The Hillsborough County Tax Collector is proud to serve those who serve our country. We offer a variety of benefits, programs, and services specifically for military service members, veterans, and their families.
On this webpage you will find resources specifically for military service members, veterans, and their families the following categories:
Driver License and ID Card
Special programs and exemptions are available for military members and veterans, including veteran designations, fee waivers, and extended renewal options.
Need more information? View detailed military benefit information.
Any veteran honorably discharged from the armed forces that have been determined by the Veterans Administration to have a 100% service connected, permanent and total disability is exempt from all driver license and identification card fees. A card or letter from the Veterans Administration stating such will be required.
If you have a Florida driver license and are deployed or stationed outside of Florida you can easily renew your license online or by mail.
- Renew online: Use our 24/7 online portal to renew your license. Florida drivers may renew a license up to 18 months prior to the expiration date.
- Renew by mail: Contact the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) to request a renewal packet be sent to you.
- Need to extend your expiration date? If you’re not eligible to renew online and hold a Class E driver license, you may qualify for a free military extension card. This card extends your current license expiration date until 90 days after you: permanently return to Florida OR are discharged from the military. Important: Commercial Driver Licenses (CDL) cannot be extended and must be renewed. View the Military Extension Application, Form HSMV 73032 (PDF) to know how to obtain a military extension card.
Why should I get a veteran designation?
Honorably discharged veterans can add a “Veteran” designation to their Florida driver license or identification card. This designation makes it easier to access discounts and benefits offered by retailers and businesses.
How do I get the veteran designation?
Visit any of our office locations and present proof of honorable discharge.
What documents are accepted as proof?
Present one of the following (photocopies are accepted):
- DD Form 214
- Verification of Service letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- DD Form 2 Military Retired ID Card
- 100% Disabled Veteran Card or Letter
Note: Veteran status documents issued before 1950 may be accepted with or without verbiage indicating honorable discharge.
Need a copy of your DD-214?
Register your emergency contacts with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) so law enforcement can reach your loved ones during an emergency.
How it works:
- Your emergency contact information is stored in a secure database.
- Only law enforcement officers can access the information.
- Update your contacts anytime information changes.
Who should register?
- Service members: Register your emergency contacts before deployment.
- Family members: Update your contacts if your service member is deployed and listed as your emergency contact.
- Anyone with a Florida driver license or ID card can register (Florida ID cards available for children as young as 5 years old).
Keep your information current
Update your contacts if they:
- Change phone numbers
- Move to a new address
- Are no longer your preferred emergency contact
Motor Vehicle (Title, License Plate and Registration)
Learn about registration options, license plate programs, and tax exemptions for service members and their families purchasing or registering vehicles in Florida.
Need more information? View detailed military benefit information.
Who qualifies?
U.S. Armed Forces members, spouses, and dependent children who are not Florida residents but are stationed in Florida under military orders can:
- Keep their current out-of-state license plates (if current), OR
- Choose to purchase Florida license plates
What do I need to purchase Florida plates?
Submit the following items for initial issuance. Updated documentation is required each year for renewal.
- Military orders – Copy of orders assigning you to a Florida military duty station.
- Driver license – Out-of-state driver license OR “Valid in Florida Only” driver license.
- Vehicle title
- Copy of out-of-state vehicle title.
- If you have out-of-country proof of ownership, you must first obtain a title in your home state (unless applying for a Florida certificate of title).
- Lien information (if applicable) – Letter on letterhead from lien holder stating there is an outstanding lien on the vehicle
- Florida insurance – Current proof of Florida property damage and PIP insurance including: company name, insurance identification code and policy number.
- Vehicle verification – Vehicle identification number (VIN) and odometer reading (if applicable) must be verified using the Vehicle Identification Number and Odometer Verification Document, Form HSMV 82042 (PDF) by one of the following: a law enforcement officer, Florida notary, DMV inspector, a Tax Collector employee, a Florida licensed car dealer, or Military Police Officer.
- You can also get a copy of this form at any Tax Collector office or at most new car dealerships (contact service department for availability and fees).
- Fee exemption affidavit – Complete Initial Registration Fee Exemption Affidavit, Form HSMV 82002 (PDF). You can also get a copy of this form at any Tax Collector office.
- Sales tax documentation (if applicable) – If registering within 6 months of titling your vehicle, sales tax equivalent to Florida’s tax and local sales taxes may be required. If you purchased the vehicle within the last 6 months, submit a bill of sale or invoice showing: vehicle purchase price, sales tax paid and trade-in allowance (if applicable).
Do you plan to become a Florida resident?
If you become a Florida resident, see our out-of-state title transfer information.
Interested in purchasing a specialty plate?
Specialty license plates are available upon request.
To title a motor vehicle that was purchased while stationed out of the country you must bring the following to the Tax Collector’s office:
- Military title & registration or out of country title and registration that reflects the complete motor vehicle information (year, make VIN, expiration date) and ownership information. If the vehicle was purchased while out of the country, Florida sales tax will be due on the declared value of the vehicle at the time of applying for title. You may review the frequently asked question regarding sales tax below to determine if you qualify for an exemption. No credit is allowed for any sales or use tax paid to a foreign country.
- If the vehicle has never been titled or registered and there is a loan on the vehicle, the lien holder may have the original Manufacturers Certificate of Origin. In order for our office to title the vehicle we must have the original Manufacturers Certificate of Origin. Florida sales tax will be paid on the purchase price less any trade at 6% plus a 1.5% discretionary tax up to $75.00. A bill of sale must be furnished showing the price paid to the dealership.
- Each person, whose name appears on the ownership documents, or their appointed power of attorney, must be present to sign a new application for title. Bring a valid driver license from this state or any other state in the US or Canada. If power of attorney has been appointed and the owner has an out of state driver license, a copy is needed at the time of transfer. If you are the appointed power of attorney, the original or certified copy of the original signed appointment must be presented at the time of application.
- If purchasing a license plate for a motor vehicle, proof of Florida property damage and PIP insurance must be submitted. Company name, insurance identification code, and policy number are required.
- A copy of your military orders may be necessary when purchasing a license plate.
Out-of-Country Imported Vehicles need to meet the following requirements:
- Out-of-Country title establishing proof of ownership. Per Florida Administrative Code 15C-1.013, when proof of ownership document is in any language other than English a certified translation must be submitted. The translation must be signed by the translator and notarized.
- Motor Vehicle Identification Number Verification completed by one of the officials listed on form HSMV 82040 MV or HSMV 82042.
- Form 7501, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Entry Summary which must include the VIN of the motor vehicle being titled.
- Form HS-7 Declaration Importation of Motor Vehicles and Motor Vehicle Equipment Subject to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety, Bumper and Theft Prevention Standards which must include the VIN of the motor vehicle being titled.
- If the Form HS-7 is submitted with 2B selected, a copy of the manufacturer’s confirmation letter is required.
- If the Form HS-7 is submitted with 3 selected, a copy of the bond letter and a copy of the contract with the registered importer, if applicable, are required.
- A bill of sale may be used to determine the sales tax to be collected. If no bill of sale is available the sales tax must be collected on the value of the motor vehicle listed on form CBP Form 7501, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Entry Summary. A motor vehicle valuation service can be used to determine the fair market value of the motor vehicle. Refer to TL-08 for more information regarding the collection or exemption of sales tax.
No. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act allows non-resident service members to keep and display their current home state license plates while stationed in Florida. However, you have the option to purchase Florida license plates if you prefer.
If you are a Florida resident with a Florida registration and license plate, you need to gather all the required documents each time you renew your registration.
See document requirements
You have to present the following information each time you renew:
- Out-of-state military address (which will be shown on the Florida Vehicle Registration Certificate).
- Proof of your military status. You can present one of the following options:
- A copy of the military orders.
- A military ID (If an ID is presented as proof of military assignment, it must not contain the word ”retired”).
- An Affidavit Document, Form HSMV 71061 (PDF) from the military member confirming their member’s military assignment to another state and the date of assignment.
- Affidavit stating vehicle is kept out of state and not driven in Florida (except as transient visitor)
- Proof of insurance (with English translation if needed)
Once you have gathered all your required documents you can renew through the following options:
Renew online – Access the MyDMV portal, a 24/7 online portal. No waiting in line and avoid mailing delays!
Renew by mail – Detach and return the renewal slip(s) with check or money order made payable in US funds to Nancy C. Millan, Tax Collector.
Visit one of our offices – Walk-ins are welcome! You can have a trusted friend or family member renew for you at one of our office locations.
Florida offers a variety of military-related specialty plates. Some are available to everyone, while others require you to meet specific eligibility criteria.
View all military specialty license plates and eligibility requirements.
Maybe. Sales tax is normally collected on the fair market value of the vehicle. However, you may qualify for a tax exemption.
Who qualifies for the tax exemption?
Active U.S. Armed Forces members or their spouses who import a vehicle from a foreign country may be exempt from sales tax if all of the following conditions are met:
- Six-month foreign ownership – You purchased and used the vehicle in a foreign country for 6 months or longer before importing it to Florida.
- Personal use – The vehicle is being titled or registered in Florida for personal use by the active member and/or their spouse.
- Proof of military status – You provide proof of active military status.
- If including spouse on title: Verification of the spouse’s relationship to the active member is required.
Property and Business Taxes
Property tax exemptions and business tax benefits are available for qualifying military service members, veterans, and their families.
Note: Property tax exemptions are processed by the Property Appraisal’s Office. Contact the Property Appraisal’s Office for any questions about property tax exemptions.
Property tax exemptions are processed by the Property Appraisal’s Office. Visit their website to view all military and veteran property tax exemptions and application instructions.
To apply for business tax exemption complete the Application for Business Tax Exemption (PDF).
How do I submit my documents?
We offer multiple convenient ways to submit your documents.
Email (preferred method)
Use our contact form and select “Business Tax” in the “Service of Interest” section.
Drop Box (available 24/7 – skip the line)
Use a drop box at one of our office locations.
Send your documents to our mailing address.
In Person (appointment not required)
Walk-ins are welcome! You can visit any of our office locations.
Concealed Weapon License
Florida concealed weapon or firearm license applications submitted by active military members and veterans are now expedited.
United States Active military personnel who want to apply for a concealed weapon license should include a copy of their Common Access Card or other form of official military identification with their applications. We will also accept a copy of service members’ current orders as proof of active duty status.
United States Honorably discharged veterans should submit a copy of their DD 214 long form with their applications.