Florida HSMV Form 86009 Temporary Exemption Guide – Florida HSMV Form 86009 is the official Application for Temporary Exemption from the Motor Vehicle Inspection Program (MVIP). Issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), this form allowed vehicle owners in certain counties to request a temporary waiver from emissions inspection requirements when renewing vehicle registration.
Although Florida’s emissions inspection program ended in 2000, the form remains available on the official FLHSMV website and is still referenced in historical and procedural contexts. This guide provides clear, up-to-date information for U.S. residents seeking details on Form 86009, including its purpose, eligibility, completion instructions, and submission process.
Download the official form here: Florida HSMV Form 86009 PDF
What Is Florida HSMV Form 86009?
Form HSMV 86009 is titled “Application for Temporary Exemption from the Motor Vehicle Inspection Program (MVIP)” pursuant to Section 325.203, Florida Statutes (as it existed at the time). The form was used by vehicle owners registered in the designated program counties to request a temporary exemption from the required emissions inspection.
The exemption released the vehicle from emissions testing requirements until a specified expiration date. Importantly, approval of the temporary exemption did not relieve the owner of the obligation to renew the vehicle registration.
There is no fee to process Form 86009. The Bureau of Emissions Control (BEC) was the only agency authorized to approve or deny these applications.
Who Needed Form 86009?
Temporary exemptions applied only to vehicles registered in the six counties that participated in Florida’s Motor Vehicle Inspection Program:
- Broward County
- Miami-Dade County (formerly Dade)
- Duval County
- Hillsborough County
- Palm Beach County
- Pinellas County
If a vehicle was not registered to an address in one of these counties, an emissions inspection (and therefore a temporary exemption) was generally not required.
Acceptable reasons for requesting a temporary exemption included:
- The vehicle was not in working order but would be repaired during the registration period
- The vehicle was absent from the program area during the three months (or 180 days in later versions) prior to registration renewal
- The vehicle owner was temporarily absent from the program area during the relevant period
- The vehicle owner was medically incapacitated and the vehicle was not being driven
The exemption period could not exceed one year or the next registration renewal date.
Current Status of Emissions Inspections in Florida
Florida repealed its vehicle emissions inspection program in 2000. As of 2026, no Florida county requires emissions testing for passenger vehicles as a condition of registration or renewal. The state meets federal air quality standards, and no mandatory inspection program has been reinstated.
Form 86009 is therefore primarily of historical interest. Vehicle owners today do not need an emissions inspection certificate or temporary exemption to register or renew most vehicles in Florida. Other requirements—such as proof of Florida insurance, VIN verification for out-of-state vehicles, and payment of applicable fees—still apply.
For the most current official information, always check the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website.
How to Complete Florida HSMV Form 86009?
The form is designed to be completed clearly in print or type. Each numbered field corresponds to detailed instructions printed on the reverse side. Incomplete or illegible applications could be delayed or denied.
Key sections include:
- Owner Information – Full name(s) exactly as shown on the registration, residence address, mailing address (if different), address where the vehicle is located (if different), and telephone number
- Vehicle Information – License plate number, expiration date, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), title number, year, make, model, and county of registration
- Reason for Exemption – Check the appropriate box and provide a brief written explanation
- Availability Date – The date the vehicle is expected to be available for inspection
- Certification and Signature – The owner signs and dates the form, certifying that the information is true and correct under penalty of law
Providing false information on the form was a first-degree misdemeanor under Florida law.
Where to Submit Form 86009?
Completed applications were mailed to the Bureau of Emissions Control regional office for the county of residence. The form specifically instructed applicants not to mail the application to the local tax collector or tag agency and not to include registration renewal paperwork or any fees.
The perforated postcard at the bottom of the form was used by the BEC to notify the applicant of the approval or denial status. Applicants were instructed not to tear it off.
Addresses listed on the form (historical) included offices in Plantation (Broward), Miami (Dade), Jacksonville (Duval), Tampa (Hillsborough), West Palm Beach (Palm Beach), and Clearwater (Pinellas).
Important Notes About Temporary Exemptions
- Approval released the vehicle only from emissions inspection requirements—not from the duty to register the vehicle
- The exemption was temporary and tied to the registration cycle
- Once the vehicle became available or operational in a program county, inspection was generally required within a short period
- No processing fee applied
Related Florida Vehicle Forms and Resources
While Form 86009 specifically addressed temporary emissions exemptions, other common FLHSMV forms include:
- HSMV 83091 – Application for Temporary License Plate
- HSMV 82002 – Initial Registration Fee Exemption Affidavit
- Complete list of FLHSMV forms
For current vehicle registration, title, or insurance requirements, visit your local county tax collector’s office or the official FLHSMV site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Form 86009 still required in Florida?
No. Because the Motor Vehicle Inspection Program ended in 2000, temporary emissions exemptions are no longer needed for standard vehicle registration or renewal.
Where can I download the official Form 86009?
The official PDF is available directly from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles: Download HSMV 86009.
Does Florida require emissions testing in 2026?
No. Florida does not require emissions testing for passenger vehicles in any county.
What should I do if I still have questions about vehicle registration?
Contact your local Florida county tax collector’s office or visit the official FLHSMV website for the most accurate and current guidance.
Conclusion
Florida HSMV Form 86009 served an important purpose during the years the state operated its Motor Vehicle Inspection Program. Today it stands as a historical document reflecting Florida’s former emissions testing requirements in six counties. Vehicle owners in the United States who need current information about Florida registration, titles, or temporary tags should rely on the latest resources from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and their local tax collector.