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. Please visit the USA.gov Motor Vehicle Services page for links to state-specific websites.

For additional information, you can also visit the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Military & Veterans Information at Military & Veterans Information - Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (flhsmv.gov).

Initial Vehicle Registration Fee Exemption

A qualifying member of the U.S. Armed Forces, or his or her spouse or dependent child may claim exemption from the $225 Initial Registration Fee, which is imposed on the initial application for registraton on a motor vehicle. 

The Vehicle Registration Fee Exemption Affidavit can be found here INitial Registration Fee Exemption Affidavit (flhsmv.gov).

On Base, Vehicle Registration is no longer required. Authorized ID Cards will be used to grant entry through the gates.

The following documents must be on hand while operating a POV on the installation:

• State Vehicle Registration
• State Driver’s License
• Insurance Certificate
• Armed Forces ID Card or Base Pass
• All Documents must be valid & current

For out-of-state service members bringing a vehicle to Florida, the cost varies depending on type and size of vehicle. Please refer to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle’s website.

There are eight Hillsborough County DMV locations. You are able to purchase license plates, pay tax and transfer registrations on vehicles, boats, and other items requiring registration.

Members of the U.S. Armed Forces stationed in Florida, but who maintain their legal residence outside of Florida, are classified as nonresident military, and are eligible for lower registration fees. The owner must submit a copy of their military orders or a current Leave and Earnings statement and sign a Military Nonresident Affidavit before a notary. Proof of Florida insurance is mandatory.

Initial Registration Fee Exemption Affidavit INitial Registration Fee Exemption Affidavit (flhsmv.gov).

Registration & Licensing Requirements

Florida State law requires you to have a 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 visiting the State Department of Motor Vehicles website https://www.flhsmv.gov/https://www.flhsmv.gov/

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.

MacDill AFB is a Federal National Defense Installation. All vehicles on this base are subject to search and inspection at any time by MacDill Security Forces. Driving aboard MacDill AFB is a privilege and not a right. Said privileges may be suspended or revoked for cause at any time. 

In November 2023, MacDill AFB has suspended the Trusted Traveler Program. If you plan to ente the installation with someone who does not have a valid base access credentials (ie. DoD ID card, DBIDS card, or visitor pass), please stop at the Visitor Control Center to get them a pass prior to entering the gate. 

A Florida Operator's License is required 30 days after you become a permanent resident. If you have a valid license from another state, you only need to take a vision test. An original Social Security Card and two IDs with full name and date of birth are required. With tickets or violations a road signs test and vision test are required. You may obtain a Florida Drivers Handbook Online.

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 the Distraction.gov State Laws page.

The Florida Licensing on Wheels van comes to MacDill AFB periodically; please visit FLOW for scheduled dates and locations. Florida operator's licenses may be renewed and issued through FLOW. 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.

Vehicle Safety

Children age six and under must be buckled up regardless of where they are sitting in the vehicle. Children ages four and five must be secured in either a seat belt or approved child restraint seat; children under the age of four must be secured in an approved car seat. Failure to keep children buckled may result in fines.

Personal Transformation Devices Safety

Skateboards, scooters and any other similar devices, powered by a motor are not authorized on the roadways of MacDill AFB.

PTDs must be equipped at a minimum with:

• Operational brakes for all wheels.
• Operational headlights, on at all times.
• Rear view mirrors, mounted on the left or right handlebars.
• Left and right turn signals that can be operated without removing hands from handlebars are highly recommended.

While operating a PTD, the user will not:

• Wear portable headphones, earphones, or other listening devices.
• Operate a cellphone or other hand-held device.
• Drink alcoholic beverages or operate a PTD under the influence of alcohol or other substances that could affect their skills.

May operate on installation bike paths:

• Will cross roadways only at marked or regulated intersections.
• Will notexceed 15 miles per hour.
• PPE is required while operating a PTD, At a minimum, a bicycle helmet will be worn.
• Users are highly encouraged to use impact or shatter resistant eye protection, sturdy over the ankle footwear, full-finger gloves, knee and elbow pads, and brightly colored or reflective outer garments.

Speed limit and traffic violations

The speed limit for MacDill AFB is 25 MPH unless otherwise posted. Traffic violations on MacDill can be considered state violations also and may affect insurance rates. MacDill AFB has many one-way streets. Drivers should be alert for changes in street traffic directions.

Tolls

The State of Florida has many toll roads. Many toll roads are converting to all-electronic, no-cash tolling. Driving Florida’s toll roads with a transponder means no hassle, no matter which toll road you use.

What is SunPass^®?

SunPass is an electronic Prepaid Toll Program operated by Florida's Turnpike Enterprise under the Florida Department of Transportation. When compared to cash and TOLL-BY-PLATE, utilizing SunPass transponder can provide lower toll rate in Florida and can save an average of 25% on tolls.

For greater access to savings on the Selmon Expressway, THEA (Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority) accepts the following toll savings programs in addition to SunPass: E-Zpass, PeachPass, LeeWay, NC QuickPass.

Customers can determine in advance how much a trip will cost in Florida by using Toll Map Calculator.

Toll Relief Program through the Florida Department of Transportation, provides account credits to frequent commuters using toll roads across the state. The program will gives Floridians with 35 or more toll transactions per month a 50% credit to their account.

Customers do not need to sign up for the program. For commuters with their account in good standing, it will work automatically. Credits will be applied to the account in the following month.

Motor vehicle operators on MacDill AFB are prohibited from using cell phones and texting while operating a vehicle on the base. Hands-free devices are mandatory and walkie-talkie cell phones are not considered hands-free

Personal Transformation Devices Safety:

Skateboards, scooters and any other similar devices, powered by a motor are not authorized on the roadways of MacDill AFB.

PTDs must be equipped at a minimum with:

• Operational brakes for all wheels.
• Operational headlights, on at all times.
• Rear view mirrors, mounted on the left or right handlebars.
• Left and right turn signals that can be operated without removing hands from handlebars are highly recommended.

While operating a PTD, the user will not:

• Wear portable headphones, earphones, or other listening devices.
• Operate a cellphone or other hand-held device.
• Drink alcoholic beverages or operate a PTD under the influence of alcohol or other substances that could affect their skills.

May operate on installation bike paths:

• Will cross roadways only at marked or regulated intersections.
• Will not exceed 15 miles per hour.
• PPE is required while operating a PTD, At a minimum, a bicycle helmet will be worn.
• Users are highly encouraged to use impact or shatter resistant eye protection, sturdy over the ankle footwear, full-finger gloves, knee and elbow pads, and brightly colored or reflective outer garments.

Sales Tax

If a vehicle has been purchased overseas (tax-free), Florida requires that sales tax be collected (6% state tax and an additional 1.05% local tax) if it has not been previously collected (using either the blue book value or the bill of sale as the price of the vehicle).

Boats

All motorized vessels must be registered, titled and issued a decal before they can be used in Florida waters. This falls under the responsibility of the Tax Collector. Vessel registration fees are based on the length of the boat.

Weapons Registration

Persons residing in MacDill Bachelor Officer Quarters, Bachelor Airman Quarter, and Temporary Lodging Facility must register and surrender their firearms/ammunition to the Security Forces for storage in the Security Forces Armory immediately upon arrival on base. Personnel residing in the housing area may store their firearms and ammunition in their quarters. Call 813-828-2930 or DSN 312-968-2930 for more information.

Photography

It is unauthorized to take photographs of the flight line or of any aircraft without pre-approved authorization from the Command Post or respective Job Control agency(s).

Restricted Areas

All locations are clearly marked and unauthorized individuals caught in these areas will be prosecuted.

Pedestrian Safety

Pedestrians in crosswalks have the right of way, however, they should not step into crosswalks in the path of approaching vehicles when such action would require emergency braking. Pedestrians must consider surface road conditions prior to entering crosswalks. Bicycle helmets are mandatory safety gear to be worn by anyone, regardless of age, riding a bicycle on MacDill property.