The purchaser must provide proof of insurance in order to complete the registration process. The State of Florida’s minimum insurance requirements include Personal Injury Protection and $10,000 of property damage liability insurance. It is important to note that when financing or leasing a vehicle, the finance company may require higher coverage. This is allowed by the state as long as the finance company does not stipulate the particular insurance agent or company to be used. The dealer must apply for certificate of title and registration within the required 30 days and may not delay the process due to lack of insurance verification. The Division holds the dealer accountable for obtaining proof of insurance in a timely manner.

However, there is an exception to the insurance requirement. The dealer does not need proof of insurance when transferring a registration form a vehicle trade-in to a new vehicle being purchased and registered. This is not considered a new registration, and therefore, no proof of insurance is needed. The dealer would, however need proof of insurance if the registration being transferred is within 3 months of expiring and the customer is paying for a new 12-24 month registration.