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

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 visiting the State Department of Motor Vehicles website.

Non-resident military stationed in Florida by military orders are not required to carry a Florida plate. As long as they are here on orders, there is no requirement to obtain a Florida driver license.

Florida Insurance Requirements

Florida motorists are reminded that the state's Personal Injury Protection law will require them to carry mandatory personal injury and property damage liability insurance. The law requires insurance carriers to cancel policies without PIP and inform the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, who will then suspend licenses. Law enforcement agencies also will be checking proof of proper insurance roadside. Visit the Florida Highway Safety & Motor Vehicle Website for more detailed information.

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 visiting the State Department of Motor Vehicles website.

Base Access -- Personnel entering NSA Panama City must possess an accepted form of identification, such as a valid NSA PC or tenant security badge; a badge from a command where there is a reciprocal agreement; a temporary personnel badge; a visitor badge or pass or a military identification card. If driving, a valid driver's license is required. The Visitors Resource Center (VRC) is building 552, which is situated immediately before the gates.  Hours of operation are 6:30 a.m -3 p.m. 

Traffic -- Traffic regulations within the Installation conform to the motor vehicle laws of the State of Florida. The operation of individually owned engine-powered vehicles, which do not require licensing by the State of Florida, are prohibited.

Speed Limit -- Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit is 20 MPH on base.

Seat Belts -- Seat belts must be worn in accordance with Florida State law, and base regulation requires all passengers to wear seat belts while on the installation.

Child Restraints -- All children 5 years of age or younger shall be protected by use of a crash-tested, federally approved child restraint device. For children aged through 3 years, such restraint device must be a separate carrier or a vehicle manufacturer's integrated child seat. For children aged 4 through 5 years, a separate carrier, an integrated child seat, or a seat belt may be used.

Base security personnel do establish random checkpoints at the gates to ensure that seat belts are in use. Violators are subject to citation.

Vehicle Inspections -- All vehicles entering or exiting are subject to administrative inspections. If an individual refuses to submit to an inspection upon entry, the individual will not be allowed access. If an individual refuses to submit to an inspection upon departing, he or she will be detained and appropriate action taken.

Weapons -- All privately owned weapons introduced into the installation must be registered with the security department. Failure to register may result in the loss of the weapon. Base housing residents may keep their privately owned weapons in their quarters but the weapons must first be registered with base security. Weapons not approved for storage in family housing or the family campground will be stored in the NSA PC Armory.

Photography -- Camera passes are required for visitors to the Installation. If cameras are brought on board, contact the Security Operations Division for authorization.

Cell Phones -- Drivers are prohibited from using cell phones and any type of hands-free device that goes on or in the driver's ear while on DoD Installations. NSA Panama City Police and Security will issue citations for violations resulting in points assessed to your base driving record and possible fines as appropriate.

Privately owned vehicles require the following documents and must be current and valid:

• Driver's License
• Vehicle Registration -- If the vehicle is new, a transfer of registration form from the dealer is required. If the vehicle is a rental, a copy of the rental agreement must be presented. 
• Proof of Insurance

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.

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.

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.