What Is Florida HSMV Form 82078?
HSMV Form 82078 is the official document issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Division of Motorist Services. It allows a motor vehicle owner or co-owner to formally notify the department that registration fees paid to a dealer are in dispute.
The form is authorized under section 320.02 of the Florida Statutes. When a licensed motor vehicle dealer submits a list to FLHSMV claiming unpaid registration fees, the department places a registration stop on the vehicle. This stop blocks the issuance of a license plate, revalidation sticker, or replacement plate until the matter is resolved.
By submitting Form 82078 with documentary proof that the fees were paid, the owner can request removal of the stop. The current version of the form is HSMV 82078 (12/18).
You can download the official form directly from the FLHSMV website: Download Florida HSMV Form 82078 (PDF).
Legal Basis Under Florida Statutes
Florida law authorizes licensed motor vehicle dealers to place an administrative stop on a customer’s registration when the customer fails to pay registration fees that were collected on a cash-on-delivery (C.O.D.) basis. The dealer must maintain signed evidence that the owner acknowledged the dealer’s authority to report non-payment and must document the exact amount owed.
Importantly, the statute protects vehicle owners. The motor vehicle owner or co-owner may dispute the claim by submitting a form to the department if they have documentary proof that the registration fees have been paid to the dealer for the disputed amount. Without clear evidence of the amounts owed for vehicle registration and repayment, the department assumes initial payments are applied to government-assessed fees first.
If the dispute complies with the requirements, FLHSMV shall immediately remove the owner’s name from the list, allowing issuance of a license plate or revalidation sticker. This process does not affect the issuance of the vehicle title.
Official references include the Florida Statutes available through the Florida Senate and the FLHSMV forms library at flhsmv.gov/resources/forms.
When Should You Use Form 82078?
Use Form 82078 in these common situations:
- You paid the dealer for registration, title, or tag fees, but a registration stop still appears on your vehicle record.
- The dealership claims you still owe fees even though you have receipts, canceled checks, credit card statements, or other proof of payment.
- You attempted to renew or replace your license plate and were told an unpaid-fees stop prevents the transaction.
- The dealership is unresponsive, out of business, or refuses to provide a release letter.
Do not use this form if the fees were financed as part of the vehicle loan. Administrative stops under this statute apply only when registration fees were handled separately on a C.O.D. basis.
Local tax collector offices, such as those in Manatee County and other Florida counties, confirm that they cannot remove these stops. Only FLHSMV in Tallahassee can clear the stop after reviewing a properly completed Form 82078 and supporting proof.
How to Complete Florida HSMV Form 82078
The form is straightforward but must be filled out accurately and completely. Incomplete submissions may be rejected or delayed.
Required vehicle information:
- Title Number
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Date Purchased
- Year, Make, Color, and Type of vehicle
Owner information:
- Owner’s full name and address
- Co-owner’s full name and address (if applicable)
- Telephone numbers for owner and co-owner
Dealer information:
- Dealer’s name and license number
- Dealer’s address and phone number
Fee details:
- Registration Fees Due (amount claimed by the dealer)
- Fees Collected (amount you paid)
Explanation section: Clearly describe the dispute. State the date of payment, method of payment, and attach copies of all supporting documents. Be factual and concise.
Both the owner and co-owner (if any) must sign and date the form.
The bottom section is for FLHSMV use only and should be left blank.
Required Supporting Documents
The form alone is not enough. Florida law requires documentary proof that the registration fees have been paid to the dealer for the disputed amount. Acceptable proof typically includes:
- Copies of canceled checks or bank statements showing payment to the dealer
- Credit or debit card statements with the transaction details
- Dealer receipts or invoices marked “paid”
- Buyer’s order or purchase agreement showing registration fees as paid
- Any written acknowledgment from the dealer confirming payment
Keep original documents for your records and submit clear photocopies or printouts with the form.
Where and How to Submit Form 82078?
Mail the completed Form 82078 and all documentary proof to:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Division of Motorist Services
2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS-98
Tallahassee, FL 32399
This is the address printed at the top of the official form. Do not submit the form to a local tax collector office, as they lack authority to remove the stop.
After review, if the submission is in order, FLHSMV will remove the registration stop. The department’s internal section of the form tracks whether registration was withheld, the date owners were notified, the settlement date, proper fees paid, and the date registration was mailed.
Processing times can vary. Keep copies of everything you submit and consider sending the package via certified mail with return receipt for tracking.
Alternative Options Before Filing Form 82078
Before submitting the dispute form, contact the dealership directly. Request an official letter on dealership letterhead that includes:
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- License plate number (if applicable)
- Registered owner’s name(s) and driver license number(s)
- Amount paid
- Authorized agent’s signature
If the dealership agrees and issues the letter, you can present the original letter in person at a county tax collector office to clear the stop in some cases. If the dealership is out of business, contact the nearest FLHSMV regional office for assistance.
Filing Form 82078 remains the primary statutory remedy when the dealer will not cooperate or when proof of payment exists but the stop remains active.
Frequently Asked Questions About Form 82078
Is there a fee to file Form 82078?
No. There is no filing fee for submitting Form 82078 to FLHSMV.
Can a tax collector office remove the stop?
No. Local tax collector offices cannot remove unpaid-fee stops placed by dealers. Only the Division of Motorist Services in Tallahassee can clear the stop after reviewing Form 82078 and proof of payment.
What happens if the dealer is out of business?
Contact the FLHSMV regional office that covers the county where the dealership was located. Regional offices can provide guidance, and Form 82078 may still be used with your proof of payment.
Does the dispute affect my vehicle title?
No. Florida law specifically states that this process does not affect the issuance of a title to a motor vehicle.
Where can I find the most current version of the form?
Always download the form from the official FLHSMV website to ensure you have the latest version: https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/forms/82078.pdf.