California Dealer Academy is a California DMV-accredited dealer education provider (occupational licensing #CCC0007). We do not provide licensing education for Florida. This page is an informational summary of Florida's requirements, sourced from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). For approved Florida education providers, visit https://www.flhsmv.gov.
To get a dealer license in Florida: apply through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), choose your license type, submit a $25,000 surety bond, and pay the required fees. Complete 16 hours of state-approved pre-licensing education. Licenses are issued for 2-year terms.
| License | Description | Who Needs It |
|---|---|---|
| Independent Motor Vehicle Dealer | Licensed to buy, sell, or exchange used motor vehicles. Most common license for independent used car dealers. | Independent used car dealers |
| Franchise Motor Vehicle Dealer | Authorized to sell new vehicles from a specific manufacturer. Subject to Florida's franchise protection laws. | New car franchise dealers |
Source: FLHSMV
Florida requires 16 hours of pre-licensing education for new dealer applicants (Florida Statutes §320.27). In-person or online through approved providers.
Renewal applicants (licensed less than 10 years) require 8 hours. The training is required at each renewal.
Applies to: Independent dealers. Exempt if held a valid Florida dealer license continuously within the past 2 years.
Source: FLHSMV Dealer Education
Florida requires a $25,000 surety bond for most dealer license types. The bond must cover the full 1-year license term. Bond expires annually on April 30. Must be renewed to maintain license.
Source: FLHSMV Licensing Guide
| Fee | Amount | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee (1st year) | $300 | non-refundable | source |
| Optional 2nd-year term | $75 | if extending to 2-year term | source |
| Renewal fee (1-year term) | $75 | per renewal | source |
| Renewal fee (2-year term) | $150 | per renewal | source |
| Delinquent renewal fee | $100 | if filed within 45 days after expiration | source |
| Supplemental location fee | $50 | per location | Confirm with FLHSMV |
| Fingerprint/background check | $65 | per person | Confirm with FLHSMV |
Office: Physical business location required. Lease agreement or ownership document must be submitted.
Source: FLHSMV Licensing Guide
Florida dealer licenses are valid for 2 years. Continuing education of 8 hours is required at each renewal. Renewals are subject to a 45-day grace period after expiration; a $100 delinquent fee applies within it. After 45 days, a full new application is required.
Submit your application. Required documents typically include: proof of identity for all owners, Secretary of State business filing (if applicable), surety bond, education certificate, and proof of an established business location. Florida's dealer license application is paper-based — submit it to the regional FLHSMV Motorist Services office serving your area. Once licensed, manage renewals and account services through the Dealer Log In portal. Contact Division of Motorist Services: https://www.flhsmv.gov.
Physical auctions: Florida has a strong wholesale auction presence given its size and used-vehicle market, including Manheim and ADESA locations across the state. Bidding requires an active dealer license and standard auction credentialing (commonly via AuctionACCESS).
Digital auctions: You don't have to be near a physical auction location to source inventory. Platforms like ACV Auctions and OPENLANE are 100% online, dealer-license-only marketplaces with nationwide inventory — vehicles are professionally inspected on-site by the platform and shipped to you.
Florida Independent Automobile Dealers Association, founded 1940. FIADA has represented Florida's independent used car dealers since 1940, with membership, education, and compliance resources specific to Florida.
If you're a California dealer exploring Florida, here is how the requirements compare:
| Category | California | Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Education | 6-hour DMV-approved course (CA CVC §11704.5) | Florida requires 16 hours of pre-licensing education (vs CA 6 hours) plus 8 hours of continuing education every 2 years. This is the most education-heavy state of the proving set. |
| Bond | $50,000 per dealer (CA CVC §11710) | Florida requires a $25,000 bond — half of California's $50,000. This is the lowest bond in the proving set. |
| License Term | 2-year cycle | Florida offers 1-year or 2-year license terms at the dealer's choice. CA uses a fixed 2-year cycle. |
The key difference: Florida's bond is only $25,000 — half of California's $50,000 requirement. Combined with 16 hours of pre-licensing education (nearly triple California's 6 hours), Florida's requirements are inverted from California: lower financial barrier, higher education barrier.
Yes. 16 hours of online instruction for new applicants. Renewal applicants need 8 hours.
The base license fee is $300. A $25,000 surety bond is required. Other costs may include business registration, office setup, and signage.
No. Florida requires education from a Florida-based institution or trade association approved by FLHSMV. California Dealer Academy is not approved to provide Florida dealer education.
If you're licensing in California, explore our complete guides:
California Dealer License Guide City-by-City Resources California Bond Requirements
Page verified 2026-08-03. Source: Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. For the most current requirements, always consult the state agency directly.
