Understanding License Plate Surrender in Florida: A Comprehensive Guide

If you own a vehicle in Florida, understanding the process of license plate surrender is essential for staying compliant with state laws and avoiding unnecessary fees or penalties. Whether you’ve sold your vehicle, moved out of state, or simply no longer need your plates, knowing when and how to surrender your license plates can save you time and money.

What is License Plate Surrender?

License plate surrender refers to the formal process of returning your vehicle’s license plates to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). This process officially notifies the state that you no longer intend to use those plates with a registered vehicle. It is a crucial step when you:

• Sell or transfer ownership of your vehicle
• Permanently take your vehicle off the road
• Move out of Florida and register your vehicle in another state
• Choose not to renew your vehicle registration

Surrendering your license plates helps prevent future liability, such as being responsible for toll violations or traffic tickets issued to the plates after you no longer own the vehicle.

When Do You Need to Surrender License Plates in Florida?

Florida law requires license plate surrender under the following circumstances:

1. Vehicle Sold or Transferred: When you sell or transfer your vehicle to another person, you must remove and surrender the license plates if the buyer registers the vehicle in another state or obtains new Florida plates.

2. Vehicle Taken Off Road: If you decide to take your vehicle off the road temporarily or permanently and cancel its registration, you should surrender your plates to avoid paying additional registration fees.

3. Moving Out of State: Florida law mandates that you surrender your Florida plates if you register your vehicle in a new state.

4. Vehicle Junked or Salvaged: When a vehicle is declared junk or salvage, surrendering plates is part of the deregistration process.

How to Surrender License Plates in Florida

Step 1: Remove Your License Plates

Remove the license plates from your vehicle. In Florida, license plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle. You are responsible for removing and surrendering the plates when you no longer own the vehicle or use the plates.

Step 2: Visit a Local FLHSMV Office or Tax Collector

You can surrender your license plates in person at any Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles office or through your county tax collector’s office. Some counties may also offer mail-in or drop-off options—check your local office’s website for details.

Step 3: Submit Your License Plates and Complete the Form

Hand over your license plates to the official and complete any required forms. FLHSMV may provide a License Plate Surrender Receipt, which serves as proof you surrendered the plates. Keep this receipt for your records.

Step 4: Cancel Your Registration

If you are surrendering plates due to selling your vehicle or taking it off the road, ensure your vehicle registration is officially canceled to avoid future fees. Cancelling registration is typically part of the surrender process.

What Happens After You Surrender Your Plates?

Once your license plates are surrendered and your registration is canceled, you will no longer be legally responsible for that vehicle’s registration fees or any tickets issued to those plates. Additionally, if you plan to purchase another vehicle in Florida, you can apply for new plates or transfer plates if eligible.

Important Notes About Florida License Plates

• Florida issues standard plates, specialty plates, and vanity plates. When surrendering plates, ensure you return all plates issued to you.
• If your plates are lost or stolen, you must report this to FLHSMV and may need to apply for replacement plates instead of surrendering them.
• Failure to surrender plates when required can lead to late fees, penalties, and continued liability for the vehicle.

Example Scenario: Selling Your Car in Florida

John sells his 2015 Toyota Camry to a buyer who lives in Georgia. Since the buyer will register the vehicle in Georgia, John must remove his Florida plates and surrender them to the FLHSMV. John visits his local tax collector’s office, submits the plates, and receives a license plate surrender receipt. This process protects John from being responsible for any future tickets or tolls linked to those plates.

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Conclusion

License plate surrender is a straightforward but important part of vehicle ownership in Florida. Properly surrendering your plates ensures you remain compliant with state laws and avoid unnecessary fees or liabilities. Whether you’re selling your vehicle, moving out of state, or taking your car off the road, knowing the steps and requirements can make the process seamless.

For the most up-to-date information, visit the official Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website or contact your local tax collector’s office.

By following this guide, Florida vehicle owners can confidently manage their license plates and vehicle registration, ensuring peace of mind and legal compliance.