You'll need to meet the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles' (DHSMV) basic requirements, including completing a pre-licensing dealer training course and submitting the completion certificate with your license application. You'll also need to choose a business structure, such as a corporation or LLC, and obtain necessary licenses and insurance, including a $25,000 motor vehicle dealer bond and garage liability insurance. Additionally, you'll need to find a compliant location and prepare required documents, such as proof of business registration and sales tax number. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to obtaining your car dealer license in Florida, and you can explore further details to guarantee a smooth application process.

Summary

• Complete a DHSMV-approved pre-licensing dealer training course and submit the completion certificate with the license application.

• Choose a business structure (Corporation, LLC, Partnership, or DBA) and provide required documents, such as registration and tax numbers.

• Obtain garage liability insurance with minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury and property damage, and a $25,000 dealer bond.

• Ensure the dealership location meets requirements, including a permanent structure with at least 100 square feet of interior space and compliant zoning.

• Submit the license application, including form HSMV 86056, supporting documents, and a $300 application fee, to the DHSMV for review.

Meet the Basic Requirements

To get started with obtaining your car dealer license in Florida, meeting the basic requirements is step one - and it begins with completing a DHSMV approved pre-licensing dealer training course, which you'll need to submit the completion certificate for along with your application.

This course will provide you with the necessary knowledge to navigate the dealer licensing requirements.

Next, you'll need to gather various documents, including proof of business registration, a sales tax number, and a federal employer identification number (FEIN).

Additionally, you'll need to obtain liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury and property damage, as well as a $25,000 dealer bond.

These documents and insurance policies will need to be submitted with your completed dealer license application form HSMV 86056.

The application fee is $300 for motor vehicle dealers.

By completing these basic requirements, you'll be one step closer to obtaining your car dealer license in Florida.

Remember to also consider enrolling in a pre-licensing dealer training class to further guide you through the process.

Choose Your Business Structure

As you move forward with obtaining your car dealer license in Florida, choosing a suitable business structure becomes an important step. You have several options to take into account: Corporation, Limited Liability Company (LLC), Partnership, or doing business as (DBA).

Each structure requires specific documentation to be submitted with your dealership application. For example, corporations must provide their Corporate Charter, Articles of Incorporation, and meeting minutes, while LLCs need to submit Articles of Organization and an Operating Agreement.

Partnerships require a Partnership Agreement, and those operating under a DBA must file and submit a copy of their fictitious trade name registration with the Secretary of State. Sole proprietors may use their personal identification instead of a Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN).

Regardless of the chosen structure, you must submit proof of registration with the Florida Division of Corporations and a lease agreement or proof of property ownership with your application.

It's essential to choose a business structure that suits your needs and guarantees compliance with Florida's requirements.

Obtain Necessary Licenses Insurance

Securing the necessary insurance is a critical step in obtaining your car dealer license in Florida. You'll need to get garage liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury and property damage.

As a franchise dealer, you'll only need to submit a certificate of garage liability insurance. However, as an independent dealer, you'll need to provide both insurance and bond documentation. The dealer bond required is $25,000, and its cost varies based on your financial strength and credit history.

You can also use an irrevocable letter of credit as an alternative to a surety bond to secure your dealer license.

When providing proof of insurance, make certain it includes specific details such as policy number, coverage dates, and authorized dealer license plates listed on the policy. Confirm you have the necessary coverage to avoid any issues with your license application.

Find a Compliant Location

Upon establishing your dealership, finding a compliant location is an essential step in obtaining your car dealer license in Florida.

You'll need to secure a permanent structure that meets the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles' (DHSMV) requirements. This means your business location must have at least 100 square feet of interior space, a minimum ceiling height of seven feet, and adequate display space for vehicles.

You must guarantee your dealership complies with local zoning laws, which will be verified during a site inspection by a DHSMV compliance examiner.

Additionally, you'll need to install permanent signage that identifies your dealership and is visible from at least 50 yards away.

To prove your business location, you'll need to provide documentation, such as a lease agreement or property ownership records, with your dealer license application. This serves as proof of registration for your dealership.

Prepare Required Documents

To successfully obtain a car dealer license in Florida, you frequently need to prepare and submit a substantial amount of required documents.

You'll start by registering your business or fictitious trade name with the Florida Division of Corporations. As a corporation, you'll need to submit your Articles of Incorporation and current meeting minutes. If you're a Limited Liability Company, you'll provide your Articles of Organization and Operating Agreement. Partnerships require a Partnership Agreement, and if you're using a DBA, you'll need to submit a filing copy to the Secretary of State.

Additionally, you'll need to obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) from the IRS, or provide proof of identification if you're a sole proprietor.

You'll also compile proof of your business address, lease agreement, and any necessary documentation regarding felony or misdemeanor convictions.

Verify you have all necessary documentation before submitting your application. Required documents vary depending on your business structure, so verify the specific requirements for your situation.

Pass the DHSMV Inspection

Your dealership's physical location will undergo a thorough inspection by the DHSMV to confirm compliance with state requirements.

To pass the DHSMV inspection, your dealership location must be a permanent structure with at least 100 square feet of interior space and a ceiling height of at least seven feet. You'll need to ascertain that your business location is zoned appropriately for a dealership, as the inspection will verify compliance with local zoning laws.

The DHSMV compliance examiner will assess the availability of adequate display space for vehicles, confirming that all vehicles for sale have unoccupied space.

You'll also need to install permanent signage that's visible from at least 50 yards away to identify your dealership. Schedule an inspection appointment with the regional office compliance examiner to confirm your location meets all necessary requirements.

Submit the License Application

Having confirmed your dealership location complies with DHSMV requirements and passed the site inspection, you're now ready to take the next step in the licensing process.

To submit your license application, you'll need to complete form HSMV 86056, ensuring all necessary documentation is included. This documentation comprises a Pre-License Certificate of completion, dated within the last six months, and proof of Garage Liability Insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000.

You'll also need to include a signed original surety bond form 86020, or an irrevocable letter of credit if applicable, as part of the application package.

The application fee, which is $300 for motor vehicle dealers and $340 for mobile home or recreational vehicle dealers, must be included with the submission.

Make sure to review your application carefully, as any omissions or errors may cause delays in the processing of your license.

Once you've compiled all the required documents and information, you can submit your license application to the DHSMV for review.