Every winter, over 900,000 seasonal residents—lovingly known as snowbirds—flock to Florida to escape the cold up north. Along with sunshine and palm trees, however, comes the need to manage important legal obligations—like vehicle registration. Many snowbirds are surprised to learn that Florida has strict rules about when and how a part-time resident must register a vehicle. If you’re one of them, understanding seasonal car registration in Florida can save you time, stress, and potential fines.
Let us at Auto Tags & Titles of South Florida walk you through it.
What Is Seasonal Car Registration in Florida?
Seasonal car registration in Florida involves registering a vehicle that’s only in the state for part of the year. While Florida doesn’t offer an official “seasonal” tag or temporary registration for part-time residents, the law is clear:
If you keep a car in Florida for more than 90 days (consecutive or not) in a calendar year, you’re required to register that vehicle in Florida, even if you’re still a legal resident of another state. This rule applies whether you’re here for three months straight or off and on throughout the year.
You’ll also need Florida insurance coverage before applying for registration—even if you’re just using the vehicle seasonally.
Who Needs to Register a Vehicle Seasonally?
You likely need to register your car in Florida if:
- You own or rent property in the state
- You spend more than 90 days here each year
- You operate your vehicle regularly in Florida during your stay
- You’ve enrolled your children in a Florida school or claimed Florida residency for tax or voting purposes
Keep in mind: Leased vehicles and vehicles registered to a business may have slightly different requirements. We’re here to guide you through those scenarios too.
What Documents Do You Need?
Here’s what you’ll typically need to register your car as a seasonal resident:
- Valid out-of-state title (or current Florida title if you’re transferring)
- Proof of identity (usually a driver’s license)
- Florida auto insurance policy
- Completed HSMV 82040form (Application for Certificate of Title)
- Odometer disclosure (if the car is under 10 years old)
- VIN verification (required for all out-of-state vehicles)
If your vehicle is leased or financed, don’t worry—we help you gather what’s needed from the leasing company or lienholder.
Can You Keep Your Out-of-State Plates?
This is one of the most common questions we hear. The short answer is no, not legally—at least not if you’re staying in Florida beyond 90 days and using the vehicle here. You’ll need to get Florida plates and register the vehicle.
Many snowbirds choose to maintain their driver’s license and voter registration in their home state but still comply with Florida’s car registration laws. That’s totally allowed—and we can help you find the right balance.
What Happens If You Don’t Register in Time?
Driving an unregistered or improperly registered vehicle in Florida can lead to:
- Fines and late fees
- Potential impounding of your vehicle
- Legal issues with your insurance coverage
It’s not worth the risk. Fortunately, getting it done is simple when you work with a team like ours.
How Auto Tags & Titles of South Florida Makes Registration Easy
At Auto Tags & Titles of South Florida, we help snowbirds and seasonal residents handle auto tag renewal, car registration, title transfers, and even out-of-state dealer services. Our two locations—in Davie and Fort Lauderdale—offer fast, friendly, and accurate services with no DMV wait times.
We specialize in:
- Same-day auto registration renewal
- Out-of-state vehicle title transfers
- Private sale paperwork
- Lien releases and estate title transfers
- Fleet title transfers
- Attorney support for probate vehicle titles
- Snowbird-friendly service with fast turnaround
We’ll walk you through everything step-by-step—whether you’re transferring a title from New York, renewing a car tag in Davie, or just figuring out if your car qualifies.
Let’s Get You Road-Ready This Season
Don’t let seasonal car registration in Florida become a stressful part of your sunny getaway. Whether you’re staying in Fort Lauderdale or right here in Davie, our comprehensive services and support make the process simple, fast, and compliant.
Visit our Davie office at 4236 Southwest 64th Avenue to get started. We handle everything from out-of-state title transfers, auto tag renewals, and dealer services to airboat title transfers, fleet renewals, and more—all under one roof.
Click here to submit your registration request or call us today and let us help you with fast, affordable, and accurate title and tag work—no lines, no stress, no DMV drama.