NY to Florida - again

[Scbang]

So, I am thinking of changing my 2 cars plates, titles and registrations from NY to FL as well as my NY driver's license. I read FL DMV requirement for Passport and etc.. Does that requirements apply to people already have NY license, Registration, Title and plates?
For those who have been thru this, please tell me it will be less :-)

Cheers!

[Bill14564]

So, I am thinking of changing my 2 cars plates, titles and registrations from NY to FL as well as my NY driver's license. I read FL DMV requirement for Passport and etc.. Does that requirements apply to people already have NY license, Registration, Title and plates?
For those who have been thru this, please tell me it will be less :-)

Cheers!

Not from NY but we had our MD RealID licenses. FL DMV still wanted our passports and other documentation a year ago when we changed ours.

It's little consolation but the vehicle inspection here is *much* nicer than in NY.

[villagetinker]

OP, you can call the DMV in Pinellas Plaza and get the current requirements.

[dewilson58]

OP, you can call the DMV in Pinellas Plaza and get the current requirements.

Agree. (They do not require a passport.)

[Rmingee]

The Sumter county tax collector site has the info

[Stu from NYC]

Not from NY but we had our MD RealID licenses. FL DMV still wanted our passports and other documentation a year ago when we changed ours.

It's little consolation but the vehicle inspection here is *much* nicer than in NY.

There aint no vehicle inspection in Florida, shocked and very surprised to learn that upon moving here last year.

[Bill14564]

There aint no vehicle inspection in Florida, shocked and very surprised to learn that upon moving here last year.

There is the VIN check but that is trivial and much better than the NY inspection. I haven't lived in NY in 30+ years but I still remember the hassle of those inspections.

[Topspinmo]

There aint no vehicle inspection in Florida, shocked and very surprised to learn that upon moving here last year.

Why? Cause the state you lived it a salty state that destroys vehicles ?

[Stu from NYC]

Why? Cause the state you lived it a salty state that destroys vehicles ?

The places I went to did a good job inspecting my cars making sure it was safe to run.

If brakes or tires needed replacement had no choice but to replace.

In Florida what is to stop people from riding on bald tires?

[jchase]

Ten years ago, it was $400.00 a car, $100.00 for a drivers license. We spent $1,000 in one day for two drivers license and transferring two cars.

[Art cov]

The places I went to did a good job inspecting my cars making sure it was safe to run.

If brakes or tires needed replacement had no choice but to replace.

In Florida what is to stop people from riding on bald tires?

Nails, screws and other materials, hydroplaning. It’s just irresponsible to take the risk no matter where one lives

[DAIII]

FUN FACT:

Do Mandatory Vehicle Inspections Really Make Us Safer? - The American Consumer Institute (https://www.theamericanconsumer.org/2019/06/do-mandatory-vehicle-inspections-really-make-us-safer/)

Across the pond they charge MORE to register older vehicles in an effort to keep emissions lower and new tech on the road which is standard on newer vehicles.

[J1ceasar]

Nothing,

[Hiltongrizz11]

My wife and I moved from Rochester in September. For two cars two licenses a small trailer and a pop-up camper that costs us about $1,400. And that's a 2008 vehicle into 2015 vehicle and no loans on either.

Admittedly that was about $800 higher than I expected but I didn't look into it too closely nor did I care too much. Thankfully we had the money saved. It's the cost of the auto insurance that really almost offsets the property taxes in our case.

However we are so grateful to be here in Florida.

[MidWestIA]

Yep passport or birth, something with ssn and 2 mail with address here

[Beyond The Wall]

No income state income tax = fees are higher. In the end I’m sure it works in your favor!
As far as cars being less safe in Florida then, say NY or NJ, I don’t see a lot of old, beat up cars in TV, just older drivers. You take your drivers license test in parking lot in NJ! Give me Florida any day

[LoisR]

Think about auto insurance rates. FL much more expensive than NY.

[Billy1]

I am a native Floridian the old vehicle inspections were gouging car owners for unnecessary work and or unneeded parts, glad we got rid of the inspections. A person I knew ( many years ago) took her car to DMV to register and the vin on title did not match the vin on the car.

[frank1975]

Get your wallet out! It’s costly! One car from NC to Florida tag was around $500.

[Dantes]

Please leave New York in New York

[Girlcopper]

There aint no vehicle inspection in Florida, shocked and very surprised to learn that upon moving here last year.
Right. There hasnt been for decades. Glad you found out just a year ago

[Petersweeney]

Think about auto insurance rates. FL much more expensive than NY.

You got hood winked: NYC is the highest on the planet: I’m paying 1/3rd of what I was paying up there:::::: shop around

[Two Bills]

Right. There hasnt been for decades. Glad you found out just a year ago

Totaly unnecessary snarky post.
The poster has only lived here for a year, why would he worry or find out about another states vehicle requirments?
Probably had enough problems with New Yorks!

[M2inOR]

Here is link to DMV for requirements for drivers license and ID. You will also need to make an appointment for the office on Powell Road near Pinellas Plaza.

You'll also be able to change your voter registration at the same building.

What to Bring - Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/what-to-bring/)

Here is link to additional info for the Powell office: DMV and Voter Registration

Randy Mask - Sumter County Tax Collector (https://www.sumtertaxcollector.com/)

[Boston1945]

The places I went to did a good job inspecting my cars making sure it was safe to run.

If brakes or tires needed replacement had no choice but to replace.

In Florida what is to stop people from riding on bald tires?

Been here for over 50 years. The worse thing we ever did here in Florida was doing away with the auto inspection.

[nick demis]

Other than taking other peoples advice on procedures, including myself who did it, call the DMV since you have to get an appointment anyway. By the way, you will be surprised at how friendly and cooperative they are unlike the DMV's in the Northeast.

[LoriV]

The reason for the passport requirement is that FL DMV issues the “enhanced” drivers license. This is required for domestic air travel.

[PennBF]

Twenty five years ago when we moved from NY to Florida the things that still stick out in my mind were the higher costs to transfer the car, the lack of the inspection rip off in New York and the need to be sure to return the NY License Plate to NY with a return signature as it can be quite annoying if you return the NY plates and they say they never got them!:popcorn:

[wamley]

I just registered one of my NY registered cars in Florida. Easiest DMV experience I've ever had. Show proof of ownership of a house (real estate tax statement) Ny Drive Lic, NYS veh. Title and Application and a check. I dropped off everything late one afternoon and was called the following morning to pick up my plates.

[gail swanson]

Just moved South
Of Hwy 44 and changed our address on drivers license and tags Had to take our passports.So, I am thinking of changing my 2 cars plates, titles and registrations from NY to FL as well as my NY driver's license. I read FL DMV requirement for Passport and etc.. Does that requirements apply to people already have NY license, Registration, Title and plates?
For those who have been thru this, please tell me it will be les)

Cheers!

[Scbang]

I just registered one of my NY registered cars in Florida. Easiest DMV experience I've ever had. Show proof of ownership of a house (real estate tax statement) Ny Drive Lic, NYS veh. Title and Application and a check. I dropped off everything late one afternoon and was called the following morning to pick up my plates. Thanks for the info. How much was your check in total?

[ehonour]

FUN FACT:

Do Mandatory Vehicle Inspections Really Make Us Safer? - The American Consumer Institute (https://www.theamericanconsumer.org/2019/06/do-mandatory-vehicle-inspections-really-make-us-safer/)

Across the pond they charge MORE to register older vehicles in an effort to keep emissions lower and new tech on the road which is standard on newer vehicles.

Interesting article, and true. Sixty years ago, Florida did require vehicle inspections. Year after year, you'd take your car to the inspection station and pay the fee. Year after year, the inspection station would find that "your headlights are mis-aimed." They'd put the car onto a mechanical rack with a device to analyze the headlight aim, and they'd adjust a couple of screws on the headlight to re-aim it. (Of course, today headlights are integral to the body and no longer can be aimed this way.)

Why was this so common during inspections? Because the inspection shop could charge an extra fee for the adjustment.

I'm glad that Florida gave that up.

[G.R.I.T.S.]

A lamp post!😂

[FromNY]

So welcome to being a Florida resident. You might want to check with your accountant as well. By changing state residency will you lose any New York tax benefits on your NY home? Are you totally giving up NY. I believe you must change tags and license within six months relocation. No auto inspection, first time tag $$$. Along with changing voter registration if you own a home here apply for homestead. Bye bye NY hello Florida. We don't get snow!

[DAVES]

So, I am thinking of changing my 2 cars plates, titles and registrations from NY to FL as well as my NY driver's license. I read FL DMV requirement for Passport and etc.. Does that requirements apply to people already have NY license, Registration, Title and plates?
For those who have been thru this, please tell me it will be less :-)

Cheers!

This is not New York. We did it years ago at the Pinellis library. Took little more than an hour including registering to vote. This is not New York. New York would take you that long to find out you waited an hour on the wrong line. Your New York license, you do not need to pass a test, you need to take an eye test. As far as passing a test, as polite as I can be, Florida drivers are interesting.

[GOLFER54]

Be prepared to take out a loan….

[DAVES]

Interesting article, and true. Sixty years ago, Florida did require vehicle inspections. Year after year, you'd take your car to the inspection station and pay the fee. Year after year, the inspection station would find that "your headlights are mis-aimed." They'd put the car onto a mechanical rack with a device to analyze the headlight aim, and they'd adjust a couple of screws on the headlight to re-aim it. (Of course, today headlights are integral to the body and no longer can be aimed this way.)

Why was this so common during inspections? Because the inspection shop could charge an extra fee for the adjustment.

I'm glad that Florida gave that up.

Like any mass project it is/was abused. New York it says they need to inspect one brake. Many cars have front disc brakes, they are open and easy to check, and rear drum brakes. You are paying, I asked them to check the rear brakes, which requires removing the brake drum. They said they did. A few weeks later as I had expected my rear brakes were making noise. The shoes were contacting the drum as they were worn out. Cost me for two new rear brake drums.

No inspection is better than thinking it was properly done.

[Spalumbos62]

My wife and I moved from Rochester in September. For two cars two licenses a small trailer and a pop-up camper that costs us about $1,400. And that's a 2008 vehicle into 2015 vehicle and no loans on either.

Admittedly that was about $800 higher than I expected but I didn't look into it too closely nor did I care too much. Thankfully we had the money saved. It's the cost of the auto insurance that really almost offsets the property taxes in our case.

However we are so grateful to be here in Florida.

Hi...from fairport....we have a place on historic side and still do the 5/7mth treck. Not sure, although we consider it, if we could do the full 12mths. The summer temps mostly and of course the grand kids....maybe soon. Enjoy! And don't melt....

[DAVES]

Thanks for the info. How much was your check in total?

Not sure why you are asking. There is no deal buy one get one free. I'm sure what you pay depends on the car. You do have an option of paying every year or paying for two or perhaps it is three years. There is no discount for paying for two or three years so I pay by the year. Compared to New York, if I am right it is slightly higher but about the same.
Insurance, I have a clean license. Our insurance cost dropped by about 1/3. Real estate taxes dropped to less than half. My home in Florida is roughly twice the size of what we had in New York. You leave behind a 6% state tax and for us a 3% city tax.

[merrymini]

Call dmv for information on proof of residency.
$400 per car for new tags.
$48 for a license which is good for 10 years. And it has real ID.
Car insurance here is not much different from NJ, pretty pricy.
A lot of uninsured motorists though, so carry enough insurance.

[PleaseBeKind]

Call dmv for information on proof of residency.
$400 per car for new tags.
$48 for a license which is good for 10 years. And it has real ID.
Car insurance here is not much different from NJ, pretty pricy.
A lot of uninsured motorists though, so carry enough insurance.

Thanks so much for the detailed info. Is the $400 fee a one time charge or is it an annual recurring fee? Best wishes.

[stebooo]

One off the requirements is that you must be able to produce the car your licensing. This stop some people from Liv. A vehicle in NY be ause it's cheaper

[kendi]

The places I went to did a good job inspecting my cars making sure it was safe to run.

If brakes or tires needed replacement had no choice but to replace.

In Florida what is to stop people from riding on bald tires?

You've got to be kidding. You want a government that tells you when to get new tires? :ohdear:

[ChiefDMM]

You need SS card, birth certificate and proof of residency. I got my FL DL in April and I was in and out in 14 minutes. $56 and it’s good for 9 years. So much easier and cheaper than California, which is where I escaped from.

[ValSetz]

Rules in Florida for what you need changed drastically after 9/11 which I found when I moved back to the state in 2010. Lots of info required which they scanned into DMV records. Had I saved my plate from previous registering I would have saved lots of money (it had been 7 years).

[bobnyce]

Watch out for the IRS!f. If you ever plan to sell your property up north and you change your residency prior to selling you will be very unhappy to know that when you sell it will not be your primary residence and therefore not eligible for the capital gain exception for primary residence. It will cost you and probably more in the future when capital gain rates go sky high!

[Iford07]

Agree. (They do not require a passport.)

I just did my NY to FL on Wednesday
They do require a passport (if you have one)
Birth Certficate if you do not have a Passport

Its an extremely easy process NOTHING like NY DMV

[Quixote]

There aint no vehicle inspection in Florida, shocked and very surprised to learn that upon moving here last year.

… In Florida what is to stop people from riding on bald tires?

We were not quite shocked, as we were prepped on life in Florida by a branch of my family who lived here for a few generations, but we were surprised. More shocking is no motorcycle helmet requirement, and every two weeks or so we hear about another motorcycle death. Sad. We just shake our heads. And there is nothing to stop people from riding on bald tires.


There is the VIN check but that is trivial and much better than the NY inspection. I haven't lived in NY in 30+ years but I still remember the hassle of those inspections.

That’s unfortunate to find a safety requirement a hassle. (I remember well the carrying on by some folks that their civil liberties were destroyed by the mandatory seat belt law….) We had our regular mechanic do our inspections conveniently for us. Only very rarely did he find an issue, perhaps because the cars were checked every year.

Nails, screws and other materials, hydroplaning. It’s just irresponsible to take the risk no matter where one lives

Most often when the mechanic did find something, it was not something obvious to us, like a screw or nail in a tire that didn’t quite yet cause a leak—or possibly a blowout!

Think about auto insurance rates. FL much more expensive than NY.

True for us too, though I’d have to say just more expensive, not quite much more.

You got hood winked: NYC is the highest on the planet: I’m paying 1/3rd of what I was paying up there:::::: shop around

We’ve come to expect folks from south and west of New Jersey to think ONLY ‘that place down there’ when they hear ‘New York.’ Now I learn that you can be from New York City and not be aware of a fairly large and beautiful New York State. We lived in a rural area with more cows (not ours) than people, with spectacular sunsets over a mountainous ridge behind our home. And in that stunning (to us) rural area, our auto insurance rates were hugely lower than in New York City and somewhat lower than here in ZIP 32162 Sumter County!

[Quixote]

Watch out for the IRS!f. If you ever plan to sell your property up north and you change your residency prior to selling you will be very unhappy to know that when you sell it will not be your primary residence and therefore not eligible for the capital gain exception for primary residence. It will cost you and probably more in the future when capital gain rates go sky high!

We kept both homes for a few years, though we were not strictly snowbirds but rather went back and forth a number of times each year. When we finally did sell, the lawyer had us set aside funds to cover the tax on substantial capital gains.

Much to our surprise and delight, the IRS gave us a survey to complete, the result of which was that since we could show that we ‘lived’ in that home for the equivalent of two years out of the preceding five (literally counting number of days), we were exempt from capital gains tax!

Check for yourself; I may not remember the fine details. Is there a retired tax lawyer reading this who can comment and explain? Thanks!

[Bill14564]

...

That’s unfortunate to find a safety requirement a hassle. (I remember well the carrying on by some folks that their civil liberties were destroyed by the mandatory seat belt law….) We had our regular mechanic do our inspections conveniently for us. Only very rarely did he find an issue, perhaps because the cars were checked every year.

...


Not a safety requirement, an inspection requirement. Our vehicles were always safe but they still needed to be inspected. Since we performed our own maintenance and repair we did not make regular payments to a mechanic. Perhaps that's why there was always something that needed to be repaired for an extra fee (usually headlight aim, often wiper wear).

Interesting that since leaving NY I've driven five times as many years in at least ten different vehicles and nearly a million miles without once having a safety problem even with no safety inspection. (and I still haven't won the lottery so I know I'm not just lucky)

[cj1040]

So, I am thinking of changing my 2 cars plates, titles and registrations from NY to FL as well as my NY driver's license. I read FL DMV requirement for Passport and etc.. Does that requirements apply to people already have NY license, Registration, Title and plates?
For those who have been thru this, please tell me it will be less :-)

Cheers!

We got Florida driver licenses but left the cars registered to NH until they renew this fall. Florida insurance is way more $ than NH. DMV said no problem if they do not match but we need to make the change this fall to qualify for the homestead exemption for 2022. DMV website has info or go get the forms

[Pballer]

You've got to be kidding. You want a government that tells you when to get new tires? :ohdear:

Yes. I was rear ended by a Florida driver whose brakes and tires failed in the rain, and had no insurance; it is estimated that 25% of Florida drivers don't carry insurance. Driving is not a right, but a privilege. A lot of people in Florida will not voluntarily get their car inspected if not mandated by law. Not only do they put themselves at risk, but they put others at risk as well.

[valuemkt]

The DMV at Pinellas should be rated in the top ten (if not first) in the country for friendliest and helpfulness. They are actually a pleasure to deal with .. They dont make the rates and dont deserve any grief.

[bobnyce]

So, I don't think you are going at this from the correct prospective. You need to consider the consequences of changing your primary residence. The IRS will ask where you spent your time first. If you live in Florida more than any other place the normal approach they will assume you are a Florida resident whether you have a Florida driver's license, cars registered in Florida or if you own or rent property in Florida. You can overcome the presumption of being a Florida resident but they will make it tough. They can see from credit cards where you spent your time. However, if you continue to vote in another state and can convince them that you had no intent of becoming a Florida resident it is possible you can avoid taxes on the sale of a residence. But, it will be tough to prove if you change your driver's license, vote in Florida, own property here and spend more than 6 months in Florida - Good Luck with that. Residency is a big deal and provides many incentives to become a Florida resident, car insurance is not one of them. No income tax, or estate tax is huge for seniors. But, my advice is sell your northern home prior to changing residency to avoid the potential of serious taxes at the Federal, and in many case, state level. I kept a car in Florida for several years which was registered here and insured here but I maintained all of my residency, voting, driver's license even continued to pay PA state income tax as I had no intention of becoming a Florida resident until I sold my primary residence in PA. Beware is all I am saying. It could cost you a substantial tax event.

[TandHSTAR@AOL.com]

Again go to your local DMV and ask them. They know the answer instead of guessing. Unlike NY these people here at DMV are courteous and friendly and no long lines and hours waiting your turn. Nice change.

[bocaabend]

Change your voters registration also. Leave all the taxes behind. Sign up independent or republician

[MrFlorida]

Passport or birth certificate , not both, also need two proofs of residency , a utility bill , and insurance bill will do, and SS card, they want to see the card not just your number....take an eye exam and your all set. Make appointment , usually it will be the same day.

Now for registering your cars, big bucks, have to turn your bills of sales , from NY to FL, and have the vin checked, and the mileage recorded. Then they will register them , It costs an average of $400 per car, for everything, if you get the regular plates, more for specialty plates. The Florida MV website will explain everything in detail if you need more info.

[Neils]

The places I went to did a good job inspecting my cars making sure it was safe to run.

If brakes or tires needed replacement had no choice but to replace.

In Florida what is to stop people from riding on bald tires?

They will go flat !!

[TimeForChange]

Not from NY but we had our MD RealID licenses. FL DMV still wanted our passports and other documentation a year ago when we changed ours.

It's little consolation but the vehicle inspection here is *much* nicer than in NY.

If you are a full time FL resident you have 30 days to obtain a FL drivers license and a FL plate. Unless this has changed.

[SharonW]

Get your wallet out! It’s costly! One car from NC to Florida tag was around $500.

After initial registration you will only pay about $55.00 year for renewal. I buy 2 year renewal for $110.00 total. My auto insurance is $750.00 year. That is with 250/500/100 liability, comp/ coll, med pay, UM, rental, towing and replacement cost coverage. I pay by the autual miles I drive.

[Nick B]

The places I went to did a good job inspecting my cars making sure it was safe to run.

If brakes or tires needed replacement had no choice but to replace.

In Florida what is to stop people from riding on bald tires?
Nothing. FREEDOM right?

[Quixote]

They will go flat !!

Let’s hope those bald tires go flat while the car is parked, not while it’s not being driven on Florida’s Turnpike….

[nn0wheremann]

So, I am thinking of changing my 2 cars plates, titles and registrations from NY to FL as well as my NY driver's license. I read FL DMV requirement for Passport and etc.. Does that requirements apply to people already have NY license, Registration, Title and plates?
For those who have been thru this, please tell me it will be less :-)

Cheers!
The only shock you are likely to encounter is the one-time fee Florida charges to bring a vehicle into the state. While you write out that check, think of what you will save in State income tax and personal property tax as a Floridian.