Florida HSMV Form 71061 Military Insurance Affidavit

Florida HSMV Form 71061 Military Insurance Affidavit – Active-duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces who claim Florida as their home of record and are stationed outside the state often need special provisions for vehicle registration and insurance. Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Form 71061, officially titled the Military Insurance Affidavit (or Certificate for a Florida Resident who is or who is the Spouse of an Active-Duty U.S. Armed Forces Member Currently Stationed in a State or Territory Other Than Florida), allows eligible service members and their spouses to meet Florida vehicle registration requirements while using out-of-state insurance.

This guide explains what Form 71061 is, who qualifies, how to complete it, supporting documents needed, and where to submit it. All information is based on official FLHSMV resources and county tax collector guidance current as of 2026.

What Is Florida HSMV Form 71061?

Form HSMV 71061 is an official affidavit issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. It certifies that an active-duty U.S. Armed Forces member (or their spouse) is a Florida resident claiming Florida as their home of record, is currently stationed outside Florida under military orders, maintains the vehicle primarily in the duty station state or territory, and complies with that jurisdiction’s insurance or financial responsibility requirements.

The form enables an exemption from Florida’s standard Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability insurance proof requirements for vehicle registration or renewal when the vehicle is kept out of state. The current version is HSMV 71061-Rev. 10/21.

You can download the official form here: Florida HSMV Form 71061 PDF.

Who Qualifies for the Military Insurance Exemption?

The exemption applies to vehicles registered in the name of:

  • The U.S. Armed Forces member
  • The spouse of the U.S. Armed Forces member who resides with the member
  • The U.S. Armed Forces member or spouse and their dependent child/children

Key eligibility criteria include:

  • The service member (or spouse) is an active-duty U.S. Armed Forces member
  • The service member is a Florida resident who claims Florida as their home of record
  • The service member is currently residing outside Florida pursuant to military orders
  • The vehicle is primarily maintained in the state or territory where the member is stationed or posted
  • The member or spouse complies with the insurance or financial security requirements of the duty station state or territory
  • An out-of-state mailing address is provided (this address appears on the Florida registration certificate)

Important note: Vehicles maintained and primarily driven in Florida must carry Florida insurance. Retired military members living in Florida are treated as Florida residents and must meet standard Florida insurance and licensing requirements.

Required Documents and Supporting Proof

When submitting Form 71061 for original registration or renewal, prepare the following:

  • Completed and signed HSMV 71061 Military Insurance Affidavit
  • Out-of-state mailing address for the military member
  • Copy of military orders (required for original registrations; also acceptable for renewals)
  • Alternatively for renewals: military ID (must not contain the word “retired”)
  • Proof of acceptable out-of-state insurance covering the vehicle (policy, card, or letter on insurer letterhead showing policy details, effective dates, and vehicles covered). Non-English documents require an English translation
  • Other standard registration documents as required by the county tax collector (title application, proof of ownership, fees, etc.)

County tax collectors may request additional verification. Always check with the specific office handling your registration.

How to Complete Florida Form 71061?

The form is straightforward. Follow these steps:

  1. Enter the full name of the active-duty U.S. Armed Forces member or spouse completing the affidavit.
  2. Provide vehicle details: year, make, and vehicle/vessel identification number (VIN).
  3. Certify the required statements:
    • You (or your spouse) are an active-duty member who is a Florida resident claiming Florida as home of record.
    • You (or your spouse) currently reside outside Florida pursuant to military orders, listing the effective date and the state or territory of assignment.
    • The vehicle is primarily maintained in that state or territory.
    • You (or your spouse) comply with the insurance or financial security requirements of that state or territory.
  4. Sign and date the form under penalties of perjury. The declaration states that the facts are true.

Print clearly in black ink or complete digitally if your tax collector accepts electronic submissions. Keep a copy for your records.

Where and How to Submit the Form

Submit the completed Form 71061 and supporting documents to the Florida county tax collector’s office in the county of your Florida residency (or the office handling military mail-in registrations). Many counties accept mail-in packets for service members stationed out of state.

Useful official resources:

Service members using the out-of-state insurance exemption typically cannot renew online and must process the transaction through a tax collector office or by mail.

Key Tips for Successful Submission

  • Ensure the vehicle is not primarily driven or maintained in Florida if claiming the exemption.
  • Provide clear, current military orders or acceptable ID.
  • Verify that your out-of-state insurance meets the requirements of the duty station jurisdiction.
  • Include all required fees and supporting forms for title or registration.
  • If renewing by mail, confirm the specific packet requirements with your county tax collector.
  • Retain copies of everything submitted.

Failure to provide proper documentation can result in registration delays or denial of the exemption.

Download the Official Form

Always use the official version from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to ensure accuracy and acceptance.

Download Florida HSMV Form 71061 (Military Insurance Affidavit):
https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/forms/71061.pdf

Additional Resources for Military Members in Florida

This form supports Florida’s commitment to serving military families by reducing administrative burdens for those stationed away from home while maintaining proper vehicle registration compliance. For the most current requirements, always refer to official FLHSMV publications or contact your local tax collector, as procedures can be updated.

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