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 (null). 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 | $300 | non-refundable | unverified |
| Renewal fee | $75 | yearly | unverified |
| Supplemental location fee | $50 | per location | unverified |
| Fingerprint/background check | $65 | per person | unverified |
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.
Submit your application through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles null portal. 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. Contact Division of Motorist Services: https://www.flhsmv.gov.
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.
