Florida HSMV Form 86056 Dealer License Application Guide

Florida HSMV Form 86056 Dealer License Application Guide – If you plan to buy, sell, or deal in motor vehicles, mobile homes, or recreational vehicles (RVs) in Florida, you must obtain the proper dealer license from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). The official application is HSMV Form 86056, titled “Application for a License as a Motor Vehicle, Mobile Home, or Recreational Vehicle Dealer.”

This comprehensive guide explains what Form 86056 is, who needs it, the required supporting documents, fees, pre-licensing steps, and how to submit a complete application. All information is based on official FLHSMV resources and current Florida statutes.

What Is Florida HSMV Form 86056?

HSMV Form 86056 is the multi-purpose application used by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for:

Original (new) motor vehicle, mobile home, or recreational vehicle dealer licenses
Corporate officer updates on existing dealer licenses

The form covers multiple license categories under Florida Statutes sections 320.27, 320.77, and 320.771, including:

VF – Franchised Motor Vehicle Dealer
VI – Independent Motor Vehicle Dealer
VW – Wholesale Motor Vehicle Dealer
VA – Motor Vehicle Auction
SD – Salvage Vehicle Dealer
DH – Mobile Home Dealer
BH – Used Mobile Home Broker
RV – New Recreational Vehicle Dealer
RU – Used Recreational Vehicle Dealer

The current revision is HSMV 86056 (Rev. 9/21). The form includes an instruction booklet that applicants should read thoroughly before completing the application.

Download the official Form 86056 and instruction booklet here:
https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/forms/86056.pdf

Who Needs a Florida Dealer License?

Under Florida law, a dealer license is required if you:

Buy, sell, offer for sale, display for sale, or deal in three or more motor vehicles within any 12-month period
Buy, sell, offer for sale, display for sale, or deal in one or more mobile homes or recreational vehicles within any 12-month period

This applies to individuals, partnerships, limited liability companies, and corporations operating in Florida.

Pre-Licensing Requirements Before Submitting Form 86056

Applicants must complete several steps before mailing or delivering the completed Form 86056 package:

Locate your regional compliance examiner – Visit the FLHSMV locations page, select your county, and find the Motorist Services Regional Office.
Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) from the Internal Revenue Service.
Obtain a Florida sales tax number from the Florida Department of Revenue.
Complete a pre-licensing dealer training course from an FLHSMV-approved dealer training school.
Obtain electronic fingerprints for all officers, owners, partners, and directors through a Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) approved service provider. A list of providers is available on the FDLE website.

Required Supporting Documents for Form 86056

When submitting an original application, attach the following items along with the completed Form 86056:

Application fee ($300 for motor vehicle dealers or $340 for mobile home or recreational vehicle dealers)
Proof of identification / driver’s license (see instruction booklet for acceptable forms)
True copy of property lease or proof of ownership of the business location
Proof of electronic fingerprints (receipt) for each new officer from an FDLE-authorized provider
Copy of dealer training course completion certificate
Original surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit:
- Motor vehicle dealers: Form 86020 (bond) or Form 86057 (letter of credit)
- Recreational vehicle dealers: Form 86019
- Mobile home dealers: Form 86018 (bond) or Form 86058 (letter of credit)
Copy of business and/or fictitious name registration from the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz)
Copy of certification showing current registration to conduct business in Florida (Sunbiz)
Corporate documents (Articles of Incorporation, meeting minutes, Articles of Organization and Operating Agreement for LLCs, or Partnership Agreement)
Garage liability insurance certificate (minimum $25,000 combined single-limit liability coverage including bodily injury and property damage, plus $10,000 personal injury protection). Independent, auction, and wholesale dealers may submit a general liability policy paired with a business auto policy meeting the same limits. Salvage dealers and certain mobile home dealers selling only park trailers are exempt.

For corporate officer updates, fewer documents are required (completed Form 86056, meeting minutes, fingerprints for new officers, and updated Sunbiz registration).

Application Fees for Form 86056

The initial application fee is:

$300 per main location for motor vehicle dealers (VF, VI, VW, VA, SD)
$340 per main location for mobile home dealers (DH) and recreational vehicle dealers (RV, RU)

Payment is typically made by check payable to DHSMV / FLHSMV. Confirm the exact amount and acceptable payment methods with your regional office before submission.

How to Complete and Submit Florida HSMV Form 86056?

Download the latest version of Form 86056 and the instruction booklet from the official FLHSMV website: https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/forms/86056.pdf.
Read the entire instruction booklet carefully before filling out the form.
Do not use white-out or correction tape. Complete all applicable sections accurately.
Select the correct license type(s) and indicate whether the application is for an original license or a corporate officer update.
Provide business details, FEIN, sales tax number, physical and mailing addresses, and complete information for all owners, partners, officers, and directors.
Sign and date all required certifications and statements.
Assemble the complete package with all supporting documents and the required fee.
Submit the package to the FLHSMV regional office responsible for your dealership location (not the Tallahassee headquarters in most cases). Find your regional office on the FLHSMV locations page.

A compliance examiner will typically inspect the proposed business location to verify it meets statutory and rule requirements for display space, office facilities, and suitability.

Additional Resources from FLHSMV

Motor Vehicle, Recreational Vehicle and Mobile Home Dealer/Broker Licenses overview
Forms and Resources page
Dealer Handbook
Florida Administrative Code 15C-7.003 (location and facility requirements)

Important Tips for a Successful Application

Verify that your business location meets zoning and physical requirements before signing a long-term lease.
Ensure all officers and owners complete fingerprinting early—processing times can vary.
Keep copies of every document submitted.
Contact your regional FLHSMV office with questions specific to your situation. Requirements can differ slightly by license type and location.
Always download forms directly from the official FLHSMV website to ensure you have the current version.

Conclusion

Florida HSMV Form 86056 is the essential first step for anyone seeking to operate as a licensed motor vehicle, mobile home, or recreational vehicle dealer in the state. By carefully following the pre-licensing steps, gathering all required supporting documents, and submitting a complete package to the correct regional office, applicants can navigate the process efficiently.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website and the instruction booklet included with Form 86056.