How Much Does It Cost to Register an RV in Florida? (2025 Fees & Easy Guide)

Owning an RV is one of the best ways to explore Florida’s sunny beaches and beautiful campgrounds. But before you hit the road, you will need to register your RV with the state. The cost to register an RV in Florida depends on several factors like its weight, whether it is your first registration, and the county you live in. Let’s break it all down so you know exactly what to expect.

What It Means to Register an RV

Registering your RV means making it legal to drive or tow on Florida roads. When you register, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) gives you a license plate, registration certificate, and decal. This shows your RV belongs to you and meets all the state’s requirements.

In Florida, RVs include motorhomes, camper vans, fifth wheels, and travel trailers. Whether your RV has its own engine or is towed behind another vehicle, it still needs a valid registration.

When You Need to Register Your RV

You must register your RV if you have recently moved to Florida, bought a new or used RV, or brought your RV into the state from somewhere else. According to the FLHSMV, you need to complete registration within 30 days of becoming a Florida resident or accepting employment in the state.

Failing to register in time can lead to fines or penalties, so it is best to handle it quickly after moving or buying your RV.

Initial Registration vs Renewal

One of the biggest factors that affects cost is whether it is your first registration or a renewal.

If you are registering your RV in Florida for the first time, there is a $225 initial registration fee. This fee is only charged once and only if you don’t already have a Florida license plate to transfer.

Renewals, on the other hand, are much cheaper. After your first year, you will only pay the basic registration fee and any small county fees, usually between $40 and $70 per year, depending on the RV’s size and where you live.

Base Registration Fees in Florida

Florida bases RV registration fees on vehicle type and weight. Here is a quick breakdown from the FLHSMV:

• RV under 4,500 lbs: $27.00

• RV over 4,500 lbs: $47.50

• Travel trailer or fifth wheel: $13.50 to $27.00

That is just the state portion. Each county adds small administrative or mailing fees, so the total can vary a little. For example, in Hillsborough County, a motorhome under 4,500 lbs costs about $39, while a larger one costs around $59.

Title Fees and Extra Charges

Besides registration, you will also need to pay title fees, which prove ownership of the RV.

• A new electronic title costs $77.25.

• A transfer or used RV title costs $85.25.

If you have a lien on your RV (meaning it is financed), expect an extra $2 lien recording fee. Some counties may add small mailing or handling charges, usually just a few dollars.

Example: Realistic Costs

Let’s say you are registering a medium-sized motorhome for the first time in Florida. Here is what you might pay:

• Base fee: $47.50

• Title fee: $85.25

• Initial registration: $225

• County/processing fees: around $15

That adds up to about $372 your first year. After that, your renewal cost would drop to around $60 per year. If your RV is smaller, like a travel trailer or camper, your first year cost might be closer to $300, and renewals as low as $40 per year.

How to Register an RV in Florida

You can register your RV at your local county tax collector’s office or through an FLHSMV-approved tag agency. Here is what to bring:

• Proof of identity (driver’s license)

• Florida insurance

• Title or proof of ownership

• Bill of sale (if newly purchased)

• VIN verification (if out-of-state)

Once you pay your fees, you will get a license plate, registration certificate, and decal for your RV. Renewals can be done in person, by mail, or online through the MyDMV Portal.

Special Exemptions and Discounts

Some RV owners may qualify for reduced fees or exemptions. For example:

• Disabled veterans may qualify for reduced registration fees.

• Government-owned or charitable organization RVs might be exempt.

• Light trailers under 2,000 lbs often don’t require a title or the $225 initial fee.

It is a good idea to ask your county tax collector’s office about any exemptions that apply to your situation.

Tips that can help you Save Money

• Transfer a plate: If you already own a Florida vehicle, transfer its plate to your RV and skip the $225 initial fee.

• Register early: Avoid late penalties by renewing before your registration expires.

• Check local fees: Some counties charge slightly less for administrative costs.

• Keep paperwork ready: Missing documents can delay registration and add extra costs later.

Common Mistakes You Should Avoid

• Forgetting to register within 30 days of moving to Florida.

• Thinking the $225 fee applies every year, it does not.

• Ignoring title fees and small county surcharges when budgeting.

• Missing insurance proof at the time of registration.

A little preparation goes a long way toward saving time and money.

Final Thoughts

Registering an RV in Florida is straightforward once you know how the fees work. From experience, most new RV owners spend about $300 to $400 in their first year, largely because of Florida’s one-time $225 initial registration fee. After that, yearly renewals are much easier on the wallet, usually between $40 and $70, depending on your RV’s weight, where you live, and whether you can transfer an existing Florida plate.

If you stay on top of your paperwork and renew before deadlines, the process is smooth and stress-free. Once it is done, you can hit the open road with confidence, ready to explore everything Florida has to offer, from the white sands of the Panhandle to the tropical beauty of the Keys.

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to register a camper trailer in Florida?

Usually between $13.50 and $27.00, depending on its weight.

2. Do I have to pay the $225 initial fee every year?

No. It’s a one-time fee for first-time registration only.

3. Can I renew my RV registration online?

Yes, Use the MyDMV Portal
to renew online for a small $2 convenience fee.

4. How often do I renew my RV registration?

Most RV registrations are renewed once a year.

5. Where do I go to register my RV?

Visit your local county tax collector’s office or an authorized tag agency.

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