Do you have a DMV Question?

Here is a breakdown of what you likely need to do now, and steps to take for a smoother renewal in the future.

Immediate Action for Renewal
The main hurdle you are likely facing is the insurance exemption requirement for active-duty military members stationed outside of Florida. Even with USAA, if the insurance is based on his current out-of-state duty station, the Florida system may flag it as non-compliant, which prevents online renewal.

Your son, or a family member with a Power of Attorney, needs to submit specific documentation:

Military Insurance Affidavit: This is a key form that officially notifies the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) that your son is a Florida resident on active duty, stationed outside the state, and is therefore exempt from Florida’s typical insurance requirements (Personal Injury Protection/Property Damage Liability) for his Florida-registered vehicle.

Look for the form HSMV 83330 (Military Insurance Affidavit) or similar documents on the FLHSMV website under their “Military & Veterans Information” section.

Copy of Current Orders: You will likely need a copy of his official military orders showing his current duty station outside of Florida.

Current Insurance Card/Policy: Even though it’s out-of-state, a copy of the current USAA insurance card or a declaration page is needed.

️ How to Submit the Documents
Since the online system is likely blocked due to the insurance flag, you’ll need to submit the documents directly to the relevant Florida office. This is typically done through the County Tax Collector’s office for the county where the vehicle is registered, or sometimes directly to the FLHSMV.

Renew by Mail: This is often the most reliable way for out-of-state military. Include the completed Military Insurance Affidavit, a copy of his current military orders, the current insurance card, and the renewal notice (if you have it) with the required payment.

Contact the County Tax Collector: Call the specific County Tax Collector’s office to ask how they prefer to handle military renewals with out-of-state insurance. They may accept the forms via fax or a secure military email address.

Future-Proofing for Next Year
To stop this from being a perennial issue, the goal is to make sure the FLHSMV has the required military information on file and to choose a renewal option that provides the longest time frame.

1. File the Military Exemption Documents Now
Ensure the Military Insurance Affidavit and a copy of his orders are on file with the state, as this is the primary reason for the renewal blockage. Once that is processed, the system should recognize the exemption.

2. Choose Biennial (Two-Year) Renewal
Florida allows most vehicle registrations to be renewed for one year or two years. By selecting the two-year option (biennial renewal), you cut the frequency of this headache in half. You can typically select this option when renewing by mail or in person.

3. Obtain a Limited Power of Attorney
For your son’s paperwork to be processed more easily by you, he can fill out a Limited Power of Attorney form specific to motor vehicle matters (Florida form HSMV 82053). This would legally authorize you to handle the transaction in person or by mail on his behalf without him needing to be present to sign all the renewal documents.

4. Direct Communication with FLHSMV
If the local County Tax Collector’s office is unable to resolve the issue, your son (or you, with POA) should contact the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Customer Service Center.

FLHSMV Contact Number: (850) 617-2000

They manage the central records and can advise on the specific “stop” or “hold” preventing the renewal.

The most common snag is that the Florida system automatically flags any non-Florida-based insurance policy unless the Military Insurance Affidavit is actively processed with a copy of the military orders.