Florida Chronological Dealer Pre-License Checklist

  1. Create Florida Business Entity
  2. Obtain Dealer Surety Bond
  3. Find Location
  4. Fingerprints
  5. Obtain Business Insurance
  6. Take Dealer Course
  7. Apply for License
  8. License is Granted in 30 to 45 Days

Pre-License Checklist

  1. Create Florida Business Entity - You must establish your business entity before you apply for your license. You must be registered with the Florida Secretary of State, obtain an employer ID number, a State of Florida Sales Tax Registration Number, and a local business license. This process can be handled for you for a minimal fee. Just click on the "Create Florida Business Entity" link then click the yellow "Start a Business Now" button, then select "Florida" from the drop down menu and select the options that are best for you. If you use our Create Florida Business Entity Link and have any questions, you will be connected to Tracy Newman our Florida Business Entity Registration Specialist. She can answer questions about your required Florida business entity registrations.
  2. Obtain Dealer Surety Bond - Use this link for my Automated Bond Quoting System. With good credit your bond should cost around $200 to $300. With bad credit you can make low monthly payments on your bond. If you click on the "Obtain Dealer Surety Bond" link you will be connected to my automated surety bond quoting system that will match your credit score with the bond company that specializes in issuing bonds to dealers with your credit score. I believe this will lead to the lowest bond quote on the first quote. Use the link to quote and bond in moments. (Please note: You need a $25,000 Motor Vehicle Dealer (Used) Obligee: Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for your dealer license)
  3. Find Location - There is a location for your new business, you just have to find it. The State of Florida requires dealers to an office with at least 100 square feet, a minimum 7 foot ceiling, room for the vehicles you are selling, and a sign on the building that displays your hours and your dealership name. A license at a home address is not allowed but you can find a small location to meet your needs. Many companies throughout the state have offices with designated parking spaces that will meet your location requirements.Your location must be zoned for a dealer license. Once you have found a location, you must contact the Division of Motorist Services Regional Office to schedule an appointment to inspect the location. A copy of property lease or proof of ownership must be submitted with your dealer license application.
    Use Google or an AI search tool using terms such as Florida Dealer Office, or Florida Dealer Lot For Rent or Sale. You can also check Craigslist, LoopNet, Crexi, CommercialSearch, and Rightmove. Or just drive around your area in places you do not normally go.
  4. Fingerprints - You must be fingerprinted to show that you have not been involved in motor vehicle crimes. The State wants to ensure they are not licensing anyone with past automotive crimes. You  must register for fingerprints at at least five days before you apply for your dealer license. Your ORI number is FL921700Z. If you have questions about the fingerprints contact FDLE at 850-410-8161.
  5. Obtain Business Insurance-The State of Florida requires dealers to be insured at all times. The minimum amount required for dealers is a garage liability insurance certificate which shall include, at a minimum, $25,000 combined single-limit liability coverage including bodily injury and property damage protection and $10,000 personal injury protection; OR a general liability insurance policy coupled with a business automobile policy, which shall include, at a minimum, $25,000 combined single-limit liability coverage including bodily injury and property damage protection and $10,000 personal injury protection. Your insurance agent will be able to explain the coverages more in depth.
  6. Take Dealer Course - You must take an approved course. You can find a list of approved dealer education provders here.
  7. Complete Dealer License Application - When you have completed all of your pre-license steps you must complete the Florida Dealer License Application and mail with all other documents to State of Florida, Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Division of Motorist Services, Dealer License Section, 2900 Apalachee Parkway, Room A312 – MS 65 Tallahassee, Florida 32399.
  8. Dealer License is Granted - The State should issue your Dealer License in 30 to 45 days. If you have any dealer licensing questions you send an email to dealerservices@flhsmv.gov . Once your dealer license is issued, you can then enter dealer auctions, buy vehicles at wholesale, and sell them at retail. Complete the steps above and take your income to a whole new level with your own Florida Dealer License.

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    Thank You Very Much!

    Good luck with your new business,
    Delus Johnson

    Delus Johnson