Motor Vehicle Registrations;

Vehicles are registered on a staggered basis, with the registration period ending on the last day of the month before the registered owner's birth month.  A grace period is given until midnight of the owner's birthday, the expiration date.  A delinquent fee applies beginning the 11^th day of the month following the owner's birth month.  There is an advance renewal option for all registration periods; motor vehicle registrations may be renewed at any time up to three (3) months prior to the expiration month. 

Exceptions:

1. Mobile home registration period ends on December 31.  The delinquency fee applies beginning on January 11 (see MOBILE HOMES).
2. Company-owned (non-lease) vehicle registration period ends on May 31, with a grace period until midnight of June 30.  The delinquent fee applies beginning July 11.
3. Leased vehicles are registered in the name of the lessee, are renewed annualy during the owner or lessee's birth month, and expire at midnight on the lessee's birthday.  Contact the Tax Collector's office for more information.
4. Heavy truck (over 5000 lbs. empty weight), truck-tractor, semi-trailer, and for-hire bus registration periods end on November 30, with a grace period until midnight December 31.  The delinquent fee applies beginning January 11.
   
   NOTE: 1996 legislative changes - if registered under International Registration Plan (IRP), the registration period for these vehicles shall be a period of 12 months, beginning in a month designated by DSHMV and ending on the last day of the 12th month.  The renewal period is the last month of the registration period.

Example of motor vehicle registration: If the owner's birthday is August 28, his registration period ends July 31, the registration expiration date is August 28, the delinquent fee applies beginning September 11, and the advance renewal period begins May 1.

Motor vehicles are classified for registration in the State of Florida based on one of the following: weight, declared gross vehicle weight, length, use, or size of engine.  Vehicle owners receive a numbered decal to affix to the license plate when they renew their registration.  The Tax Collector must check proof of Florida insurance (see FLORIDA INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS) and must note date of birth of the first registered owner.  The Florida driver license number(s) of the registered owner(s) must be recorded on all title and registration or renewal of registration.