How Do You Get A Dealers License In Florida
🌴Sunshine State Hustle: Your Epic, Humor-Packed Guide to Getting a Florida Dealer License!🚗💨
Hey there, future Florida car mogul! You've got that hustle in your soul, that drive to move iron (or rubber, or whatever the kids are calling cars these days). You're ready to ditch the low-key flip life and go legit with a Florida Dealer License. Well, grab a glass of sweet tea, because we're about to dive deep into the paperwork jungle of the Sunshine State's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). It might sound like a snooze-fest, but trust me, getting this license is like unlocking a video game level. Let's get this show on the road!
Step 1: Figure Out Your Vibe (AKA License Type) and Get Schooled
First things first, you can't just slap a "Used Cars For Sale" sign on your aunt's lawn and call it a day. Florida has different flavors of dealer licenses, and you gotta pick the one that matches your ambition.
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| How Do You Get A Dealers License In Florida |
1.1 Choose Your Weapon Wisely
Independent Motor Vehicle Dealer (VI): This is the big one for used car dealers. If you're selling pre-owned rides, this is your ticket.
Franchised Motor Vehicle Dealer (VF): Selling new cars under an agreement with a manufacturer? This is your jam.
Wholesale Motor Vehicle Dealer (VW): Only selling to other licensed dealers? You're going wholesale, baby. No retail sales allowed, so keep your curb appeal low-key.
Mobile Home/Recreational Vehicle Dealer (DH/RV): Got a thing for homes on wheels? That's a whole different ballgame of forms and fees, but the core steps are pretty similar.
1.2 Back to School: The Pre-License Course
No one likes homework, but you gotta do this. Florida mandates that all new dealer license applicants (for VI, VW, and VF) complete a 16-hour pre-licensing dealer training course from an approved school.
Pro Tip: Don't drag your feet! That certificate of completion is your golden ticket and is only valid for six months! It's your official "I didn't skip class" receipt.
Step 2: Set Up Shop and Make It Official
Tip: Highlight sentences that answer your questions.
You need a legitimate, verifiable location. No exceptions. They call this a "permanent structure," which is bureaucrat-speak for "not a hot dog stand."
2.1 The Dealership Digs—Location, Location, Location!
Your spot has to meet some seriously specific requirements. You can't just use your home address; that's a big nope.
Permanent Structure: Your office needs to be in a building that's, well, permanent. No tents, no trailers (unless you're selling mobile homes, which is a hilarious paradox).
Minimum Square Footage: The office space for your records must be at least 100 square feet excluding hallways, restrooms, and closets. So, a tiny broom closet won't cut it, pal.
A Solid Lease or Deed: You need proof you own the place or a true copy of your lease agreement. Make sure the lease is in the name of your future dealership. Warning: Get your location approved by the FLHSMV compliance examiner before you sign a multi-year lease! You don't want to be stuck paying rent on a spot you can't use.
The Signage Flex: You need a visible, permanent sign displaying the dealership's name and its hours of operation. It has to be legible from the road. No handwritten cardboard signs—keep it classy!
2.2 Business Structure and Tax ID Shenanigans
Time to get your legal ducks in a row. This isn't just a hobby; it's a business!
Register Your Entity: Head over to the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz.org) and register your business entity (LLC, Corporation, Partnership, etc.) and any fictitious trade names (DBA). Get those Articles of Incorporation/Organization ready.
FEIN and Sales Tax Number: You need a Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN) from the IRS. This is basically your business's social security number. You'll also need a Florida Sales Tax Number from the Department of Revenue. Don't skip these—they're how the state knows you're serious (and can collect taxes).
Step 3: Get Your Financial Shield and Fingerprints
This is the part where you prove you're not a fly-by-night operation and that you're bonded. It’s like a financial safety net for your customers.
3.1 The All-Important $25,000 Surety Bond
Tip: Stop when you find something useful.
Almost all motor vehicle dealers (VI, VF, VW, etc.) need to get a $25,000 Motor Vehicle Dealer Surety Bond. Hold up—you don't pay the whole $25,000! You pay a premium (usually 1% to 5% of the total amount) based on your credit score and business history. Think of the bond as an insurance policy that protects your customers and the state if you, you know, do something questionable. Keep the original bond form safe; the FLHSMV needs it!
3.2 Garage Liability Insurance—Cover Your Assets
You need to show proof of a garage liability insurance policy. For most motor vehicle dealers, this means a minimum of $25,000 Combined Single-Limit Liability (bodily injury and property damage) and $10,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP). This covers your cars, your lot, and hopefully keeps any tumbles and fender-benders from becoming a massive headache.
3.3 The Digital Fingerprint Dance
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Every officer, director, and owner listed on the application needs to get electronically fingerprinted through a Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) approved service provider. They'll give you a receipt. Keep that receipt; you’ll need to submit a copy with your application. It’s their way of saying, "Let's make sure you're not secretly a notorious car thief."
Step 4: The Final Paperwork Power Play
You've done the hard stuff. Now it’s time to compile the entire epic saga of your journey and submit it.
4.1 The Application Form and Fee Drop
Tip: Pause whenever something stands out.
You'll need Form HSMV 86056 (Application for a License as a Motor Vehicle, Mobile Home, or Recreational Vehicle Dealer). Fill it out, double-check it—heck, triple-check it. Seriously, any tiny mistake will send your whole application back faster than a bad trade-in.
Fee Time: For most motor vehicle dealers (VI, VF, VW), the original application fee is $300 (non-refundable). Mobile Home and RV dealers pay $340. Make the check payable to the FLHSMV.
4.2 Assemble the Documentation Megazord
You need to compile all of the following documents into a glorious, organized stack:
Completed Form HSMV 86056.
Copy of the Pre-License Training Completion Certificate.
Proof of Business Registration (Sunbiz docs) and FEIN.
Copy of the Sales Tax Number certificate.
Original $25,000 Surety Bond (Form HSMV 86020).
Proof of Garage Liability Insurance.
Copy of the Lease or Deed.
Copy of the Electronic Fingerprinting Receipt.
Photos of your amazing dealership (office, sign, and display area).
4.3 Submit and Chill (Maybe)
Send the entire package to your local FLHSMV Regional Office. After you submit, a Compliance Examiner will review everything and likely schedule an inspection of your physical location to make sure it's the real deal. Once they give the nod, you'll be officially licensed! Boom! You've just leveled up from "car enthusiast" to certified Florida car dealer. Go get that money!
FAQ Questions and Answers
How much does the Florida dealer license actually cost in total?
How much are we talking about here? The minimum cost includes the $300 application fee, a training course fee (around $150–$250), the annual surety bond premium (typically $250–$750+ depending on credit), and insurance premiums. Total out-of-pocket for fees and premiums is generally between $800 and $2,000+ for the first year, not including rent/lease, signage, or inventory.
QuickTip: Look for lists — they simplify complex points.
How do I renew my dealer license in Florida?
Do I have to do all this every year? Fortunately, no! Renewal is much easier. Independent (VI) and Wholesale (VW) dealer licenses expire on April 30th annually, and Franchised (VF) licenses expire December 31st. You'll need to complete a much shorter 4-hour continuing education course each year before renewing, pay the renewal fee (currently $75 for most types), and keep your bond and insurance current.
How many cars can I sell without a dealer license in Florida?
Can I sell a few cars before I get licensed? In Florida, you are legally limited to buying and selling two motor vehicles within any 12-month period without a dealer license. If you're planning on buying or selling the third one, you absolutely need to have that license in your hand. Trying to push that limit is a one-way ticket to a very awkward conversation with a compliance officer.
Where do I find the required application forms?
Where's the paperwork hub? The main application form, the surety bond form, and other essential documents are available on the official Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) website under the "Dealers, Installers, Manufacturers, Distributors, Importers" section. Look for Form HSMV 86056 to kick things off!
What if I want to be a dealer but don't want a physical lot?
Can I do this all from my computer? Nope, sorry, partner! Florida requires a verifiable, permanent business location that meets the minimum size and signage requirements, and that location must pass an inspection. Wholesale dealers (VW) have less intense physical requirements since they only sell to other dealers, but even they need a dedicated office space for records. You need a place to hang that license!
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