Florida HSMV Form 83345 Certificate of Deposit POA Guide – Florida drivers and vehicle owners who choose to prove financial responsibility through a certificate of deposit rather than traditional auto insurance must complete HSMV Form 83345, the Certificate of Deposit Power of Attorney. This official Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) form authorizes the department to redeem the deposit if needed to satisfy certain motor vehicle-related judgments.
What Is Florida HSMV Form 83345?
HSMV Form 83345 is a limited power of attorney specifically designed for use with a certificate of deposit (CD) filed as proof of financial responsibility under Florida law. By signing the form, the depositor appoints William R. Graves, Chief of the Bureau of Motorist Compliance of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (or his designee), as attorney-in-fact.
The appointed attorney-in-fact is authorized to redeem the certificate of deposit and take necessary actions to pay any judgment issued against the depositor for:
- Damages due to the bodily injury or death of any person, or
- Damages due to the injury to or destruction of property
resulting from the use or operation of any motor vehicle after the date of the deposit.
The form is listed on the official FLHSMV forms page and is required when using a certificate of deposit method under Chapter 324, Florida Statutes.
Download Official Florida HSMV Form 83345 (PDF)
When Is Form 83345 Required?
Florida’s Financial Responsibility Law (Chapter 324, Florida Statutes) requires certain drivers and vehicle owners to maintain proof of the ability to respond in damages for motor vehicle accidents. Most people meet this requirement with liability insurance. Alternatives include self-insurance certificates or a certificate of deposit.
Form 83345 is required when a person (or entity other than a natural person in some cases) elects to deposit cash or securities in the form of a certificate of deposit with a financial institution as proof of financial responsibility. The power of attorney must accompany the proof of the deposit submitted to the Bureau of Motorist Compliance.
Key situations include:
- Individuals or businesses choosing the certificate of deposit method under sections 324.031 and 324.161, Florida Statutes.
- Cases involving higher limits, such as certain DUI-related requirements where a certificate of deposit must meet elevated thresholds (for example, at least $350,000 in some FR-44 situations).
- Corporate or non-individual depositors who must also maintain excess liability insurance in addition to the deposit.
The deposit is held to satisfy judgments arising from motor vehicle accidents that occur after the deposit is made. It is not subject to attachment or execution for unrelated claims.
Key Information Required on Form 83345
The official form requires the following details:
- Date of the power of attorney
- Amount of the deposit
- Name and address of the financial institution holding the deposit
- Account number of the depositor
- Date of the deposit
- Coverage amount provided per occurrence
- Payee information
- Printed name, signature, and address of the depositor
- Notarization section (State of Florida, County, notary acknowledgment, and type of identification produced)
A copy of the Certificate of Deposit itself must be attached to the completed Form 83345.
How to Complete and Submit Florida HSMV Form 83345?
- Obtain the official form – Download the current version directly from the FLHSMV website to ensure you have the latest revision.
- Complete all fields accurately – Provide the deposit details exactly as they appear on the certificate of deposit issued by your financial institution.
- Attach supporting documents – Include a copy of the Certificate of Deposit. The financial institution must also confirm in writing that it understands the department has authority to redeem the deposit to satisfy qualifying claims.
- Sign before a notary – The depositor must sign the form, and the signature must be notarized by a Florida notary public. The notary completes the acknowledgment section.
- Submit to the Bureau of Motorist Compliance – Send the completed, notarized form along with the required supporting documentation to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Bureau of Motorist Compliance.
Contact FLHSMV or visit a local tax collector/license plate agency for the most current mailing address and any additional procedural requirements.
Download HSMV Form 83345 Certificate of Deposit Power of Attorney
Important Legal Notes and Limitations
This power of attorney is narrowly limited. It only authorizes redemption of the specific certificate of deposit described on the form for the purpose of paying qualifying motor vehicle judgments. It is not a general or durable power of attorney for other financial or legal matters.
Florida law (section 324.161, Florida Statutes) provides that a power of attorney will be issued to and held by the department and may be executed upon a judgment issued against the person making the deposit for damages resulting from the use or operation of a motor vehicle after the deposit was made.
Deposits and certificates are subject to renewal and reporting requirements. The department typically requests confirmation of renewal and related documentation before the expiration of any financial responsibility certificate issued based on the deposit.
Always verify current requirements with the official FLHSMV resources or a qualified Florida attorney, as statutes and departmental procedures can be updated.
Related Forms and Resources
- Official FLHSMV Forms Page – Complete list of motor vehicle and driver forms, including Form 83345.
- Florida Insurance Requirements – Overview of financial responsibility and insurance options.
- Florida Statutes Chapter 324 – Financial Responsibility (available through the official Online Sunshine website).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Form 83345 the same as a general motor vehicle power of attorney?
No. Form HSMV 82053 is the general Power of Attorney for a Motor Vehicle, Mobile Home, or Vessel used for title and registration transactions. Form 83345 is specifically for certificate of deposit financial responsibility purposes.
Can I fill out Form 83345 online?
The official form is provided as a PDF. You can complete it electronically if your software allows fillable fields, then print and have it notarized. Always use the version from the official FLHSMV website.
What happens if a judgment is entered against me?
If a qualifying final judgment is not satisfied within the time allowed (typically 30 days in departmental procedures), the department may exercise the power of attorney to redeem the certificate of deposit and disburse funds up to the applicable limits.
Where can I get help completing the form?
Contact the FLHSMV Bureau of Motorist Compliance or consult a Florida-licensed attorney familiar with motor vehicle financial responsibility requirements.