)  A mobile home not exceeding 35 feet in length: $20 flat.

(b)  A mobile home over 35 feet in length, but not exceeding 40 feet: $25 flat.

(c)  A mobile home over 40 feet in length, but not exceeding 45 feet: $30 flat.

(d)  A mobile home over 45 feet in length, but not exceeding 50 feet: $35 flat.

(e)  A mobile home over 50 feet in length, but not exceeding 55 feet: $40 flat.

(f)  A mobile home over 55 feet in length, but not exceeding 60 feet: $45 flat.

(g)  A mobile home over 60 feet in length, but not exceeding 65 feet: $50 flat.

(h)  A mobile home over 65 feet in length: $80 flat.

(12)  DEALER AND MANUFACTURER LICENSE PLATES.--A franchised motor vehicle dealer, independent motor vehicle dealer, marine boat trailer dealer, or mobile home dealer and manufacturer license plate: $12.50 flat.

(13)  EXEMPT OR OFFICIAL LICENSE PLATES.--Any exempt or official license plate: $3 flat.

(14)  LOCALLY OPERATED MOTOR VEHICLES FOR HIRE.--A motor vehicle for hire operated wholly within a city or within 25 miles thereof: $12.50 flat plus $1.50 per cwt.

(15)  TRANSPORTER.--Any transporter license plate issued to a transporter pursuant to s. 320.133: $75 flat.