If you live in Florida, United States, you know that it is not only legal but mandatory to renew your car registration annually, also known as a tag or decal. It is the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) that sends a notification three months before the expiration date to remind the owner of the date. The collection of this tax helps, among other things, to maintain and build roads, and to fund the operations of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) itself.
The price will depend on the type of vehicle, size, weight, and age of the vehicle. One of the requirements that must be met in order to renew is to have vehicle insurance, either PIP insurance or PDL insurance. This renewal can be done electronically through MyDMV Portal, by postal mail, or in person at the offices. In Miami-Dade County, it can be done at the Miami-Dade Tax Collector’s offices.
Renewal of your vehicle tag o decal
It is important to know that if you plan to drive in Florida, United States, you must have your vehicle’s registration updated if you do not want to receive fines or penalties. In this state, it is mandatory to have the vehicle registered and up to date; otherwise, the driver is penalized. Annually, vehicle owners have to pay for this renewal. They are notified 3 months in advance through an email from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). This is the only way to ensure that the vehicle can continue to operate; by placing the validation sticker in the upper right corner of the license plate. Otherwise, the driver would be committing an offense.
Where does the collected money go?
The renewal of the registration is a payment that has multiple destinations. According to FLHSMV, they are divided among the following:
- Construction and maintenance of road infrastructure.
- Creation of road safety programs.
- Operation of the Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Offices of the County Tax Collector.
- Development and implementation of traffic management and environmental protection programs.
Do all drivers pay the same?
The answer is no. But it has to do with the vehicle, not the driver. There are several factors that cause the price to change:
- Weight: the more weight, the higher the rate. If the car weighs 1,133kg, the price is $28.10. If it exceeds 1,588kg, the price is over $46.
- Age: generally, newer vehicles tend to have different rates.
- Type: it depends on whether it is a car, motorcycle, truck, or commercial vehicle.
- Presence of extras or surcharges: if there is a custom plate, unpaid fines, or the ‘Impact Fee’, these increase the price.
Are there any requirements to meet?
Yes, two in fact. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles requires that:
- The vehicle must have a valid insurance policy in Florida, either PDL or PIP insurance.
- Have a record free of outstanding fines. No matter how small the fine is, as long as it is not paid, it cannot be renewed.
How can I make my renewal?
Easy peasy. The state of Florida offers several options to choose from:
- Online, through MyDMVPortal. It only accepts payment by debit or credit cards, and you must have the license plate number and the VIN or driver’s license number on hand.
- By postal-mail, sending the renewal form along with the payment check to the Tax Collector’s office in the county where you live. It is recommended to do this in advance to prevent delays.
- In person, by going to a Tax Collector’s office in your city. In the case of Miami-Dade, it can be done directly at the Miami-Dade Tax Collector’s offices.
Don’t forget the obligation of this procedure, as if you do, you could have problems driving in Florida with your registration not renewed!
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