Moving to Florida...

Driver's License

Within 30 days of becoming a resident in Florida, enrolling children in public schools, registering to vote, or applying for homestead exemption, out-of-state drivers must obtain a Florida driver's license. New residents are required to pass only a visual examination if they have a valid license from another state unless their driving ability is deemed questionable. You must have your vehicle registered with the State of Florida prior to obtaining your Florida Driver License and bring two pieces of identification to verify your name and age. Some of the most common are birth certificate, passport, and voter registration card. The fee for a new driver's operating license is $20.00 for 6 years.

Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles

Tests may be taken at one of the following examining offices:

Deerfield
1754 Hillsboro Boulevard 429-8777 or 429-8778

Ft. Lauderdale
1931 N.W. 9th Avenue Hallandale
19 NW. 2nd Avenue Lauderhill
1225 N.W. 40th Avenue 797-8582
7217 Oakland Park Boulevard 741-6463

Margate
2500 N. State Road 7 969-4373

Pembroke Pines
8001 Pembroke Road 961-8238,
467-4488, 454-3998 or 961-8330

Pompano Beach
2712 W. Atlantic Boulevard 969-3536

Pet Registration/Vaccination

All dogs and cats must be registered and vaccinated in accordance with state law. You can obtain licenses at Animal Regulation, located at 1870 SW 39th St., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33315. The fee is $20.00 for a pet that has not been spayed or neutered, and $10.00 for a pet that has been spayed or neutered. For further information call 765-4700.

Vehicle Registration

New residents must register their vehicles with the County Tax Collector within 10 days of becoming employed in Florida, enrolling children in public schools, or establishing primary residency. When you go to register your vehicle you will need to drive the vehicle you are registering to the Tag and Title Office and take along your out-of-state title, registration, a current Florida exhaust emissions inspection certificate, driver's license, and proof of Florida insurance. State law requires that you carry a minimum Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance policy and property damage insurance on each vehicle. License plates are issued at that time and the registration must be renewed each year prior to the owner's birth date.

Registration and tags may be obtained at the Tag and Title Office, County Tax Collector, 1299 N. State Road 7, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33313. Phone: 765-5050

For information on Florida's no-fault insurance laws, ask a local insurance agent or contact the State of Florida Insurance Commission, 200 F. Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399

Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles

Voter Registration

To vote in Florida, you must be 18 years old, a Florida resident, a United States citizen, and you must register in the county where you reside. You need to show proof of your current street address, such as driver's license, a utility bill showing current address or lease agreement indicating address of residence. For additional information on outreach sites available in local communities and assistance for shut-ins, contact your county Supervisor of Elections. Supervisor of Elections Office, Broward Government Center, 1155. Andrews Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301. Phone: 357-7050

Child Restraint Law

Florida state law requires that all children under the age of 6 must be buckled in while riding in any car, truck or van on Florida's roads, regardless of where they are sitting in the vehicle. The driver is responsible for seeing that the child is transported in a crash-tested, federally approved, child restraint device.