Motor Vehicles

State laws vary when it comes to motor vehicle insurance requirements, licensing and registration.

The term vehicle generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Service members and their families will want to understand their state’s laws on registration and licensing before moving to a new state.

Visit the https://www.usa.gov/motor-vehicle-services or https://www.flhsmv.gov for state-specific websites.

Registration & Licensing Requirements

Florida State law requires you to have sufficient liability insurance and a valid driver’s license in order to operate a vehicle. The term “vehicle” generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Further, your vehicle must be properly registered. Even though you are in the Military, you may be required to register your vehicle in-state and obtain an in-state license within a few months of moving. Access complete information on insurance, driver’s licensing, and where and how to register your vehicle by inquiring at the State Department of Motor Vehicles.

State Laws

You and your passengers must always wear seatbelts while driving, you will be ticketed and issued heavy fines if seatbelts are not secured. State law requires that all children under 3 years of age be properly restrained in child seats. Some states also require younger, smaller children to sit in the back seat.

Motorcycles and their operators are subject to special laws.  If you own and operate a motorcycle, you must comply with those laws. Visit the State Department of Motor Vehicles website for more information.

Many States and local jurisdictions have strict laws about the use of cell phones and other digital devices while driving. Research these laws on the State Department of Motor Vehicles website. Tickets will be issued and fines assessed for violating these laws. Play it safe and always use a “hands free” device if you must use a cell phone or other PDA while driving. Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide.

Florida Driver's License

Florida law requires new applicants obtaining a Florida driver license or identification card to provide two forms of identification i.e. a primary document and also a secondary document. The primary document must be a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. Passport, an approved INS document, or a driver license from another approved state. At this time, there are 20 states that do not meet Florida's screening standards (see list below). The following 20 state's driver licenses/identification cards can only be used as secondary form of identification. Applicants must present one of the other acceptable forms of primary identification to obtain a Florida driver's license or identification card: Alaska, Iowa, North Carolina, Utah, Connecticut, Michigan, Oregon, Vermont, Hawaii, Minnesota, Rhode Island, Virginia, Illinois, Nebraska, Tennessee, Washington, Indiana, New Jersey, Texas, and Wisconsin.

Out-of-State Residents Deployed to Florida

Military service members and their families who live and drive in Florida, may do so with a valid out-of-state driver license. There is no requirement to obtain a Florida driver license when military and their family members move to Florida, take a job, or enroll their children in public schools.

For more information, please visit: https://www.flhsmv.gov

State and local laws regulate the operation of motor vehicles, and these laws can vary by location. Many states regulate the following:

• Seatbelt use
• Child safety seats
• Motorcycle operation
• The use of cellphones and other digital devices while driving

Learn more about motor vehicle laws in your state at https://www.ghsa.org/state-laws/issues/distracted%20driving or at https://www.flhsmv.gov.