FAQs

Section 320.072, Florida Statutes, requires a fee of $225 to be imposed upon the initial application for registration on certain motor vehicle registration transactions. Whether the vehicle is new or used doesn't matter. The fee is due on any private-use automobile, any lightweight truck or any motor home unless the vehicle being registered is a replacement for a vehicle that has been disposed of in the same category of vehicles.

Section 320.07(4)(a), Florida Statutes, specifically requires the delinquent fee to be imposed on any applicant who fails to renew a registration before the end of the month in which renewal registration is due.

The delinquent fee is applied beginning on the 11th calendar day of the month succeeding the renewal period.

Section 320.02(12), Florida Statutes, requires registration or re-registration to be withheld on any motor vehicle whether the owner or co-owner of the vehicle has a suspension against the driver license. It appears that it was the intent of the legislature for fines and parking violations to be paid regardless to which co-owner committed the violation.

Registrations issued in the name of an individual expire at midnight on the day of their birth date, except for mobile homes and commercial vehicles. Mobile homes expire at midnight on the last day of the month of December. Commercial vehicles expire at midnight on the last day of the month of May (if registered semiannually. or December (for annual registration).

Registration issued in a company name are assigned a designated month and the registration expires at midnight on the last day of that month. 

Yes, the individual renewing your license plate must provide proof of insurance, a copy of your current registration or a renewal notice and pay the proper fees. Fees are based on the weight of the vehicle and the type of plate being renewed.

Yes, failure to maintain the mandatory coverage may result in the suspension of your driver license and registration.  Section 320.02 and 627.733, Florida Statutes, requires personal injury protection and property damage liability to be continuously maintained throughout the registration period.

No, a license plate cannot be given or transferred to someone else. Section 320.0609(1)(a), Florida Statutes, requires that the registration license plate and certificate of registration shall be issued to and remain in the name of the owner of the vehicle registered.

Yes, before you register a vehicle with at least four wheels in Florida, you must show proof of personal injury protection and property damage liability automobile insurance. Proof of PIP/PDL coverage must be issued by an insurance company licnesed in Flroida to sell policies.

Section 320.0605, Florida Statutes, requires the registration certificate or an official copy to be in the possession of the operator of the motor vehicle or carried in the vehicle at all times. Therefore, either way is permissible as long as a copy can be produced for law enforcement upon demand. 

The "cane pole law" allows a resident to fish in the county of his/her residence with live or natural bait, using poles or hand lines that are not equipped with a reel, for non-commercial purposes. However, a valid fishing license is required to fish by any method in a Fish Management Area. No license is required to fish in a private fishing pond.

Annual recreational hunting and fishing licenses expire one year from the date of issuance. The expiration date is printed on all the licenses.

The following types of nets may be used for recreational purposes in Florida waters: bully nets (for lobster only), landing or dip nets, cast nest, push nets, beach or haul seines. Recreational seines may have a maximum of 500 sq. ft. of mesh area and no larger than a 2" stretch mesh. 

If you are fishing from a vessel- guide, charter, party boat or head boat with a valid recreational fishing license, you don't need a license.

Starting July 1, 2020, angler age 16 and older (including those exempt form license requirements) fishing from a private boat, who plan to harvest, possess, or land specific reef fish must sign up to participate in the State Reef Fish Survey by adding the State Reef Fish Angler Designation to their licnese or customer account.

Youth under the age of 16 do not need a fishing license.

Florida residents age 65 or older only need a Florida Driver License or Identification Card to prove residency and age. They are not required to purchase the following recreational licenses and permits- salwater fishing, freshwater fishing, hunting, snook, lobster, deer, management area, muzzleloading, turkey, archery, crossbow, and Florida waterfowl.

Applications for vessel registration and title certificates (original or duplicate) are to be filed by the vessel owner(s) with the county Tax Collector's office.

The purchaser(s) of a new vessel have 30 days in which to apply for registration and title through the county Tax Collector's office. During this 30 day grace period, the owner is required to have aboard his/her vessel a bill of sale with proof of the date of purchase.

Visit the state's website for details: Numbering and Decals - FLHSMV

Out-of-state registration certificates and numbers for vessels owned by military personnel on active duty in Florida are valid in Florida until their expiration date. Then they must be registered and titled in Florida in order to be operated on state waterways.

Yes, all vessels used on public waterways with any type of motor must be titled and registered.

If the non-motor powered vessel is less than 16 feet in length, it's not required to be registered or titled.

Yes, sales tax must be paid on the amount entered on the title, unless an itemized bill of sale listing the price of each item is submitted with the application. If properly executed itemized bill is submitted, the new owner will only pay sales tax on the hull/vessel and trailer. 

Florida recognizes valid registration certificates and numbers issued to visiting boaters for a period of 90 days. An owner who intends to use his/her vessel in Florida longer than 90 days must register it with a county Tax Collector. However, he/she may retain the out-of-state registration number if he/she plans to return to his/her home state within a reasonable period of time.

Bring in an old registration or the hull ID# off the vessel and apply for a duplicate title. If you want to sell it at the same time have the new purchaser with you and he/she can apply for his/her title the same day.

You must be at least 5 years old to have an ID issued in Florida. All minors applying for an ID must provide the Real ID documents and be accompanied by the parent or guardian. Please visit WhatToBring for the list of required documents needed.

No. Florida law requires the surrender of all licenses or identification cards in your possession. 

Only written test are completed at our office. Physical driving tests are given at various testing throughout the state. 

Yes, the proof of your class will be submitted to the state database, typically within in 24-hours after completation. 

Check your online renewal eligibility at: FLHSMV - MyDMV Portal

Florida law requires you to update the address on your driver license within 30 days after moving.

No, however in order to legally operate a 2-3 wheel motor cycle with more than 50cc, the driver must have a motorcycle endorsement.

The Tax Collector has no involvement in determining the amount of the bill and serves only as the collection agent. The Walton County Property Appraiser assesses the value of the property and the millage rate is determined by the various taxing authorities.

Delinquent taxes must be paid in the form of cash, cashier’s check, money order, debit card, certified funds or credit card.

Walton County Tax Collector
PO Box 510
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435

For Overnight Mail:
Walton County Tax Collector
571 US Hwy 90E
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433

If there are no bidders for the delinquent taxes, each applicable tax certificate is issued in the name of Walton County. In addition, (1) a tax certificate representing less than $100 in delinquent taxes on property that has been granted homestead exemption can only be sold to Walton County at the maximum rate of interest allowed by law (18%), and (2) when the delinquent taxes are on subsurface rights, the fee owner to which these subsurface rights are attached has the right to purchase the tax certificate at the maximum rate of interest provided by law (18%) before bids are accepted for the sale of such certificates.

Notify the Walton County Property Appraiser in writing, providing the new owner’s name and address, if possible. A Property Appraiser’s Name/Address Change Form can be printed from the Property Appraiser’s website. The Tax Collector is not permitted to make ownership or address changes or any other changes to the tax roll unless instructed by the Property Appraiser to do so through a Certificate of Correction.

Property tax notices are mailed annually on November 1st. Payments are accepted online, via mail, or in-person. 

To apply for this exemption, you must contact the Walton County Property Appraiser’s Office at (850)892-8123.