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Florida License Plate Surrender County Guides
Here you’ll find free guides for all 67 Florida counties. Our team researched each county tax collector office to bring the key information together in one place.
Find Your County
Search for your county to view office information, required forms, submission options, and county-specific guidance.
Step-by-Step Process
Follow this general process to surrender your Florida license plate.
Confirm You Need to Surrender Your Plate
You will generally need to surrender your Florida license plate if you:
- Sell your vehicle and aren’t reusing the plate.
- Move out of Florida.
- Cancel insurance on a vehicle you no longer own.
- Total your vehicle or permanently take it out of use.
If your plate needs to be surrendered, remove it from your vehicle and keep it somewhere safe until you’re ready to submit it.
Find Your County Requirements
Every Florida county follows the same state requirements, but submission methods, required forms, and office procedures can vary.
- Search for your county above.
- Review any required forms.
- Check whether you can surrender your plate in person or by mail.
- Review any county-specific notes before submitting your request.
Gather Your Documents
Once you’ve reviewed your county’s requirements, gather everything you’ll need.
- Florida license plate
- Photo ID
- Required forms (if applicable)
- Any additional county-specific documents
Submit Your Plate & Keep Your Receipt
Once you’ve gathered your documents, you’re ready to submit your plate.
- Surrender your plate in person or by mail.
- Request your canceled registration receipt.
- Keep the receipt for your records.
Select Your Situation
Choose your situation to learn about any additional requirements or special considerations.
If you sold your vehicle and don’t plan to transfer your plate to another vehicle, you’ll generally need to surrender it.
- Remove your plate before the sale.
- Do not leave it with the buyer.
- Surrender your plate in person or by mail, based on your county’s requirements.
- Keep your surrender receipt.
Registering your vehicle in another state doesn’t automatically close your Florida registration.
- Surrender your Florida license plate.
- Confirm your Florida registration has been canceled.
- Keep your canceled registration receipt.
A totaled vehicle doesn’t automatically cancel your Florida registration.
- Confirm whether your plate should be surrendered.
- Check your county guide for any additional requirements.
- Keep your insurance and registration records.
A vehicle that isn’t running may still have an active registration.
- Check whether your plate should be surrendered.
- Don’t assume storing your vehicle cancels your registration.
Important: Florida links your insurance and vehicle registration records.
- Surrender or transfer your plate before canceling insurance if required.
- This can help avoid registration or driver’s license suspension.
If your plate is lost or stolen, you may need additional documentation.
- Report a stolen plate to law enforcement.
- Contact your county tax collector office.
- Complete any required forms if the plate isn’t available.
Important Things to Remember
Keep these important reminders in mind before surrendering your Florida license plate.
30-Day Rule
Surrender or transfer your plate, or obtain new insurance, within 30 days to help avoid registration or driver’s license suspension.
Keep Your Receipt
Save your canceled registration receipt. It may help you qualify for an exemption from Florida’s $225 Initial Registration Fee.
Order Matters
Always surrender or transfer your plate before canceling your insurance to help avoid registration or driver’s license suspension.
Remove Your Plate
Always remove your Florida license plate before selling your vehicle because the plate stays with you, not the buyer.
FAQs
If you don’t surrender your Florida license plate when required, you could face penalties, including the suspension of your registration and driver’s license. Surrender or transfer your plate promptly to avoid issues.
In many counties, someone else can surrender your plate on your behalf. Requirements vary, so check your county’s guidelines before submitting it.
Florida counties follow the same state laws for license plate surrender, but submission methods, required forms, office locations, and local procedures may vary. Use the county search above to find the requirements for your county.
If your license plate must be surrendered, you generally can’t keep it. If you’re transferring it to another vehicle, you may be able to keep it instead. If you’re unsure, check your county’s requirements.