Steps to Buying A Car In Florida

Steps to Buying A Car In Florida
Buying a car in Florida, the sunshine state might prove to be a bit more expensive than buying a car in any other state. Florida car tax is imposed on the purchase price of the car. The amount of the tax however may vary according to the county you live in. When buying a car taxes are the last thing that anyone thinks of even after this being the most important factor.

  • The car registration in Florida is based on the weight of the automobile that has to be bought and it ranges from $14.5 to $32.5. 
  • Cars weighing up to 2499 pounds cost $14.5 to get registered.
  • Cars weighing from 2500 pounds to 3499 pounds cost up to $22.5 to register.
  • Cars weighing more than 3500 pounds or more cost up to $32.5 to get registered. 

Car registration is a requirement though it depends on whether you bought the car new or used. The registration process is streamlined taking a short time depending on location. You will need the car’s title, VIN, proof of insurance, and proof of ID when registering a vehicle. A $225 new registration fee is applied if you haven’t yet registered.

 Registering a new car in Florida

New cars from dealerships typically process through the ETR (Electronic Temporary Registration). Or, the dealer may file using the EFS (Electronic Filing System). The dealer is required to provide the car’s title within 30 days of purchase. 

  1. Receive the Florida Certificate of Title or Application of Title
  2. Register the VIN using the HSMV 82040 or HSMV 82042 form
  3. Go to the DMV office, show ownership and ID, and pay the fee

It’s important to get your bill of sale from the dealer as you’ll pay taxes during registration. You will also want to note the mileage while filing your car’s title & registration.

Registering a used car in Florida – 

Registering a used car is about the same process:

  1. Have the seller sign and transfer the title to your name
  2. Bring ID, title (with VIN), and proof of insurance
  3. Pay the sales and county tax, and registration fees

You will receive:

  • A copy of the transaction
  • Licence plate and registration sticker

The registration fee is waived if you previously surrendered a licence plate. You will still pay sales tax and other registration fees. These fees depend on your vehicle weight and classification.

A temporary registration tag is available for those out-of-state having bought a car in Florida. Though, you will need to pay Florida sales tax and show proof of insurance.

Extra expenses which you will have to pay in Florida- 

There are extra expenses one can expect when buying a new or used car in Florida – this includes:

  • 6% sales tax plus typical 1% county tax
  • $225 initial vehicle registration fee
  • Weight-based tax
    • Up to 2499 lbs: $27.60/1yr or $55.20/2yr
    • 2500 – 3499 lbs: $35.60/1yr or $71.50/2yr
    • 3500 lbs: $45.60/1yr or $91.20/2yr
  • $28 new plate issue or $7.35 plate transfer fee

Florida insurance policies – 

Proof of insurance is mandatory when registering a car. Florida requires a minimum of $10000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL). Though, insurance coverage may vary if you’ve previously been in an accident or had violations.

If you are living in California and going to purchase new car, then Check this – Guide for Buying cars in California.

Popular Used Cars in Florida-  

Used Ford F-Series: 

  • 5 link Rear suspension with Panhard Rod is one of the main features of the used Ford F series, this maintains axle position on rough terrain, a Panhard rod and 24-inch coil springs- the longest in the class. This gives quicker starts off the line, faster acceleration, more torque to rear wheels etc.
  • Sport-tuned shock absorbers with live valve technology with internal bypass shocks with state-of-the-art electronic control technology. They offer position-sensitive damping adjustability designed to better resist heat buildup and to react even faster to terrain changes.
  • 3.5L EcoBoost high output V6. Going from mild to wild on the most unforgiving terrain is where the Baja-bred F-150 Raptor excels with its extraordinary capability, beginning with raw power. 

Used Chevrolet Silverado:

  • 13.4-inch diagonal colour touch screen display and 12.3 inches diagonal enhanced multi-coloured reconfigurable Driver information centre. 
  • Premium leather seating.
  • Available Super Cruise with trailering 
  • Advanced trailering camera system offering 8 cameras with up to 14 views
  • Chevy safety Assist plus additional advanced safety features

Are you one of them? who is living in Texas and going to purchase a car, before purchasing a car explore this  – Guide For Buying Cars In Texas.

Used Honda Civic:

  • Honda is pretty much clear with its new agenda which is Man maximum and Machine minimum. It is quite a long car, with a chrome slab grille upfront, new LED headlights with integrated LED DRLs, and 18-inch alloy wheels that makes it look very stylish. The 2022 Civic has 4 trims that are LX, SPORT, EX and Touring. The most basic being LX. The Civic has a turbocharged petrol mill. All these features make the Honda Civic one of the most wanted cars in Florida. 

Used RAM Truck 1500-

RAM truck provides you with all the helpful and useful tools right at your finger access. It provides you with a truck bed, trailering assistance, multifunctional Tailgate with a power release, swing away doors which gives ample space for loading and unloading, secure cargo storage feature known as RAMbox cargo management system and the tie down feature which add up more to the car which securely fastens up your payload with available four adjustable tie down loops.

Mustang Ecoboost Premium-

The 2022 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium Fastback comes with SYNC 3 which will keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel with available SYNC. It’s our easy to use voice activated technology & FordPass Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Cruise in comfort with heated or cooled seats & upgrade to 19” x 9” Machined-face Aluminium wheels. Wheel & Stripe Package optional.

Read more – Guide For Buying a Car in New York

Mustang GT Premium-

Mustang GT Premium provides the customer with Engine spun aluminium instrument panel, Gauge pack (oil pressure and vacuum), spoiler delete, heavy duty front springs, large radiators, performance rear wing (fastback only), unique chassis tuning, upsized rear sway bar, it has a unique feature of 10 speed select shift automatic transmission which has a wide- ratio span and optimised gear spacing the gear box helps improve performance and acceleration. Also V8 engine which is a boost of adrenaline all this while reducing emission.

Used Subaru Outback- 

All wheel drive with an automatic temperature control feature and front dual zone A/C which make the Subaru Outback one of the best cars in Florida weather. The o=power steering and four wheel independent suspension is another unique feature. Both driver and passenger can enjoy wireless bluetooth connectivity. 

Used Jeep Cherokee – 

Jeep Cherokee brings the modern world to life by connecting you to your vehicle, allowing you to lock and unlock doors, start your vehicle remotely, activate the horn to locate your vehicle and access important vehicle information all just with one button touch. It has an air filter which reduces the airborne particles at the inside. 

Offers for few cars- 

  • Chevrolet is offering RED TAG bonus cash right now,

 $500 red tag bonus cash on selected popular 2022/2023 Chevy models.

$1500 total cash allowance on a new 2022 Silverado model with a 2.7L engine.

  • Honda provides you with a $75 lease per month for 24 months to make it easier for you to buy a car based on their convenience. 
  • Mustang GT Ecoboost has a lease offer for $396/mo with 10,500 annual miles for 48 months and $3,283 due at signing. They even have a retail EMI offer of $404/mo.

Good to know before buying a car in favorite state in USA

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