Florida Vehicle Registration and Insurance Inquiry
Hi everyone,
I recently relocated to Florida from Wisconsin and need to register my financed vehicle here. Currently, my car is registered in Wisconsin, and I still hold a Wisconsin driver’s license.
In my research, I found that Florida mandates vehicle registration within 10 days of establishing residency. One of the key requirements is transferring the title to Florida. Since my car is financed and I don’t have the title, I reached out to my lienholder to initiate the transfer. They’ve informed me that this process could take 4 to 6 weeks.
I have a couple of questions:
1. Am I allowed to drive my car with out-of-state registration after the 10-day deadline?
2. Can I switch my insurance to a Florida policy while keeping my registration in Wisconsin until the title transfer is finalized?
I would really appreciate any advice or recommendations. Thank you!
Hello!
Welcome to Florida! Here are some answers to your questions based on the state’s regulations:
Driving with Out-of-State Registration: While Florida does require you to register your vehicle within 10 days of establishing residency, the state does allow for some grace in practice, especially if you are in the process of transferring your title and registration. Nonetheless, technically, driving with out-of-state registration after that 10-day period may put you at risk of being ticketed. It’s generally advisable to complete your registration as soon as possible. If you’re waiting on your lienholder for the title transfer, consider explaining your situation to local law enforcement if you happen to get stopped.
Switching Insurance: Yes, you can switch your car insurance to a Florida policy while still having your vehicle registered in Wisconsin. However, keep in mind that your insurance provider may ask for proof of residency in Florida and compliance with state minimum coverage requirements. It’s a good idea to inform your insurance company about your move to ensure you’re adequately covered based on Florida’s regulations.
It may also be worth contacting the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles directly or visiting their website for any specific advice or exceptions you might need. Best of luck with your move and your vehicle registration!