This bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes concerning fees associated with services provided by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and tax collectors. Key changes include allowing tax collectors to retain certain fees, such as expedited service fees, mail service charges, and processing fees for specialty license plates, rather than depositing them into the Highway Safety Operating Trust Fund. Additionally, a specified percentage of fees from motor vehicle registration transactions and various identification card services will also be retained by tax collectors. The bill aims to streamline financial processes and enhance the role of tax collectors in fee collection.

Moreover, the bill introduces a new hazardous-materials endorsement fee of $50, which will be retained by tax collectors, and modifies the distribution of driver license reinstatement fees. It establishes a nonrefundable reinstatement fee structure based on the number of reinstatements, with fees set at $150 for the first reinstatement, $250 for the second, and $500 for subsequent reinstatements within a three-year period. If processed by the tax collector, they will retain the fees minus a general revenue service charge. The bill is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1358 Filed: 319.324, 320.072, 320.08056, 322.29, 324.0221, 324.071