How to Get a Dealer License in Florida (2026)
In Florida, dealers are licensed by Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). The bond is $25,000 (motor vehicle dealer). State law sets a sales count that makes you a dealer; the exact wording is below. Every fact below links to the official page it came from.
Florida dealer license facts
| Licensing agency | Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) |
|---|---|
| License name | Independent Motor Vehicle Dealer (VI) · Wholesale Motor Vehicle Dealer (VW)source |
| Sales that trigger a license | Official threshold: 3 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “Any person who buys, sells, or deals in three or more motor vehicles in any 12-month period”source |
| Surety bond | $25,000 (motor vehicle dealer)source |
| Application / license fees | Original license fee, per main location: $300source |
| Pre-licensing education | A 16-hour Department-approved Dealer Training Seminar is required for VI (independent), VA, VW, and SD license types before licensure.source |
| Place of business | The dealer location must have an adequately equipped office (not a residence), sufficient unoccupied space to store and display the vehicles offered for sale, and be a suitable place to keep required books and records available for inspection.source |
| Wholesale-only license | Florida issues a separate Wholesale Motor Vehicle Dealer (VW) license for persons who engage exclusively in buying/selling motor vehicles at wholesale or with motor vehicle auctions; wholesale dealers are exempt from the display requirements but must maintain an inspectable records office.source |
| Last checked | 2026-09-24 |
Steps to get licensed in Florida
- Pick the license. Florida issues: Independent Motor Vehicle Dealer (VI), Wholesale Motor Vehicle Dealer (VW). A wholesale-only license is available if you only sell to dealers.
- Set up the place of business. The dealer location must have an adequately equipped office (not a residence), sufficient unoccupied space to store and display the vehicles offered for sale, and be a suitable place to keep required books and records available for inspection.
- Finish the required course. A 16-hour Department-approved Dealer Training Seminar is required for VI (independent), VA, VW, and SD license types before licensure.
- Buy the surety bond. Required amount: $25,000 (motor vehicle dealer).
- Apply to Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Published fees: Original license fee, per main location: $300.
Flipping without a license in Florida
Official threshold: 3 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “Any person who buys, sells, or deals in three or more motor vehicles in any 12-month period”source Selling past that line without a license is curbstoning.
Florida data on CarFlipIQ
FAQ
Who issues dealer licenses in Florida?
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) licenses motor vehicle dealers in Florida. License types include: Independent Motor Vehicle Dealer (VI), Wholesale Motor Vehicle Dealer (VW).
How many cars can I sell in Florida without a dealer license?
Official threshold: 3 or more sales in a year. Official wording: "Any person who buys, sells, or deals in three or more motor vehicles in any 12-month period" Confirm how it applies to you with Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
How much is the dealer bond in Florida?
The Florida dealer surety bond is $25,000 (motor vehicle dealer). You pay a surety company a yearly premium, not the full bond amount.
How much does a dealer license cost in Florida?
Published state fees: Original license fee, per main location: $300. Add the bond premium, insurance, and the cost of your place of business.
Do I need to take a course to get a Florida dealer license?
A 16-hour Department-approved Dealer Training Seminar is required for VI (independent), VA, VW, and SD license types before licensure.
Is there a wholesale-only dealer license in Florida?
Florida issues a separate Wholesale Motor Vehicle Dealer (VW) license for persons who engage exclusively in buying/selling motor vehicles at wholesale or with motor vehicle auctions; wholesale dealers are exempt from the display requirements but must maintain an inspectable records office.
Price Florida cars before you buy them
Check any vehicle against live Florida listings, then decide what to bid.
Not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) before you apply. Last checked 2026-09-24.