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 Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website.

Seat Belts -- Seat belt use is mandatory in the state of Florida and  on Tyndall AFB.  Florida law requires children age 5 and under to be secured properly in a crash-tested, federally approved child restraint device.

Contact the 325 Fighter Wing Ground Safety Office at (850) 283-3200 or by email at 325fw.se.all@us.af.mil for further information on child safety car seats.

Active duty military and their dependents stationed in Florida are not required to hold a Florida license if they have a valid license from another state. Exceptions are:

• If the service member or spouse claims homestead exemption (Florida residency), then all drivers in family must obtain a Florida license.
• If the service member or spouse becomes employed outside the military, in Florida he/she must obtain a Florida license.
• If a child becomes employed in Florida then only the child who drives must obtain a Florida license.

New Florida residents have 30 days after establishing residency to apply for a Florida driver's license. First-time applicants may obtain a restricted operator license at age 15 with parental consent. New residents are required to pass only the vision examination if they have a valid driver's license from another state.

A new license costs $48 and is valid for 6 years. License renewal is $48 and replacement cost is $25.

Please visit Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website for more information.

Non-resident military members stationed in Florida by military orders are not required to obtain a Florida motor vehicle tag or license plate. Automobile license renewals are determined by the driver's birth month. Active duty non-resident military who tag and title a vehicle in Florida, are exempt from the initial registration fee.

Please note: If you purchased a vehicle overseas through the military vehicle sales program you will have to pay a "Florida Usage tax" which can be very expensive if you plan to register the vehicle in the state of Florida. Please check your home of record to see what the regulations for registration require.

Boat License

A copy of the title and registration (if previously registered in another state) and a valid driver's license or other form of identification are necessary. Boat registrations are renewed  June 1 -30 every year.

You and your passengers must always wear seatbelts while driving, you will be ticketed and issued a fine 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 while driving. Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide.

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.