How to Renew Your Florida Auto Dealer License

After obtaining your Florida auto dealer license, you're ready to do business in your community. But you also need to renew that license periodically to comply with the state's regulations. The requirements for this process include documents, continuing education, and fees, and the deadlines can vary based on your dealer type. If it sounds confusing, there's no need to worry-ACV Auctions is here to help simplify the renewal process.

Why Do I Need to Renew My Florida Dealer License?

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) requires all motor vehicle dealers to renew their licenses annually or every two years. If your license expires, your dealership cannot conduct any business until it has been renewed. Continuing to operate can lead to extensive fines and possible license suspension.

There are two sets of deadlines for license renewals¹:

• Franchise motor vehicle dealers must renew before January 1.
• Independent motor vehicle, wholesale, and salvage dealers must renew before May 1.

While the rules may seem strict, licensing serves many important purposes:

• It verifies that dealers maintain required insurance coverage.
• It ensures compliance with current state laws.
• It confirms dealers are maintaining accurate records.
• It certifies that dealers are engaging in proper business practices.
• It protects consumers by mandating dealer legitimacy and accountability.

The state of Florida takes compliance matters seriously, making all types of businesses-including new car dealers, used car dealers, auction dealers, salvage dealers, and wholesalers-subject to these renewal regulations.

What Are the Steps to Renewing My Florida Dealer License?

1. Verify Current Requirements

Regulations may have changed in the last year or two since you renewed; always check the FLHSMV website for updated information. Review the requirements for your specific dealer type, whether you're a used or new car dealer, and update your contact information if necessary.

2. Gather Required Documents

The Florida dealership license renewal process calls for a number of important business documents:

• Proof of current garage liability insurance ($25,000 minimum²; salvage motor vehicle dealers are exempt)
• Your surety bond (used car dealers and franchise dealers need a $25,000 bond¹)
• Personal injury protection ($10,000 minimum)
• A valid proof of property ownership or business lease for the dealership
• Your sales tax registration certificate
• Corporate registration documents (if you're listed as a corporation, LLC, or another registered business entity)
• Franchise agreement (if applicable)

Be sure to start gathering your documents early to avoid a rush or errors at the last minute.

3. Complete the Renewal Form

Fill out Form HSMV 86072 carefully. There will be different requirements depending on the type of dealership you're running. This form does not distinguish between new and used car dealerships, so look for the sections and information that reflect your dealership type.

4. Submit the Required Fees

Florida allows for a few categories when paying license renewal fees:

• Annual $75 renewal fee for auction, franchise, independent, salvage, and wholesale dealers.
• Biennial $150 renewal fee
• $50 fee for additional locations.

There may also be secondary fees depending on your type of dealership. It's best to consult the FLHSMV site for further details.

5. Submit the Required Training Certificates

New and used car dealers must provide proof that they completed their dealer training.

Dealers may also need to submit continuing education certificates.

6. File Your Renewal Form and Related Documents

Be sure to submit your renewal documents at least 30 days before April 30th, even if you're using the online portal.

While filing online is the best method, you can instead mail your renewal documents to the appropriate regional office of the Division of Motorist Services, Dealer License Section³. Include all documentation and payments in a single package.

Does Florida Require Licensing Courses for Renewals?

All licensed Florida auto dealers must complete continuing training and education courses every two years⁴, regardless of whether they're renewing on an annual or biennial schedule. Failing to do so would mean losing their license.

Fortunately, there are plenty of courses accredited by the DHSMV⁵. During these courses, you'll receive five hours of education on current motor vehicle industry topics, approximately two hours on related legal and legislative matters, and an hour of other DHSMV-related issues. It should also be noted that the curriculum does change from time to time. It's best to set the day aside, so you can give these courses your full attention.

Once you've completed your continuing educational courses, login to your MyFloridaLicense account to confirm that they're listed as completed. After that, you're all done.

Simplify Sourcing With ACV Auctions

Keeping your dealership license up to date means you can continue serving customers and your community. ACV Auctions is here to help you find the best used cars, trucks, and SUVs for your lot. Use our digital wholesale marketplace to find vehicles anywhere in the country and make smart bidding choices backed up by transparent transactions and comprehensive conditions reports. Streamline your sourcing strategy byjoining us today!

This site is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. ACV is not liable for reliance on the information provided herein. We do not endorse, nor are we responsible for, the privacy practices or the content of the sites linked in this blog.

Sources:

1. Florida Auto Dealer Bond: A Comprehensive Guide. Bond Exchange. Retrieved November 15, 2024, from https://www.bondexchange.com/florida-auto-dealer-bond-a-comprehensive-guide/
2. Premier Program Eligibility - Insurance Program. Barbee Jackson Insurance. Retrieved November 15, 2024, from https://www.barbeejackson.com/florida-garage-liability-insurance
3. Locations. Florida Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles. Retrieved November 15, 2024, from https://www.flhsmv.gov/locations/
4. FLHSMV Approved Dealer Training Options. Advanced Dealer Training Institute. Retrieved November 15, 2024, from https://adtischool.com/
5. Motor Vehicle Dealer Training School Requirements. Florida Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles. Retrieved November 15, 2024, from https://www.flhsmv.gov/motor-vehicles-tags-titles/dealers-installers-manufacturers-distributors-importers/motor-vehicle-dealer-training-school-requirements/

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