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Florida License Plate Lookup

GoodCar's license plate lookup provides interested parties with the right information on their vehicles.
Florida License Plate Lookup Florida License Plate Lookup

How to check a vehicle's history by performing a Florida License plate lookup

Florida license plate lookups are the best way to determine a vehicle's history. By entering the license plate number into the provided search bar, interested parties can view everything there is to know about a car, including maintenance history, accident records, titling issues, and automobile specifications. The information available on vehicles can influence a buyer's perspective on their overall safety and value. It is a great way to perform due diligence before buying or selling a vehicle. GoodCar's database are sourced from public and private records, as the platform is an approved NMVTIS data provider.

License Plates

License Plates

Florida License plate searches are initiated by requesters who want to view a comprehensive vehicle report. These detail model specifications, problem checks, titling records, and other potential issues. The information is sourced from reputable government agencies like the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which handles registrations and issues license plates. Parties may also access state-specific information on vehicles, such as the presence of flood or saltwater damage, which is pertinent for Florida. It makes things harder for unscrupulous sellers trying to hide accident or wear damage on Florida vehicles from unsuspecting buyers.

VIN

VIN

Vehicle Identifying Numbers is a 17-digit code of numbers and characters unique to each car. These are located on the dashboard near the windshield or the doorjamb. It may also be engraved on the engine firewall. Considering VIN lookups are unique, they can also be used in place of Florida License plate tags to reveal information on the vehicle. The search on GoodCar will generate a comprehensive report on the vehicle detailing the same records like title records, problem checks, model specifications, accident information, and pricing.

Reasons to Run License Plate Search in Florida

Reasons to Run License Plate Search in Florida

Florida License plate searches are perfect for a buyer s due diligence or to see if everything is up to standard. License plate searches produce an extensive report on vehicle history, showing problem checks, accident history, flood damage, and titling issues. From a maintenance standpoint, these are essential as they illustrate previous problems the vehicle has had and the potential for their occurrence in the future. Florida experiences hurricanes annually, considering the storm season runs from June until November. On average, the state is affected by a tropical storm or a hurricane every three years; hence, there is potential for flooding. Vehicles have a higher potential for flood or saltwater damage, so these are pertinent checks that buyers in the state would consider.

The high humidity levels in Florida and the potential for saltwater damage cause significant levels of rust in older vehicles, making it easier to tell if sellers are trying to commit odometer fraud.

Florida License plate searches are great for titling checks as well. Vehicle theft is a current issue, as the state ranks fourth in the country, though the rate is reducing. The state also classifies the possession of stolen goods as a second-degree felony, which may attract a penalty of up to 15 years in prison.

What Can You Get Out of a Florida License Plate Lookup?

A Florida License plate lookup provides the requester with comprehensive information on the vehicle's history. This data is compiled from private and public databases at a given fee. Florida plate searches are sourced from platforms like the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. It handles registrations and issues license plates for vehicle owners.

Vehicle Records

Vehicle Records

GoodCar's vehicle records are an accepted industry standard, considering they are an approved NMVTIS data provider. Through access to these vehicle records, requesters may get to know model specifications, pricing, accident histories, and recalls. The information gives the buyer a better perspective of the vehicle so they can make a more informed decision.

Title Brands and Problem Checks

Title Brands and Problem Checks

Requesters may also find information on the title brands like saltwater or flood damage, junk, accidents, rebuild records, or if refurbishing has occurred. The records also allow access to titling problems to determine if liens are taken against the vehicle.

Tracing a Vehicle's History for Used Car Purchases with Florida Plate Checks

Tracing a Vehicle's History for Used Car Purchases with Florida Plate Checks

The platform's vehicle records tools are essential for buyers looking to perform due diligence. Florida ranks fourth in the United States in auto theft, with indications the rate may go up in the coming years. Considering the emerging reports, consumers may find it pertinent to do these checks for their peace of mind.

Why Choose GoodCar for Florida Plate Lookups?

Why Choose GoodCar for Florida Plate Lookups?

GoodCar's platform offers an extensive account of the vehicle's history, detailing its specifications checks done from the time of manufacture. Typically, this information is spread across different public and private databases. GoodCar offers everyone the opportunity to view all records on one platform. From a buyer's standpoint, the information allows an objective perspective towards purchasing a vehicle. It also reduces the chances of hiding flooding or saltwater damage, which is common in Florida. Buyers may also avoid legal liability by accessing GoodCar's vehicle title checks.

Florida Resources

License Plate Types in Florida

In 1905, the state legislature enacted a law requiring all vehicles to be registered with the Secretary of State. The first license plates were made of leather, metal, and wood. Some were homemade, while sign makers did others. In 1917, Florida created the first uniform state-wide license plate. It was the last of 48 states to issue license plates. Since then, 1972 marked the start of personalized plates made available for an extra $12 fee; every year since, new license plates are issued, and the legislature has to provide new specialty plates. Currently, all license plates in Florida have to be replaced at intervals of 10 years. Once a vehicle owner has chosen their desired plate, they can view the Motor Vehicle Registrations section to note how to apply for registration.

Standard Issue License Plates

Standard Issue License Plates

Section 320.06 of the Florida statutes governs standard-issue license plates. There are three options provided for general issue plates, detailing county names, 'Sunshine State' or 'In God We Trust.' However, county designations are only available in participating counties. It would be advisable to check with the tax collector's office to determine if it is possible.

Personalized License plates

Personalized License plates

Personalized plates in Florida can be ordered in person from the motor vehicle service center. It would cost an additional $15 for each personalized plate, though. Requesters would also have to complete the Application for Personalized License Plate form, which should be submitted to a local office for processing. Interested parties also have to use the personalized license plate inquiry service to see if the desired configuration is present.

Specialty License Plates

Specialty License Plates

Interested parties may access over 100 specialty plate types depending on the cause or group they want to represent. Revenue from these plates in terms of the fees goes to the organizations. Since the specialty license plate's inception, millions have been raised for these organizations. There are also new specialty license plates, which were authorized for use in the 2020 legislative season. There is a specialty license plate gift certification program that allows any person to buy a specialty plate as a gift for a registrant. This may work in the same way as a gift certificate. When payment is issued for the annual fee, a certificate can be purchased at any motor vehicle office for any available plates in Florida.

How to Get a License Plate in Florida

How to Get a
License Plate in Florida

Florida state law mandates that a vehicle owner must have a valid registration to operate on the roads. Vehicles with out-of-state registrations are also required by law to be registered within ten days of employment, moving, and establishing residency. The method of getting a car registered in the state is straightforward. A vehicle owner must present the right forms to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. These documents include the title, proof of current car insurance policy, and government-issued identification. A VIN assessment and odometer reading are required on-site as well. The next step would be to pay for the registration charges and any applicable fees depending on the preference of the vehicle owner. On completion of the registration, the owner will get the plate for the back of the vehicle and a registration sticker, available with a validation label at the upper corner. Florida has no active emissions standard for vehicles operating within the state, so owners are not obligated to drive fuel-efficient, hybrid, or electric models. That being said, interested parties may want to perform an extra bit of due diligence and do an emissions check especially if they want to do interstate travel.

FL License Plate Renewal

Provided the initial paperwork has been issued, the renewal can be implemented in various ways. In-person options are possible, whereby the requester visits the local Department of Motor Vehicles or local service center for renewals. This is optimal for those who want to avoid service charges or have scenario-specific questions. Online options are also available. That is via web portal or app. A renewal of the registration via mobile application would require the customer to issue their vehicle identification number or license plate number. If the platform is not able to verify the validity of the insurance of the vehicle, then no registration will be issued on the application.

The payment method in these cases is a credit card, and it may charge a convenience fee of $2 along with the renewal fee. Vehicle owners may renew their cars for one or two years, which may be done up to three months before the expiration. Registrations typically expire at midnight on the first owner's birth date unless it is a business.

FL License Plate Replacement

According to Section 320.0607 of Florida state law, vehicle owners may replace license plates and decals when the initial one has been stolen, defaced, damaged, or lost during transit. The law requires the application for a replacement license plate to be submitted to the local county tax collector's office for processing. There is an exception if the replacement is for a special license plate. In this case, it would have to be submitted to the Division of Motorist Services. The state provides that a vehicle owner may replace a license plate or decal at any time. Generally, the fee for the replacement of a license plate is $36.90, while that of a Decal is $34.10.

Frequently Asked Questions about Florida License Plate Lookups

Frequently Asked Questions about
Florida License Plate Lookups

  1. Is it Legal To Lookup Someone's License Plate Numbers in Florida?

    It is possible to look up a license plate number to determine vehicle histories, provided the license plate or VIN is available.

  2. Can I Lookup FL License Plates for Free?

    GoodCar allows people to access certain services for free, such as searches indicating matching plates. To get an extensive report of the vehicle's information, one has to buy it. GoodCar offers purchase options for users for as low as $2.95.

  3. Can I use Florida license plate lookup services to find out about a vehicle's accident history?

    Parties may utilize the license plate lookup to access a vehicle's accident history. This information is available under the problem check and accident history section. The problem checks also allow vehicle owners to view if the vehicle was a salvage, junk, or refurbished.

  4. Will the license plate lookup reflect the new owner's details if a vehicle has recently been sold in Florida?

    Goodcar's title records provide details on the latest vehicle associated with the license plate number.

  5. Do all Florida license plate lookups work for custom or personalized plates?

    Florida license plate lookups work for all options, including the personalized ones. Interested parties may get the same information from a personalized plate search as would be the case with a general license plate lookup. The reason is the VIN is linked to the personalized plate number regardless of the writings or type chosen. It should have the same information on the model and its history.