Who Can Use Dealer Plates?

Dealer plates are for people who own a car dealership. These plates are super important because they help the dealership run smoothly and do its job of selling cars. Only official dealers with a proper license can use them.

When Can You Use Dealer Plates?

You can put dealer plates on cars that are part of the dealership’s work. Here’s when they’re allowed:

• Cars that the dealership uses for its business.
• Cars that customers test-drive to see if they like them.
• Cars being moved to or from the dealership (like picking up or dropping off).
• Cars the dealership lends to a customer for free (no charge).
• Cars the dealership uses for everyday tasks, like taking them for repairs or moving them around the lot.
• Cars the dealership owns and has for sale in its inventory.

In short, dealer plates are for cars that help the dealership make money or serve customers.

When Can’t You Use Dealer Plates?

Not every car can have dealer plates. Here’s when they’re not allowed:

• Trucks that get paid to haul stuff or do service jobs (like towing or fixing things).
• Trucks delivering parts or supplies to stores.
• Wreckers (tow trucks).
• Cars the dealer uses for personal tasks, like driving to the grocery store.

Also, if you’re a wholesale dealer (someone who sells cars to other businesses, not the public), you can’t use dealer plates at all.

What If the Plates Get Lost or Damaged?

If dealer plates get stolen, wrecked, or go missing, the dealer can get new ones. First, they have to notify the police or a law enforcement agency about the incident. Then, they must fill out a special form (HSMV 83146) on the Florida vehicle department’s website. The good news is that they don’t have to pay the usual tax to replace them.

When Do You Register Them?

Dealer plates get registered at the same time as the dealer’s business license, so they’re on the same schedule.

What Happens If You Use Them Wrong?

Using dealer plates the wrong way can result in fines or penalties. For example:

• You can’t put them on your personal car just to avoid paying regular taxes or fees.
• You can’t use them on cars that aren’t for sale in the dealership.
• You can’t use them to test-drive a car you’re considering buying for the dealership.

The rule is simple: dealer plates are only for the specific jobs allowed by law. Misuse can violate vehicle and sales regulations in the state.

The Big Picture

Dealer plates are a tool for car dealerships to operate their business, but they come with strict rules. They’re not for personal use or to bypass standard procedures—they’re solely for business purposes such as selling and showing cars. For the official details, refer to Florida Statutes Chapter 320.13.