Florida HSMV Form 74007 Security Deposit Refund Guide – If you posted a financial responsibility security deposit with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) after a crash and the required waiting period has passed, you may be eligible to reclaim your money. The official form for this process is HSMV Form 74007 – Security Deposit Refund Request (revised June 2023).
This guide explains what the form is for, who can use it, the exact steps to complete and submit it, important deadlines under Florida law, and where to download the official document. All information is based on current FLHSMV materials and Florida Statutes.
What Is Florida HSMV Form 74007?
HSMV Form 74007 is the official Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles document used to request a refund of a financial responsibility (FR) security deposit. These deposits are typically required when a driver is involved in a crash, does not have the required insurance coverage at the time of the incident, and must post a cash deposit (or obtain releases) to reinstate driving privileges under Florida’s Financial Responsibility Law (Chapter 324, Florida Statutes).
The form allows the depositor to request return of the funds once the statutory conditions for release are met. The current version is HSMV 74007 (Rev. 06.2023).
Download the official form here: https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/forms/74007.pdf
When Can You Request a Security Deposit Refund?
Under Florida Statute § 324.061, a security deposit held by the FLHSMV may be released under specific conditions. For most refund requests using Form 74007, the key rules are:
- At least one year must have elapsed from the date the money was deposited.
- During that one-year period, the department must not have been duly notified of any court action brought for damages related to the crash.
- There should be no subrogation claim on file that would prevent the refund.
If the deposit remains unclaimed for five years or more from the date of deposit, the funds are transferred to the State School Fund and are no longer available for refund (Florida Statute § 324.061(2)(e)).
Other release conditions exist (for example, written satisfaction from all injured parties or a final court adjudication of non-liability), but Form 74007 is the standard tool used after the one-year waiting period when no claims have been filed.
Who Needs to File Form 74007?
You should use this form if:
- You (or someone on your behalf) deposited a security deposit with the FLHSMV related to a motor vehicle crash financial responsibility case.
- One full year has passed since the deposit date.
- You want the remaining deposit returned to you.
Note: Security deposit refunds cannot be processed at local driver license offices, motor vehicle service centers, or tax collector offices that offer driver license services. All requests must go through the Bureau of Motorist Compliance in Tallahassee.
Information Required on Form 74007
The form is straightforward. You must provide:
- Full Name (print)
- Current Mailing Address (including City, State, and Zip Code)
- The Financial Responsibility Case Number
- The Amount of the Security Deposit
- Deposit Date
- Florida Driver License or Identification Card Number
- Depositor’s Signature
You must also attach a legible copy of your current state-issued driver license or identification card.
To locate your Financial Responsibility case number, log in to the official portal at MyDMVPortal.flhsmv.gov.
How to Submit Form 74007?
You have three submission options:
- Email: Send the completed form and a copy of your driver license/ID to [email protected]
- Fax: 850-617-5216
- Mail:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Bureau of Motorist Compliance
2900 Apalachee Parkway
Mail Stop 98
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
Upon receipt of the completed form and a legible copy of your current driver license or ID card, the FLHSMV will begin the deposit refund process.
Important Deadlines and Limitations
- Minimum waiting period: One year from the deposit date.
- Maximum claim window: Five years from the deposit date. After five years, unclaimed deposits are transferred to the State School Fund and cannot be refunded.
- Refunds are not available if a valid claim or subrogation is pending against the deposit.
Always keep copies of everything you submit and note the date of mailing, fax, or email for your records.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Complete and File Form 74007
- Download the official form: HSMV 74007 PDF.
- Print the form clearly or complete it digitally if possible.
- Fill in all required fields accurately (name, address, FR case number, deposit amount, deposit date, Florida DL/ID number).
- Sign the form.
- Attach a clear photocopy or scanned image of your current Florida driver license or state ID card.
- Submit via email, fax, or mail using the contact information listed above.
- Monitor your mail for any correspondence from the FLHSMV regarding the status of your refund.
Related FLHSMV Resources and Forms
Drivers dealing with financial responsibility issues after a crash may also need these related documents:
- HSMV 74014 – Release in Full of All Claims
- HSMV 74036 – Agreement for Release and Monthly Repayment Note
- Official crash and insurance information pages on the FLHSMV website
- Full list of forms: https://www.flhsmv.gov/resources/forms/
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I process the refund at my local tax collector or DMV office?
No. The form and instructions clearly state that security deposit refunds cannot be processed at driver license and motor vehicle service centers or tax collector offices.
How long does processing take?
The FLHSMV begins the process upon receipt of a complete package. Allow several weeks for review and issuance of any refund check.
What if I no longer have my Financial Responsibility case number?
Visit MyDMVPortal.flhsmv.gov to retrieve it.
What happens if five years have already passed?
The deposit is transferred to the State School Fund and is no longer available for refund under Florida law.
Final Tips for a Successful Refund Request
- Use the most recent version of the form (Rev. 06.2023).
- Double-check that your mailing address is current — the refund check will be sent there.
- Include a clear, legible copy of your current Florida driver license or ID.
- Submit only after the one-year mark has passed.
- Keep proof of submission.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official FLHSMV website and the form itself. If you have case-specific questions, contact the FLHSMV Customer Service Center or the Bureau of Motorist Compliance using the contact details on the form.