Military Members: Florida Insurance Switch - What's The Deal?

do military members have to switch insurance florida

Military members moving to Florida should be aware of the state's insurance requirements. While it is not mandatory to switch insurance providers when relocating to Florida, it is essential to ensure that your current insurance meets the state's coverage requirements and includes protection against natural disasters like hurricanes and floods. Florida has specific regulations for vehicle insurance and registration, allowing non-resident military personnel to maintain their out-of-state insurance and registration or choose to register their vehicles in Florida. It is recommended to review your insurance policies during a move to ensure adequate coverage and explore any military-related discounts or exemptions offered by insurance providers.

Characteristics Values
Military members stationed in Florida Not required to switch to Florida insurance or license plates
Can maintain their home state's insurance and license plates
Exempt from the $225 initial registration fee on a motor vehicle
Military members stationed outside Florida Allowed to have out-of-state vehicle insurance
Must fill out the Military Insurance Affidavit
Must comply with the requirements listed, sign and print the document, and submit it with their application
May be exempt from the requirement to maintain Florida insurance coverage
Military members stationed in other states May have to switch registration to that state
May be exempt from registration fees
May be eligible for discounts or special considerations
May be eligible for a sales tax exemption for vehicles purchased out-of-state
May be eligible for extensions on their license or registration
May be eligible for a waiver of late fees if their registration expires while deployed
May be eligible for a reduced-fee, annual Military Gold Sportsman's License
Military members in general May be eligible for military-related discounts on insurance
Should review the fine print of their policy and be aware of any penalties for stopping their policy early
Should update their insurance when moving but not too early in the process

shunins

Florida insurance requirements for military members

Florida has specific insurance requirements for military members, which vary depending on their residency status and whether they are stationed in the state or elsewhere.

For non-resident military members stationed in Florida, there is no requirement to switch to Florida insurance. They can choose to register their vehicles in Florida or keep their current license plates and registration from their home state. If they choose to register in Florida, they must provide proof of current Florida insurance, but if they maintain their home state registration, they can continue with their existing insurance.

On the other hand, Florida residents who are deployed out-of-state can maintain their Florida insurance if their vehicle remains in the state. However, if their vehicle is located out-of-state, they are allowed to have out-of-state insurance. In such cases, they must follow the instructions provided in the Military Insurance Exemption Information to avoid driver license suspension. It's important to note that online renewals are not available for those with out-of-state insurance, and they must complete the process in person or via mail.

Active Florida National Guard members are eligible for certain benefits. They can receive one tax-free license plate registration or renewal each year, but they must complete the required form (HSMV form 83030) and submit it to a local motor vehicle service center annually. Additionally, active military personnel in Florida who wish to obtain a concealed weapon license should include a copy of their Common Access Card or other official military identification with their applications.

Regardless of residency status, military members in Florida must adhere to the state's insurance requirements for vehicles. This includes maintaining continuous insurance coverage, having a Florida certificate of title (unless held by an out-of-state lien holder), and obtaining a registration certificate and license plate within 10 days of beginning employment or enrollment. Florida also mandates specific coverage types and minimum amounts for vehicle insurance, including Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL).

shunins

Out-of-state insurance for military vehicles

Florida residents who are part of the military and are deployed out-of-state are allowed to have out-of-state vehicle insurance if the vehicle is located out-of-state. To do this and avoid a driver's license suspension, military members must follow the instructions in the Military Insurance Exemption Information and the Certificate for Florida Resident Who is an Active Duty U.S. Military Member Currently Stationed in a State Other Than Florida. These can be found on pages 4 and 5 of the Military Forms Packet.

Service members who choose to insure their vehicles with insurance from another state are not eligible to renew online. This process can be completed in person or via mail at a motor vehicle service center.

Non-resident military members stationed in Florida have the option to title and register their vehicle in Florida, or they may display a current license plate from their home state. The United States Federal Code for the Soldiers' and Sailors' Relief Act of 1940 authorizes non-resident service members to do so. However, non-resident service members stationed in Florida who wish to purchase a Florida license plate are eligible to claim a fee exemption. To do this, they must complete and sign the Initial Registration Fee Exemption Affidavit (HSMV form 82002) and bring it to a local motor vehicle service center.

Military members residing in Florida may use a Florida tax collector's office, Florida law enforcement officer, licensed Florida state motor vehicle dealer, Florida DMV compliance examiner/inspector, Florida notary public, or military law enforcement authority to perform the VIN verification.

shunins

Exemptions for military members

Florida has various exemptions for military members and their families. These include:

Insurance Exemptions

Florida resident military members stationed in another state are permitted to submit out-of-state insurance when registering motor vehicles. They must fill out a Military Insurance Affidavit and comply with the listed requirements.

Registration Exemptions

Florida residents who are military members do not need to register their vehicles in Florida if they are currently registered in their home state. They can also keep their home state license plates and are exempt from the $225 initial registration fee.

License Plate Exemptions

All active Florida National Guard members are eligible for one tax-free license plate registration or renewal each year. They must complete Form Application for Military Service Related License Plates (HSMV form 83030) and bring it to a local motor vehicle service center annually.

Driver's License Exemptions

Military personnel and members of their immediate family residing with them (spouse, son, daughter, and stepchildren) may be granted an extension of their Class E driver's license. The military extension card is free of charge and will be a photo ID that is carried with their Florida license and Military ID.

Other Exemptions

Florida offers a Military Gold Sportsman's License to active duty and retired military members who are Florida residents. This is a reduced-fee, annual license. Florida also assists with the expediting of Florida concealed weapon license applications for active military members and veterans.

shunins

Registration fees for military vehicles

In Florida, non-resident military service members are exempt from the $225 Initial Registration Fee. This exemption is available to non-resident service members, their spouses, or immediate family members. To be eligible, they must present a copy of the service member's military orders, which shows their assignment to a Florida military duty station.

While it is not mandatory for non-resident service members to register their personal vehicles while stationed in Florida, they may choose to do so. They have the option to apply for a registration only or a Florida title. Registering the vehicle allows it to display a Florida license plate and registration while retaining the home state title.

Military members stationed in Florida can also choose to keep their current license plate from their home state. This is authorized by the United States Federal Code for the Soldiers' and Sailors' Relief Act of 1940, which permits non-resident service members to use their home state plates.

Florida residents who are military members stationed out-of-state may be exempt from certain insurance requirements. However, they must follow specific procedures outlined in the Military Insurance Exemption Information and related forms to avoid a driver's license suspension.

Additionally, all active Florida National Guard members are eligible for one tax-free license plate registration or renewal each year. They must complete Form Application for Military Service Related License Plates (HSMV form 83030) and submit it to a local motor vehicle service center annually.

It is important to note that rules and fees for vehicle registration vary across different states. While some states offer exemptions or discounts for military members, others may have specific requirements. Therefore, it is recommended to refer to the relevant state's motor vehicle department or official sources for detailed and up-to-date information.

shunins

Changing insurance companies

Firstly, it is crucial to maintain continuous insurance coverage during the moving process. Renter's insurance can be useful in protecting your belongings, even when they are in transit or storage. Secondly, different states have different requirements for insurance coverage. For example, Florida requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) insurance for vehicles, while other states may have their own specific mandates. It is important to review the insurance requirements of your new state and update your coverage accordingly.

When changing insurance companies, be sure to review the terms of your current policy. You may be eligible for a refund if you have paid in full and cancel the policy before its end date. However, there may also be penalties for early termination, so it is essential to read the fine print. Additionally, ask about any military-specific discounts or clauses that may apply to your new policy.

While switching insurance companies, consider the unique circumstances of your new location. For instance, if you are moving to a coastal state like Florida, you may want to add flood insurance to your policy, even if you are not in a designated flood plain. This can provide valuable protection in the event of hurricanes or flooding.

Finally, be mindful of the timing of your insurance change. Update your insurance after you have relocated, but not too early in the process. This will ensure that you meet the requirements of your new state while maintaining coverage for your belongings throughout the move.

Frequently asked questions

It depends. If you are a non-resident military member stationed in Florida, you can either title and register your vehicle in Florida or display a current license plate from your home state. However, if you are a Florida resident with a vehicle maintained in Florida, you must have Florida insurance.

Non-resident military members stationed in Florida who wish to keep their out-of-state license plates must submit out-of-state insurance when registering their motor vehicles. They must fill out the Military Insurance Affidavit and comply with the listed requirements.

Yes, non-resident service members stationed in Florida who wish to purchase a Florida license plate are eligible to claim a fee exemption. They must complete and sign the Initial Registration Fee Exemption Affidavit (HSMV form 82002) and submit it to a local motor vehicle service center.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment