When purchasing a vehicle in Florida, whether it’s new or used, buyers are responsible for paying several fees, including taxes, how much is tax tag and title in florida. These costs can vary based on several factors, such as the type of vehicle, its value, and whether the buyer is a resident or non-resident. Below is a breakdown of these fees and what to expect when purchasing a vehicle in Florida.
1. Sales Tax
In Florida, the state imposes a 6% sales tax on the purchase of vehicles. This tax is calculated based on the purchase price of the vehicle before trade-ins but after any dealer discounts or manufacturer incentives. Some counties also impose a local surtax (sometimes referred to as a “discretionary sales surtax”), which can add an additional percentage to the sales tax. This surtax varies by county but is typically between 0.5% and 1.5%.
For example:
- If you purchase a car for $20,000 in a county with a 1% surtax, the total sales tax would be $1,400 (6% of $20,000 + 1% surtax).
Important Note: There is a cap on the surtax in most counties, meaning it only applies to the first $5,000 of the vehicle’s value. So, the maximum surtax you would pay is typically around $50.
2. Tag (License Plate) Fees
In Florida, the cost of a vehicle’s tag (license plate) depends on several factors, including the type of vehicle, its weight, and whether you are registering it for the first time or transferring an existing plate.
- New License Plate Fee: $225 (initial registration fee if the vehicle has never been registered in Florida or the owner does not have a license plate to transfer).
- Annual Registration Fees: These are based on the weight of the vehicle:
- Vehicles up to 2,499 pounds: $27.60 per year
- Vehicles between 2,500 and 3,499 pounds: $35.60 per year
- Vehicles 3,500 pounds and above: $45.60 per year
- Specialty Plates: If you opt for a specialty plate, such as one supporting a particular cause or organization, you may pay an additional fee, typically ranging from $15 to $50 per year.
3. Title Fees
A vehicle’s title fee is paid to transfer ownership of the vehicle. In Florida, the standard title fee is:
- Electronic Title: $75.75
- Paper Title: $77.75
- Out-of-State Title Transfer: If you are bringing a vehicle from another state into Florida, the title transfer fee is also $77.75.
For vehicles that are financed, you may need to pay additional fees to list the lienholder on the title.
4. Other Potential Fees
There are a few additional costs that may arise depending on the circumstances of the vehicle purchase:
- Lien Recording Fee: If you are financing the vehicle, the lienholder’s information must be recorded on the title, which incurs a fee of $2.
- License Plate Transfer Fee: If you are transferring an existing plate from one vehicle to another, the transfer fee is $7.35.
- Temporary Tag Fee: For temporary tags (such as when purchasing a vehicle out of state or waiting for registration), the fee is $5.
5. Summary of Costs
- Sales Tax: 6% of the vehicle’s purchase price, plus a potential county surtax of up to 1.5%.
- Tag Fees: $225 for a new plate (plus annual registration based on vehicle weight).
- Title Fees: $75.75 for electronic title or $77.75 for a paper title.
Example of Total Costs
For a vehicle purchased for $20,000 in a county with a 1% surtax, weighing 3,000 pounds, with a new license plate, the total costs would be:
- Sales Tax: $1,200 (6% of $20,000) + $50 (1% surtax on the first $5,000) = $1,250
- Tag Fee: $225 (new plate fee) + $35.60 (annual registration) = $260.60
- Title Fee: $75.75 (electronic title)
Total: $1,250 (tax) + $260.60 (tag) + $75.75 (title) = $1,586.35
Conclusion
When purchasing a vehicle in Florida, it’s essential to account for sales tax, tag, and title fees. These costs can add up quickly, so it’s a good idea to calculate them in advance to avoid any surprises at the dealership or when registering your vehicle. Make sure to check with your local county for specific surtax rates and other potential fees that may apply.
