Florida HSMV Form 82997 – Private Rebuilt Inspection App

Florida HSMV Form 82997 – Private Rebuilt Inspection App – The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) requires applicants seeking to operate a Private Rebuilt Motor Vehicle Inspection Facility to complete HSMV Form 82997. This official application is the essential first step for participation in the Private Rebuilt Vehicle Inspection Program (PRVIP), established under Section 319.141, Florida Statutes, and governed by Rule Chapter 15C-22 of the Florida Administrative Code.

Authorized private facilities help Florida residents and dealers complete required rebuilt vehicle inspections more efficiently while maintaining strict public safety standards. This guide covers everything U.S. applicants need to know about Form 82997, eligibility, required documents, the full application process, and ongoing compliance.

What Is Florida HSMV Form 82997?

HSMV #82997 (effective date 2/2024, referenced in Rule 15C-22.001) is the official “Application for Authorization as a Private Rebuilt Motor Vehicle Inspection Facility.” It collects business information, ownership details, inspector information, facility location data, and certifications. Completing this form is only the initial step; applicants must also pass a site inspection and enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with FLHSMV.

The form is incorporated by reference in Florida Administrative Code Rule 15C-22.001 and is available for free download from the official FLHSMV website.

Download the official form here: https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/forms/82997.pdf

Purpose of the Private Rebuilt Vehicle Inspection Program (PRVIP)

Florida’s PRVIP allows carefully screened private-sector businesses to perform rebuilt motor vehicle inspections in designated counties. These inspections verify that rebuilt or reconstructed vehicles meet safety and documentation standards before a rebuilt title is issued. The program reduces wait times at government offices while protecting consumers through bonding, insurance, background checks, training, and ongoing oversight.

Authorized counties currently include: Bay, Broward, Duval, Escambia, Hillsborough, Leon, Manatee, Marion, Miami-Dade, Orange, Palm Beach, and Volusia.

Who Can Apply Using Form 82997?

Any individual or business entity (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, LLC, etc.) that meets the statutory and rule requirements may apply. Key eligibility criteria include:

Facility located in one of the authorized counties listed above
Permanent fixed structure used solely for rebuilt inspection services
Owners, partners, corporate officers, and inspectors free of disqualifying felony convictions, guilty pleas, nolo contendere pleas, or incarceration for a felony within the previous 10 years
No prohibited financial or ownership interests in related businesses (repair shops, dealers, towing companies, salvage yards, etc.)
Ability to obtain and maintain a $100,000 surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit and garage liability insurance

Required Documents to Submit with HSMV Form 82997

When submitting the completed Form 82997, applicants must include the following supporting documents (as listed on the form itself and in official guidance):

Proof of identification (Florida driver license or government-issued ID) for each owner, partner, corporate officer, and inspector
Copy of property lease or proof of ownership of the facility
Proof of electronic fingerprint background check from an FDLE-authorized service provider for every owner, partner, corporate officer, and inspector
Current certification from the Florida Division of Corporations showing business registration (and fictitious name registration if applicable)
Garage Liability Insurance Certificate with a minimum of $100,000 single-limit liability coverage (bodily injury and property damage); certificate holder must be listed as the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Original Surety Bond or Irrevocable Letter of Credit in the amount of $100,000 executed in favor of the Department (must include exact business name, surety seal, and Power of Attorney)
Signed Form PUR 1355 – Foreign Country of Concern Attestation
PRVIP Training Certificate (proof of completion of the required 24-hour training course)

Additional items such as the PRVIP Application Checklist, MOU, and bond forms are available on the official FLHSMV PRVIP page.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Complete Fingerprint Background Checks – All owners, partners, corporate officers, and inspectors must obtain electronic fingerprints through an FDLE-approved provider. Contact a Bureau of Dealer Services (BDS) Regional Office for the correct ORI code.
Attend the Required 24-Hour PRVIP Training Course – Training is provided at BDS Regional Offices. Successful completion is required before proceeding.
Select and Prepare the Facility Location – Choose a site in an authorized county that meets all physical requirements (permanent structure, exclusive use for rebuilt inspections, proper signage, office and waiting areas, visually obstructed inspection area, surveillance with 90-day recording, covered parking for at least two vehicles, secure storage for decals, etc.). Complete the Pre-Site Inspection Checklist.
Schedule and Pass the Site Inspection – After the checklist is approved, a BDS representative will conduct an on-site inspection.
Complete and Submit Form HSMV 82997 – Fill out all pages accurately, including the Inspector Page and Location Checklist. Sign the form and the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Submit the Full Package – Deliver the completed application, all supporting documents, and signed MOU to the BDS Regional Office serving the county where the business will operate.
Final Review and Approval – After quality review and MOU approval, the applicant receives a County/Agency Code, sets up the Electronic Payment System, and receives an Authorization Certificate that must be displayed at the facility.

For the most current checklist and contact information, visit the official page: FLHSMV Private Rebuilt Vehicle Inspection Providers.

Facility Physical Requirements

The Location Checklist on Form 82997 requires affirmative answers to all of the following (among others):

Permanent fixed structure at a USPS-recognized address
Only rebuilt inspection services provided at the location
Permanent signage advertising private rebuilt inspection services only
Posted normal business hours (typically 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Designated secure office with telephone, scanner, internet access, and static IP address
Separate customer waiting area and visually obstructed inspection area
24/7 alarm system and surveillance cameras with at least 90 days of recording capability
Covered area for at least two vehicles during inclement weather
Secure storage (safe or equivalent) for rebuilt decals and related documents
Adequate customer and vehicle staging/parking space

The facility must also comply with all local zoning and occupational license requirements.

Training and Inspector Requirements

Every facility must employ at least one FLHSMV-authorized inspector. Inspectors must:

Complete the initial 24-hour rebuilt vehicle inspection training course
Pass a Level 1 FDLE background check
Complete a 4-hour continuing education course annually
Submit updated background check proof by September 1 each year

Failure to maintain these requirements results in immediate termination from the program. Training is offered at multiple BDS Regional Offices across Florida.

Bonding, Insurance, and Ongoing Obligations

Participants must maintain a $100,000 surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit in favor of the Department (claims may be made for at least one year after business cessation). Garage liability insurance of at least $100,000 single-limit coverage is also required.

Annual attestations regarding ownership interests and prohibited relationships are mandatory. FLHSMV conducts quarterly on-site inspections and may examine all related records. Participants must use the department’s web-based systems for data entry and fee remittance.

Fees and Operational Notes

Customers pay a statutory inspection fee of $40 for an initial inspection or $20 for a re-inspection. Facilities may charge additional service fees but must itemize them separately on receipts. Only authorized inspectors may perform documentation review, physical inspection, and placement of the rebuilt decal.

Where to Get Help and Official Resources?

Official Form Download: HSMV 82997 PDF
PRVIP Program Page: FLHSMV PRVIP Information
Florida Statutes § 319.141: Rebuilt Motor Vehicle Inspection Program
Rule Chapter 15C-22: Private Rebuilt Motor Vehicle Inspection Program Rules
Email inquiries: [email protected]

Applicants should always verify the latest versions of forms, checklists, and regional office contacts directly with FLHSMV, as requirements can be updated.

Conclusion

Successfully completing Florida HSMV Form 82997 and the full PRVIP authorization process allows qualified businesses to provide an important public service while operating under clear regulatory standards. By meeting the bonding, insurance, facility, background, and training requirements, applicants help ensure that rebuilt vehicles on Florida roads are properly inspected and documented. Download the current Form 82997, review the official checklist, and contact your local BDS Regional Office to begin the process today.