Florida HSMV Form 81401 Mobile Home Installer License

Florida HSMV Form 81401 Mobile Home Installer License – If you plan to install new or used manufactured or mobile homes in Florida, you must hold a valid Mobile Home Installer License (IH) issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). The primary document for this process is HSMV Form 81401, the official Manufactured/Mobile Home Installer License Application. This guide explains everything U.S. applicants need to know about the form, eligibility, required documents, fees, training, and submission process based on current Florida statutes and FLHSMV requirements.

What Is Florida HSMV Form 81401?

HSMV Form 81401 is the official application used by individuals seeking a license to install manufactured or mobile homes in the state of Florida. It is administered by the Division of Motorist Services under the authority of Section 320.8249, Florida Statutes. The form collects personal identification, business contact details, and certifications, and it must be accompanied by supporting documents proving the applicant meets all statutory requirements.

You can download the current version of the form directly from the official FLHSMV website:

Download Florida HSMV Form 81401 (PDF)

Who Needs a Mobile Home Installer License in Florida?

Under Florida law, any person who installs a mobile or manufactured home must obtain a Mobile Home Installer License from the Bureau of Mobile Home and Recreational Vehicle Construction. This requirement applies regardless of whether the individual holds any other local or state license. Direct employees working under the supervision of a licensed installer do not need their own license, but the licensed installer remains fully responsible for the quality of the work.

Dealers and manufacturers are not required to hold an installer license unless they personally perform or pull permits for installations.

Eligibility Requirements for Form 81401

To qualify for a Manufactured/Mobile Home Installer License, applicants must meet the following criteria established by Section 320.8249, Florida Statutes, and Rule 15C-2.0073, Florida Administrative Code:

Be at least 18 years of age
Complete a department-approved mobile home installation training course (minimum 8 hours; FLHSMV currently offers a free 12-hour course)
Pass the FLHSMV installer examination with a score of 70 or higher (exam fee: $100)
Obtain and maintain a $5,000 performance bond covering proper installation and weather-sealing duties for one year
Carry general liability insurance of at least $100,000 covering property damage during installation
Submit a completed HSMV Form 81401 with all required attachments and fees

Applicants must also certify that they have not been convicted of, found guilty of, or entered a plea of nolo contendere to any crime that directly relates to the practice of mobile home installation.

Required Documents to Attach to Form 81401

For an original (first-time) application, the following items must accompany the completed Form 81401:

Original performance bond in the amount of $5,000 for the licensing period
Original Certificate of Insurance showing at least $100,000 general liability coverage
Copy of the Mobile Home Installation Training Course Certificate
Original Mobile Home Installer Examination Results
Completed Mobile Home Installation Decal Order Form (HSMV 81404)
Check or money order payable to DHSMV covering license fees and any requested decals

Renewal applications and address changes have fewer documentation requirements, as noted on the form itself.

Fees Associated with HSMV Form 81401

Current fees listed on Form 81401 and FLHSMV guidance are as follows:

Original Application: $200.00 (includes application and license fees). If the license is denied, the $150 license fee portion is refunded.
Renewal Application: $150.00 if received by October 1. An additional $50 late fee applies after October 1.
Change of Address: No fee
Examination Fee: $100 (paid separately when taking the exam)

Payment must be made by check or money order payable to DHSMV.

License Period and Renewal

The Mobile Home Installer License runs annually from October 1 through September 30. Licenses are not transferable. To renew, submit a renewal application (using Form 81401 or the appropriate renewal process) with the $150 fee before October 1 to avoid the late fee. Both the performance bond and liability insurance must remain in full force throughout the license period. Lapses can result in automatic revocation, with only a short window (typically 10 days) to reinstate by submitting new certificates.

Training Course and Examination

FLHSMV offers a free 12-hour mobile home installation training course. Space is limited, and registration is required by calling 850-617-3004 or emailing [email protected].

Upcoming 2026 class dates include sessions in Tampa and Tallahassee. After completing the course, applicants must pass the state examination with a minimum score of 70. Keep the original exam results and course certificate, as both are required with the Form 81401 package.

How to Complete and Submit Form 81401?

1. Download and print the current Form 81401 from the official link above.
2. Accurately complete all sections, including personal information, driver’s license number, date of birth, email address, and mailing/physical addresses.
3. Sign the certification statements regarding criminal history and understanding of Florida Statute 320.8249 and local zoning/permitting requirements.
4. Attach all required original documents and the fee payment.
5. Mail the complete package to:

Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Division of Motorist Services
2900 Apalachee Parkway
Neil Kirkman Building, MS 66
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0640

For questions or to request an application package, contact the Mobile Home Installer Licensing Program at 850-617-3004 or [email protected].

Additional Requirements After Licensing

Once licensed, installers must:

Obtain local building permits before installing any new or used manufactured/mobile home
Order and affix Mobile Home Installation Decals (adjacent to the HUD label) for every installation
Comply with federal installation standards under 24 CFR Part 3285 and Florida Rule Chapter 15C-1
Certify that each installation meets manufacturer instructions or an approved alternative design

Working without a valid license is a first-degree misdemeanor in Florida and can result in fines, jail time, and civil liability.

Official Resources and Further Information

Always verify the most current requirements directly with FLHSMV, as forms, fees, and schedules can be updated:

By carefully completing HSMV Form 81401 and meeting all statutory requirements, qualified individuals can obtain the necessary license to legally and safely install manufactured and mobile homes throughout Florida.