Florida HSMV Form 83351 Cash on Delivery Unpaid Fees Guide

Florida HSMV Form 83351 Cash on Delivery Unpaid Fees Guide – Florida HSMV Form 83351, officially titled the C.O.D. Tag/Registration Notice and Evidence of Amounts Owed, is a critical document used by licensed motor vehicle dealers in Florida. It allows dealers to collect unpaid vehicle registration fees when those fees are handled on a Cash on Delivery (C.O.D.) basis. Understanding this form helps both buyers and dealers avoid registration stops and comply with Florida law.

This guide explains what Form 83351 is, when it is required, how it works under Florida Statutes, the consequences of non-payment, and how to resolve related registration stops. All information is based on official Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) resources and current Florida Statutes.

What Is Florida HSMV Form 83351?

Form HSMV 83351 is the official “Cash On Delivery Unpaid Fees” document issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Dealers use it when they pay the vehicle registration (tag) fees on behalf of the buyer and collect those fees later—typically when the buyer receives the registration documents or license plate.

The form serves as signed evidence that the buyer acknowledges:

They have not yet paid the vehicle registration fees to the dealer.
The registration fees are separate from the vehicle purchase price or any financed amount.
Failure to pay will allow the dealer to request a Registration Stop through FLHSMV.

The current version of the form is HSMV 83351 (01-2019). You can download the official PDF directly from the FLHSMV website:

Download Florida HSMV Form 83351 (Official PDF)

The form is also listed on the official FLHSMV forms page under “Cash On Delivery Unpaid Fees.”

Legal Authority: Florida Statute 320.02

Florida law specifically authorizes dealers to place a registration stop for unpaid C.O.D. registration fees. Under Section 320.02 of the Florida Statutes, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles may withhold registration or re-registration of a motor vehicle if the owner’s or co-owner’s name appears on a list submitted by a licensed motor vehicle dealer for unpaid registration fees on that vehicle.

Key points from the statute include:

The dealer must maintain signed evidence (Form 83351) that the buyer acknowledged the dealer’s authority to submit the list if payment is not made.
The dealer must note the specific amount owed for the vehicle registration.
This process applies only when registration fees are handled on a C.O.D. basis. It does not apply if the fees were included in the financed purchase amount.
The stop does not affect the issuance of a title.

Dealers who fail to maintain the required documentation can face penalties under Section 320.27, Florida Statutes.

When Is Form 83351 Used?

Florida law requires licensed dealers to process title and registration paperwork for retail customers within 30 days of the vehicle sale or delivery. Many dealers advance the registration fees and collect them from the customer later. This practice is known as Cash on Delivery (C.O.D.).

Form 83351 is typically completed at the time of sale or delivery when the buyer has not prepaid the registration fees. It covers the actual vehicle registration fee amount, which varies depending on whether the transaction is a transfer, transfer and renewal, or a new registration. The form explicitly states that it does not apply to title fees, Electronic Temporary Registration (ETR) fees, or Tag/Tax Collector/License Plate Agency fees, which are also due as applicable.

What Happens If the Buyer Does Not Pay?

If the buyer fails to reimburse the dealer for the registration fees after signing Form 83351, the dealer may request an “Unpaid Fee” or “Administrative Stop” on the vehicle’s registration. This stop prevents the owner from renewing or replacing the license plate for that vehicle.

To place the stop, the dealer typically submits the following to FLHSMV (usually by email to [email protected] or fax to 850-617-3946):

Dealer Request for Registration Stop (Form HSMV 82195 or equivalent)
Copy of the Certificate of Registration
Proof of fees paid on the customer’s behalf (such as Form HSMV 82041 or equivalent receipt)
Signed C.O.D. Notice (Form HSMV 83351)
Copy of the Buyer’s Order or Purchase Agreement

Once the stop is placed, the owner cannot renew or replace the registration until the fees are paid to the dealer and the stop is released.

How to Remove a Registration Stop Caused by Unpaid Fees?

If you have an unpaid fees registration stop on your vehicle, follow these steps:

Contact the dealership where you purchased the vehicle and pay the outstanding registration fees.
Request an official letter on the dealership’s letterhead that includes the VIN, license plate number (if applicable), registered owner’s name(s), driver’s license number(s), amount paid, and an authorized signature.
Submit the original letter in person to a local tax collector’s office or FLHSMV service center so the stop can be removed.

If you believe the fees were already paid or the stop was placed in error, you may dispute it by submitting Form HSMV 82078 (Notification of Dispute of Registration Fees Paid to a Dealer for a Motor Vehicle) along with documentary proof of payment to FLHSMV in Tallahassee. If the documentation is accepted, the department will remove the stop.

If the dealership has gone out of business, contact the appropriate FLHSMV regional office for assistance.

Important Notes for Buyers and Dealers

For Buyers:

Always read and understand Form 83351 before signing. It creates a clear obligation to pay the registration fees separately from the vehicle price.
Keep copies of all payment receipts related to tag and title fees.
A registration stop can prevent you from legally renewing your plate, which may lead to additional penalties if the vehicle is operated without current registration.

For Dealers:

Form 83351 should be signed by the buyer(s) on every C.O.D. registration transaction.
Maintain complete documentation. Failure to do so can result in penalties under dealer licensing rules.
Registration stops are only available for true C.O.D. deals—not when fees are financed as part of the purchase.

Where to Download Official Forms and Get Help?

Always use the official forms from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles:

For questions about a specific registration stop, contact your local tax collector’s office or the FLHSMV Division of Motorist Services. You can also visit the official FLHSMV website at flhsmv.gov for the most current information and contact details.

Conclusion

Florida HSMV Form 83351 plays an important role in protecting both dealers and the integrity of the state’s vehicle registration system. By clearly documenting that registration fees are owed separately and authorizing a registration stop for non-payment, the form helps ensure dealers are reimbursed while giving buyers clear notice of their obligations.

Whether you are a Florida resident purchasing a vehicle or a licensed dealer handling C.O.D. registrations, understanding and properly using Form 83351 helps avoid unnecessary delays, stops, and compliance issues. Always download the official form from FLHSMV and consult current Florida Statutes or a qualified professional if you have specific legal questions about your situation.