<\/p>\n
TRANSPORTATION \/ MOTOR VEHICLE INFORMATION<\/strong><\/p>\n Drivers License<\/strong> To avoid delays, it is suggested that you make an appointment before visiting your licensing office. Licensing office addresses and hours are posted on the website for the Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles and also listed in the blue pages of the telephone book. Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles<\/strong> Office Locations by County<\/strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n Vehicle Registration<\/strong> County Tax Collectors<\/strong><\/p>\n Hillsborough County<\/strong> Pasco County<\/strong> Pinellas County<\/strong> Sarasota County<\/strong> <\/p>\n Mandatory Auto Insurance<\/strong>
\nNewcomers to the state must apply for a Florida drivers license within 30 days of establishing a permanent residence. Those who are holding a valid out-of-state that has not expired are usually only required to take the vision test. Other applicants will need to pass a written exam on road rules and a practical driving test. Those who are under 18 years of age who are applying for a license must hold a learner\u2019s license for at least 12 months or until their 18th birthday, avoid incurring any traffic convictions, and be certified by a parent or legal guardian to have at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel training. A full operator\u2019s license will not be issued until all of these requirements have been met.<\/p>\n
\nThe phone contacts by county will be helpful in obtaining more information for your area:<\/p>\n
\n850-922-9000
\nwww.hsmv.state.fl.us<\/a><\/p>\n
\nwww.hsmv.state.fl.us\/offices<\/a><\/p>\n
\nNewcomers are required to register their vehicles and obtain Florida license plates within 10 days of establishing residency. Obtain vehicle insurance from a company licensed to do business in Florida. Then take the proof of insurance, along with the original title, to your county tax collector. When the title is held by a lien holder, the office will assist you in a request for the original. When the Florida title is issued and the lien recorded, the title is returned to the lien holder. Prior to issuance of a Florida title, the Vehicle Identification Number or VIN must be verified. Fees can range from $174 to $200 depending upon the vehicle weight. If you have owned the car for less than six months, you will need to pay sales tax. The local county tax collector oversees vehicle registration. For more information or answers to specific questions, contact:<\/p>\n
\nTampa
\n813-635-5200
\nwww.hillstax.org<\/a><\/p>\n
\nDade City
\n352-521-4338
\nLand O\u2019 Lakes
\n813-235-6076
\nNew Port Richey
\n727-847-8032
\nhttp:\/\/www.pascotaxes.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n
\nClearwater
\n727-464-7777
\nhttp:\/\/www.taxcollect.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n
\nSarasota
\n941-861-8300
\nwww.scgov.net<\/a><\/p>\n
\nFlorida\u2019s minimum coverage is $10,000 personal injury protection and $10,000 property damage liability. Bodily injury liability may also be required depending upon your driving record. For questions about insurance, contact:<\/p>\n