Dealer Consulting Services, Inc.

Our Services

Dealer Licensing

Initial dealer licensing for prospective dealers—DCS will provide initial consultation tailored for your specific needs, and walk you through making sure you meet all local and state requirements.

License Renewals

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam.

License Modifications

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions answered

Do I need a dealer license?

Although it is legal to sell your car in a person-to-person transcation, many people get deealer licenses for the following

How can I buy and sell used cars?

In order to buy and sell used cars in any capacity greater than a simple civilian person-to-person transaction as outlined above, sometimes it is advisable to obtain a Dealer License.

What are the requirements I have to meet in order to getr a dealer license?

More or less, depending on your circumstances, here is a general outline of the dealer licensing process:

• Business Registration and Legal Structure
• Location and Zoning
• Surety Bond and Insurance Policy
• Pre-Licensing Dealer Training Course
• Sales Tax Number Provisioning
• Business Tax Receipt (if applicable)
• Background Check and Fingerprinting
• Department of Motor Vehicles Inspection

Dealer Licensing Process

To legally sell used cars in Florida, you generally need to be licensed by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). The specific license for selling used vehicles is called an Independent Dealer License (VI). This allows you to buy, sell, or deal in used motor vehicles.

Business Registration and Legal Structure

Decide on your business structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation) and register your business accordingly. You will need to provide your federal employer identification number (FEIN) or social security number (SSN) during the licensing process.

Location and Zoning

Your dealership must have a physical location that complies with local zoning laws. There are specific requirements for your location, including size, office space, and signage, among others.

Surety Bond

Obtain a surety bond. For used car dealers in Florida, a $25,000 surety bond is required. This acts as a financial guarantee that your dealership will comply with state regulations and laws.

Insurance Policy

You will need garage liability insurance with a minimum of $25,000 combined single-limit liability coverage including bodily injury and property damage and $10,000 personal injury protection.

Dealer Training Course

If you are applying for the first time, you must complete a pre-licensing dealer training course. The course is designed to educate prospective dealers about the laws and regulations governing car sales in Florida.

Sales Tax Number Provisioning

Obtain a sales tax number from the Florida Department of Revenue. This allows you to collect and remit sales tax on the cars you sell. Depending on your location, you may need to obtain a local business tax receipt (formerly known as an occupational license).

Background Check

Applicants for a dealer license in Florida must undergo a background check. This requires getting fingerprinted at a state-approved fingerprint facility.

Application Submission

Complete and submit the application for a dealer license to the FLHSMV, along with the required documents and fees. This includes proof of your garage liability insurance, your surety bond, photographs of your business location, and the completion certificate of your dealer training course.

Cookie Settings

We use cookies to improve user experience. Choose what cookie categories you allow us to use. You can read more about our Cookie Policy by clicking on Cookie Policy below.

Essential (required)

These cookies enable strictly necessary cookies for security, language support and verification of identity. These cookies can’t be disabled.

Functionality

These cookies collect data to remember choices users make to improve and give a better user experience. Disabling can cause some parts of the site to not work properly.

Performance & Analytics

These cookies help us to understand how visitors interact with our website, help us measure and analyze traffic to improve our service.

Targeting & Advertising

These cookies help us to better deliver marketing content and customized ads.

View Cookie Policy