Florida HSMV Form 83027 HOV Decal Guide 2026 – The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) previously issued Form HSMV 83027, the official Application for High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Decal. This form allowed owners of qualifying hybrid and inherently low-emission vehicles (ILEVs) to obtain a special decal granting single-occupant access to designated HOV lanes on Florida highways.
Important Update for 2025–2026: Effective July 1, 2025, the Florida Legislature repealed Section 316.0741 of the Florida Statutes through Senate Bill 1662. As a result, FLHSMV permanently discontinued issuing, renewing, or replacing HOV decals. Tax collector offices and license plate agencies no longer process Form 83027 applications.
This article provides a complete overview of the former program, the form itself, eligibility rules that once applied, fees, and the current status of HOV lanes and express lanes in Florida. All information is based on official FLHSMV notices and Florida Statutes.
What Was Florida HSMV Form 83027?
Form HSMV 83027 (also called HSMV 83027 S, revised February 2022) was the official application used by vehicle owners to request a Florida HOV Decal. The form was submitted to the local county tax collector office or license plate agency along with the required fee.
The completed application authorized FLHSMV or its agents to issue a decal that permitted the vehicle to travel in HOV lanes regardless of the number of occupants, provided the vehicle met federal ILEV standards or qualified as a hybrid vehicle under state criteria.
You can still view a historical copy of the form here: Download Florida HSMV Form 83027 PDF. Note that the official FLHSMV website may return a 404 error for this link because the form is no longer actively supported.
Current Status of the HOV Decal Program (2025–2026)
On June 27, 2025, FLHSMV issued Information Notice INFO 25-012 confirming that Senate Bill 1662 repealed the statutory authority for HOV lanes and the associated decal program. Key points include:
- Effective July 1, 2025, no original, renewal, or replacement HOV decals are issued.
- Issuing offices were instructed to destroy remaining decal inventory.
- Existing decals issued before July 1, 2025, remain valid for up to one year from their original issue date for limited toll exemptions on certain Express Lanes.
- Most former HOV lanes have been converted to managed Express Lanes that charge dynamic tolls via SunPass.
Official source: FLHSMV Information Notice INFO 25-012 (PDF).
Drivers who previously held an HOV decal should not attempt to renew it. Applications submitted after the cutoff date are rejected.
Former Eligibility Requirements for the HOV Decal
Before the program ended, a vehicle had to meet one of the following criteria:
- Certified and labeled as an Inherently Low Emission Vehicle (ILEV) under federal regulations, or
- Classified as a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) that met applicable California Low Emission Vehicle standards and federal fuel-economy minimums.
The vehicle also had to be currently registered in Florida. Motorcycles were generally allowed unrestricted access to HOV lanes without a special decal.
Section C of Form 83027 required the applicant to certify that the vehicle met these federal and state standards.
How to Complete Florida HSMV Form 83027 (Historical Instructions)?
Although the form is no longer accepted, understanding its structure remains useful for historical reference or for drivers who still hold a valid pre-July 2025 decal. The form contained four main sections:
Section A – Vehicle Information
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Current license plate number
- Year, make, and model of the vehicle
Section B – Registered Owner(s) of Record
- Full legal name of the registered owner (and co-owner if applicable)
- Email address
- Florida driver license, ID card, or FEID number
- Residence or business address and mailing address (if different)
- Lessee and co-lessee information when the vehicle was leased
Section C – Requirements
Applicants certified that the vehicle qualified as an ILEV or hybrid and acknowledged the applicable fees and expiration rules.
Section D – Signature(s)
All registered owners, co-owners, lessees, and co-lessees were required to sign and date the application.
The completed form, along with payment, was submitted in person or by mail to the local tax collector or license plate agency. Find local offices at FLHSMV Locations.
Fees for the Florida HOV Decal (Former Schedule)
While the program was active, the fees listed on Form 83027 were:
- $5.00 for an annual HOV decal
- $10.00 for a biennial (two-year) HOV decal
- $0.85 or $0.90 mail fee if the decal was mailed (amount varied slightly by revision)
The decal expired on the registered owner’s date of birth and required annual or biennial renewal. Proceeds were deposited into the Highway Safety Operating Trust Fund.
Where the HOV Decal Was Displayed?
Once issued, the HOV decal was required to be placed on the lower right-hand side of the vehicle’s rear window so it was clearly visible to law enforcement.
What Replaced HOV Lanes in Florida?
Most former HOV lanes on major corridors such as I-95 (95 Express), I-4, I-595, and I-75 have been converted into Express Lanes. These lanes use dynamic toll pricing collected through SunPass. All vehicles, including hybrids and electric vehicles, must now pay the applicable toll or meet any remaining occupancy requirements for free access (typically 3+ occupants on certain corridors when registered with local commuter programs).
For current Express Lane information, visit the Florida Department of Transportation website or check SunPass resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still apply for a Florida HOV decal in 2026?
No. FLHSMV stopped accepting applications on July 1, 2025. Any Form 83027 submitted after that date is rejected.
What happens to an HOV decal I received before July 2025?
Existing decals remain valid for up to one year from the original issue date for limited toll exemptions on Express Lanes. After expiration, the exemption ends.
Where can I download Form HSMV 83027?
A historical version is available at https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/forms/83027.pdf. The official FLHSMV forms page no longer lists it as an active form.
Do I need an HOV decal to drive in Express Lanes?
No. Express Lanes are open to all vehicles that pay the dynamic toll via SunPass. Previous HOV exemptions for low-emission vehicles have ended for new applicants.
Where do I find my local tax collector office?
Visit the official FLHSMV locations directory: https://www.flhsmv.gov/locations/.
Summary
Florida HSMV Form 83027 was the official application for the HOV Decal that once allowed qualifying hybrid and ILEV vehicles to use HOV lanes with a single occupant. The program ended on July 1, 2025, following the repeal of Section 316.0741, Florida Statutes, by Senate Bill 1662. FLHSMV no longer issues or renews these decals.
Drivers who still hold a valid pre-July 2025 decal may continue using it until its natural expiration date. For all other travelers, Express Lanes now operate under dynamic tolling rules. Always verify the most current information directly with your county tax collector or the official FLHSMV website.