Florida HSMV Form 82002 – Registration Fee Exemption Guide – If you are registering a motor vehicle in Florida for the first time and face the $225 Initial Registration Fee, Form HSMV 82002 may help you claim an exemption. Officially titled the Initial Registration Fee Exemption Affidavit, this Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) form allows qualifying vehicle owners to waive the fee under specific circumstances outlined in Florida law.
This guide covers everything U.S. residents need to know about Form 82002, including eligibility, required documentation, how to complete it, and where to submit it. Always verify the latest requirements with your local tax collector’s office, as procedures can update.
Official Download Link: Download Florida HSMV Form 82002 (PDF)
What Is the Florida Initial Registration Fee?
Under Florida Statute 320.072, a $225 Initial Registration Fee (IRF) applies to the first registration of certain motor vehicles in Florida. This fee typically covers private passenger automobiles, light trucks, and specific motor homes classified under sections 320.08(2), (3), and (9)(c) and (d) of Florida Statutes.
The fee does not apply to registration renewals or certain transfers. However, when it does apply and you qualify for an exemption, you must complete and submit Form HSMV 82002 to claim the waiver.
According to FLHSMV Procedure RS-30, the form must be completed and signed by the customer, with verification and signature by the tax collector or license plate agency employee. Supporting documents are retained for at least one year.
What Is Florida HSMV Form 82002?
Form HSMV 82002 is the official affidavit used to claim exemption from the $225 Initial Registration Fee. The current revision is dated 08/24/22. You submit the completed form to your local Florida tax collector’s office or authorized license plate agency—not directly to FLHSMV headquarters in most cases.
Find your nearest location using the official directory: FLHSMV Office Locations.
The form requires vehicle details (VIN, year, make, body style, previous state, and title number) and a selection of the specific exemption reason. You sign under penalties of perjury, affirming the information is true.
Who Qualifies for the Initial Registration Fee Exemption?
Exemptions fall into several categories. Military-related exemptions are among the most common. Below are the primary reasons listed on Form 82002 and supported by statute and FLHSMV procedures.
Military Exemptions (Section A of Form 82002)
Qualifying members of the U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force), their spouses, or dependent children may claim exemption in these situations:
- Exemption 1: Non-Florida resident member (or spouse/dependent) stationed in Florida on military orders. Submit military orders and out-of-state driver license.
- Exemption 2: Previously non-resident member (or spouse/dependent) stationed in Florida who is now becoming a Florida resident.
- Exemption 3: Former member (or spouse/dependent) who purchased the vehicle while stationed outside Florida, was a Florida resident at enlistment and discharge, was not dishonorably discharged or discharged for bad conduct, and applies within 6 months of discharge. Submit DD-214 and Florida driver license.
- Exemption 4: Florida resident at enlistment who purchased the vehicle while stationed outside Florida and is now reassigned to Florida by military orders. Submit military orders and Florida driver license.
- Exemption 5: Florida resident at enlistment who purchased the vehicle while stationed outside Florida and remains stationed outside Florida. Submit military orders and Florida driver license.
- Exemption 6: Spouse or dependent child of a Florida-resident servicemember who lost their life on active duty or is listed as Missing in Action (MIA). Registration must occur within one year of notification. Submit proof of death notification or MIA status.
Note: The form should not be used if the servicemember is not assigned to Florida by orders (in certain cases), was dishonorably discharged, or belongs to a uniformed service outside the U.S. Armed Forces.
Other Common Exemptions on Form 82002
- Court Order: A court order declares or specifies the customer as the legal owner. Submit a copy of the court order. Select “court order.”
- Administrative (Name Change): License plate transfer due to a fictitious name or corporate name change affidavit filed with the Florida Department of State under section 865.09, Florida Statutes. Submit the name change documentation. Select “administrative.”
- Operation of Law: Transfer of ownership on a Florida title by operation of law under section 319.28, Florida Statutes (examples include inheritance, divorce decree, repossession, or judicial sale). Submit validating documentation. Select “operation of law.”
- Immediate Family: Transfer of title from a person to a member of their immediate family (as defined in section 657.002, Florida Statutes) who resides in the same household. Addresses must match in the system. Select “immediate family.”
- Prior Registration: A prior registration or system printout is submitted for a previously owned vehicle to claim the exemption for a newly acquired vehicle. Enter the prior license plate number. Select “prior registration.”
Certain vehicle class codes are automatically exempt (for example, many motorcycles, mopeds, antique vehicles, and government-owned vehicles), and the form may not be required in those cases. Confirm with your local office.
How to Complete Florida HSMV Form 82002?
- Download the official form: HSMV 82002 PDF.
- Fill in the vehicle identification number (VIN), year, make, body style, previous state of title (if applicable), and title number.
- Select the appropriate exemption reason by checking the corresponding box and, for military claims, entering the exemption number (1–6).
- Sign and print your name and date the form under the perjury declaration.
- Gather all required supporting documents (military orders, DD-214, court order, prior registration, etc.).
- Submit the completed form and documents in person at your local tax collector’s office or license plate agency when applying for the registration/title.
The agency employee will verify the exemption, complete the bottom section of the form, and select the correct exemption reason in the Florida motor vehicle issuance system (FRVIS).
Where to Submit Form 82002 and Additional Tips?
Always submit Form 82002 to a local Florida tax collector office or authorized tag agency. Use the official locator: www.flhsmv.gov/locations/.
Bring original documents or clear copies as required. Fees, processing times, and exact document lists can vary slightly by county, so call ahead if possible. Keep copies of everything you submit for your records.
If you paid the $225 fee and later qualify for a refund under limited circumstances (for example, disposing of the vehicle within three months in a non-exempt transaction), contact your local office for the refund process outlined in the statute.
Important Notes and Sources
This article is based on official sources current as of the latest available revisions:
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Form HSMV 82002 (Rev. 08/24/22)
- FLHSMV Motor Vehicle Procedure Manual – RS-30 Initial Registration Fee
- Florida Statutes Section 320.072 (2025)
Laws and procedures can change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit www.flhsmv.gov or contact your local tax collector’s office directly.