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. Also check out the Brevard County Tax Collector website at: https://www.brevardtaxcollector.com/ for information specific to Brevard county.

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 visiting the State Department of Motor Vehicles or Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles www.flhsmv.gov website. You can also find more specific information with regard to Brevard county by visiting: https://www.brevardtaxcollector.com/

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.

Base Regulations

Base Decals -- Base decals are no longer required on vehicles accessing Patrick SFB. Entry is gained only with valid Military I.D. or Contractor badge.

Seat Belts -- Florida State law requires use of seat belts for all passengers.

Car Seats -- Children under three years of age must be transported in a federally approved car seat.

Speed Limits -- Be advised that Florida doubles the fine for speeding in a construction zone. The base speed limit is 35 mph unless otherwise posted and the speed limits are enforced.

Helmets -- Base Regulations require the wearing of a helmet when riding a motorcycle or bicycle.

Cell Phones -- A hands free device must be used while driving on base.  Tickets will be issued to all those not in compliance.

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 (Patrick SFB is Hands Free)

Learn more about motor vehicle laws in your state at the Distraction.gov State Laws page.