Motor Vehicle Registration, Rates, Fees, and Taxes

Initial Registration Fee

If you purchase a new or used vehicle and do not have a current license plate to transfer to this vehicle, you will be assessed a $225 initial registration fee. This fee applies to private automobiles, motor homes, and trucks less than 5000 pounds.

Rates

Annual registration fees are defined by Florida Statute and are subject to change by a legislative act. Rates are based on vehicle weight and range from a base fee of $46.65 to $71.15 for standard cars and trucks. Commercial and for-hire vehicle rates vary according to several factors. Please contact the Tax Collector's office for rate amounts and questions concerning military personnel.

Sales and Use Tax

The State of Florida has a state sales and use tax of 6% that, as an agent for the Florida Department of Revenue, the Tax Collector collects on transactions where applicable.  Escambia County has an additional 1½% local option tax on the first $5,000, for a maximum of $75.  Sales tax is collected when a customer transfers title to a motor vehicle, vessel, or mobile home.  NOTE: If a vehicle is traded in, sales tax is collected on the difference between the price of the vehicle and the gross trade in allowance.