Florida · Titles & temp tags

How duplicate titles and temporary tags work in Florida.

Dealer‑focused summary of missing titles, replacement titles, and temporary tags as handled by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Always confirm the latest rules on the official state sites linked below.

High‑level dealer workflow Pairs with official Florida references Not legal advice

Duplicate / replacement titles

Florida duplicate title workflow

In Florida, titles and temp tags are handled by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Dealers mostly interact through county tax collectors or license plate agents using FLHSMV forms and the Electronic Temporary Registration (ETR) system.

When you need a duplicate Florida title

Original Florida paper title is lost, stolen, destroyed, or never received ("lost in transit").
The title is held electronically and you need a negotiable paper title to sell or retitle the vehicle.

Dealer workflow – using HSMV 82101

Confirm the vehicle is last titled in Florida and verify the current record in FRVIS.
Have the titled owner or lienholder complete HSMV 82101 – Application for Duplicate or Lost in Transit/Reassignment Title.
For titles never received from Tallahassee, mark the "lost in transit" section; if within 180 days of issuance, the duplicate fee is typically waived.
Submit the form with any required fees to the local tax collector or license plate agent; consider Fast Title where you need same‑day paper.
Log the request and do not retail-deliver the unit until a negotiable Florida title (or clean out‑of‑state title) is in hand.

Official form and instructions: HSMV 82101 – Application for Duplicate or Lost in Transit/Reassignment Title and FLHSMV duplicate title guidance via county tax collectors.

Temporary tags

Florida dealer temp tags & ETR

Florida dealers issue paper temporary license plates backed by the Electronic Temporary Registration (ETR) system. Standard dealer temp tags are generally valid for 30 days, and ETR is mandatory for authorized issuers.

Temp tags are created and activated through an approved ETR provider tied into FLHSMV systems.
Dealers must submit title and registration work within the required window after sale; improper use of multiple tags on the same vehicle is closely watched.
Audit risk is high where ETR records, deal jackets, and title‑submission dates don't line up.

Dealer checklist – Florida temp tags

Confirm insurance and buyer ID, then issue the appropriate temp tag through your ETR provider.
Print and affix the paper temp plate; make sure the expiration date is clearly legible.
Submit title and registration work promptly so the permanent plate can be issued before the temp tag expires.

See FLHSMV's pages on license plates & registration and the Electronic Temporary Registration (ETR) system for full program rules.