[golfnut]

I got this off another website, I believe it was taken from an article in The Daily Sun, but for those of us currently out of state or those who may have missed it it's good information. I renewed online and saved over $50 on my license tags over 2 years.................GN

With a number of fee increases for driver’s license and motor-vehicle transactions on the horizon, the Sumter County Tax Collector encourages residents to take certain steps now in an effort to save money.

“All tax collectors in the state are trying to be proactive (about the upcoming changes),” said Trina Terry, branch manager for the Sumter County Tax Collector.

Although the fee increases take effect Sept. 1, Terry said some residents can take measures now to avoid those increases.

For instance, those whose birthdate is before Dec. 1 should renew their vehicle registration before September, Terry said, in order to avoid the upcoming 35 to 40 percent increase in registration fees.

Registration fees vary by the weight of the vehicle. After Sept. 1, a vehicle with a renewal of $46.10 will cost approximately $70 to $72, according to Terry.

Terry said drivers can register their vehicle for two years, instead of one, which also will save them money.

In addition to registration fees, driver’s license fees are increasing, along with title transactions, especially for those who are new Florida residents.

“The average person coming in from out of state spends $170 to $190 to receive their license plate and title,” Terry said. “That will be between $400 and $450. So anyone moving into the area needs to get all of their ducks in a row … come on in so we can get it taken care of before Sept. 1.”

[Avista]

Good info. We had to get pictures eye checks etc this year. Went to Wildwood and with our Sept and Oct birthdays saved a lot of money for both vehicles and drivers license. Had a rather big bill, but saved a bunch. Very friendly office. Got in and out quickly.

[imbrennan]

Any idea what the annual cost would be (or 2 year cost would be) for a Mazda Tribute? I looked at Sumter County Tax Collector's site after reading your posting but couldn't see anywhere that the price was going up. We are in the UK so we would need to do this very soon if it is increasing on 1st September so any help would be appreciated.

[golfnut]

I am not sure of the savings for a specific car but I am sure that the rates go up Sept 1, savings are in the range of 30 - 50% and if you buy tags for 2 years you double your savings.....GN

[784caroline]

Golfnut
Just curious..In the example used, why the dec 1st cutoff date> Is there a cost benefit if your birthday is say Dec 15th??

[Bob S]

I am in the process of converting registrations for 2 cars from out of state to Florida. I had planned on doing this the first week of September.

After this great post, I contacted the local Florida DMV office near The Villages and found that I can do this by mail before September 1 with large savings. They were very helpful in guiding me through the process. Thanks Golfnut and TOTV.

A new title for an out of state car is increasing from $100 to $250. All other fees are going up by at least 40%. I estimate that I will save over $200 per car by beating the September 1 date.

Unfortunately I cannot get the FL driver license by mail, so that will be subject to the higher costs on my September visit.

[billethkid]

to FL?

Old plate?
Insurance? Does it have to be insured by a FL agent? Or just proof of insurance?
etc?

btk

[Bob S]

To get the registration changed to Florida you need:
1. Original title
2. Proof of Florida insurance
3. Verification of VIN number and odometer by a licensed auto dealer (on their letterhead) or by a police officer
4. Filled in form, available online.
5. A check. Call the DMV office and thay will walk you through the amount needed. Based on car weight it could be up to $238 for a 2 year registration and title.

[The Gray Hog]

We hogs just renewed and were told for the drivers lic. it can be
done up to 18 months in advance. We saved....

[faithfulfrank]

I've read about this for a few months now. That is a huge increase!
I considered registering our one car to Florida tags when we are down there next, but we do not get down there until October.......bummer.

When we move there in 2 years, between titles, tags for two cars and licenses I'm guessing it will be close to $1000.00

Believe it or not, NY's DMV is much lower. Oh well....a Sun tax. I'll use the money I get for my 13hp Ariens snowblower to pay for it.

Frank D.

[billethkid]

Those kinds of increases and annual or bi-annual renewals are significantly out of line with my other state residence.

Thanx for all the replies and comments.

btk

[skip0358]

Regarding registration. Moving down in Sept. If I get auto insurance before hand can I still register online and beat the increase? What about drivers liscense also??

[Bob S]

You can register the car by mail but must get the driver license in person. That will still save you a ton of money.