Florida Laws on Out of State Registration:

Are Montana-Plated Vehicles Legal in Florida? Here’s What the Law Says in 2025

Navigating the Legal Landscape of Out-of-State Motor Vehicle Registration

With rising vehicle purchase costs, high insurance premiums, and substantial registration fees, many Florida residents have started to explore alternative ways to legally register their vehicles. One of the most popular methods involves using a Montana LLC to legally register a vehicle out of state—and take advantage of Montana’s zero sales tax policy. But one question continues to surface: Is it actually legal to drive a Montana-plated vehicle in Florida if you live here full-time?

Florida law requires proper motor vehicle registration for all vehicles operated by residents. A motor vehicle registered in Florida must comply with all state documentation and insurance requirements. Initial registration must be completed in accordance with state requirements, including submission of required documentation and payment of applicable fees. Florida charges an initial registration fee of $225 for first-time registrations or when transferring a vehicle from out of state, which applies if the owner does not have a Florida license plate or record of a previous registration.

This article breaks down what Florida law says in 2025, who qualifies to register a vehicle through a Montana LLC, what risks exist, and how vehicle owners can legally use this strategy without running afoul of enforcement or insurance regulations. When registering through a Montana LLC, the registration license plate number issued by Montana is what appears on the vehicle, and this is a key part of the legal compliance process. Among the required documentation for registration, the vehicle registration certificate is an essential document issued upon successful registration and serves as official proof of compliance.

1. Understanding Florida's Residency and Registration Requirements

Florida law mandates that residents register their vehicles in-state. According to Florida Statute §320.02(1), every owner or person in charge of a motor vehicle that is operated on the roads of this state shall register the vehicle in this state. Each motor vehicle owner must provide accurate personal and vehicle information as part of the registration process. Additionally, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) specifies that new residents must obtain a Florida vehicle registration within 10 days of establishing residency, which includes becoming employed, placing children in public school, or establishing a domicile in Florida. New residents must also obtain auto insurance that meets Florida’s minimum requirements, including personal injury protection and property damage liability coverage.

The insured's insurance company must be listed on the proof of insurance submitted for registration. Proving financial responsibility is essential, and accepted documentation such as proof of insurance, bonds, or other approved forms must be provided. Financial responsibility insurance prior to registration is required to demonstrate compliance with state law. Bodily injury liability insurance is also required for compliance with state law. Vehicle identification number verification is a standard part of registering an out-of-state vehicle in Florida to ensure the accuracy of vehicle records.

However, the situation becomes more nuanced when a vehicle is owned by a Montana LLC rather than an individual.

2. Ownership Structure: Montana LLCs and Vehicle Registration

A Montana LLC is considered a separate legal entity. When the LLC owns the vehicle, the registration technically belongs to a business—not a Florida resident. Since the LLC is registered in Montana, and Montana does not require the owner to be a state resident, the vehicle qualifies for Montana plates, regardless of where the LLC’s members live.

In this structure:

• The LLC holds the title and registration.
• The driver is listed as an authorized user.
• The insurance policy must clearly state the insured’s insurance company and confirm that the vehicle insured is covered for its actual use and garaging location.

A licensed motor vehicle dealer can assist with the registration process and may be exempt from certain verification procedures.

When submitting documentation for registration, a motor vehicle dealer is responsible for submitting required documents and verifying vehicle identification numbers for new or out-of-state vehicles. If standard documents are unavailable, such other proof may be requested to verify ownership or insurance.

Therefore, it is legal to drive a Montana-plated vehicle in Florida if it is owned by a Montana LLC, and the LLC is legitimate.

The insurance policy must be valid and meet the requirements of both Montana and Florida if the vehicle is operated in both states.

3. Common Misconceptions and Enforcement Realities

A common misconception is that driving a vehicle with out-of-state plates in Florida automatically constitutes fraud. However, enforcement typically only comes into play under specific circumstances, such as:

• Failing to insure the vehicle in accordance with its use.
• Fraudulently misrepresenting ownership or residency.
• Using a fake LLC or invalid documentation.
• Providing false or fraudulent representations or attempting to furnish false proof during the vehicle registration or insurance process. In these cases, certain documents submitted during registration may constitute prima facie evidence of compliance, but fraudulent submissions do not.

Submitting such false proof is a criminal offense and can result in penalties, registration denial, or license plate cancellation. When submitting proof for registration, affidavits or certificates may constitute sufficient proof for registration purposes, provided they meet the legal requirements.

Florida authorities do not currently operate a system of automated license plate readers (ALPR) targeting Montana plates, nor is there a known statewide effort to crack down on LLC-owned vehicles unless there’s a clear reason to investigate. In verifying compliance, Florida law recognizes specific methods constituting sufficient proof to establish vehicle identification, insurance coverage, and ownership legitimacy.

In short, there is no law that makes driving a Montana-plated vehicle illegal, so long as:

• The vehicle is legally registered.
• The insurance matches the actual use.
• The ownership structure is legitimate and documented.

4. Personal Injury Protection Insurance: The Crucial Compliance Factor

Even if the registration is legal, improper insurance coverage can raise red flags. A vehicle registered to a Montana LLC must:

• Be insured by a company that recognizes LLC ownership.
• Reflect the true garaging location (if the vehicle is kept in Florida, it must be insured accordingly).
• List both the LLC and the driver on the policy.
• Provide proof of personal injury protection benefits during registration, as required by state law.

Florida law requires personal injury protection insurance and property damage liability insurance as part of the financial responsibility insurance needed for vehicle registration. Combined bodily liability insurance is often required to meet state liability standards. New residents are encouraged to obtain coverage through a licensed Florida insurance agent to ensure compliance with state laws.

This ensures the vehicle is covered in the event of an accident and that no insurance fraud is being committed.

When registering a vehicle, a card or insurance policy must be presented as proof of coverage. The issue arises not from registration—but from mismatched or misleading insurance coverage. Many vehicle owners who face legal trouble did not get in trouble for the Montana plate, but rather for not telling their insurer where the car is really kept.

5. License Plate, Seasonal Use, and Snowbird Exceptions

Florida is home to many snowbirds—residents who live in the state only part of the year. These individuals often keep high-value vehicles stored in another state or only bring them to Florida for the winter months.

In these situations, registering the vehicle through a Montana LLC is often the most practical and legal option, because:

• The vehicle is stored or used primarily out of state.
• If a motor vehicle is used solely outside of Florida, it may not be subject to Florida registration requirements.
• Florida does not consider it “domiciled” in-state, and such a motor vehicle, when not domiciled in Florida, is generally exempt from in-state registration.
• Insurance can be structured around its true use.

When registering a vehicle in Montana, license plates are issued upon registration and are valid for a set period, typically ten years. The registration period determines how long the registration and license plate remain valid before renewal is required. Renewal registration is necessary at the end of each registration period to maintain the vehicle’s legal status and avoid penalties. If the original license plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement license plate can be obtained by following the appropriate procedures and submitting the required documentation.

So long as the individual isn’t garaging the vehicle full-time in Florida, and has appropriate insurance, the vehicle is likely not subject to Florida’s registration requirement. However, such vehicle must still comply with the registration and insurance laws of the state where it is primarily used.

6. When Florida May Investigate

While uncommon, Florida may investigate vehicles with out-of-state plates if:

• The vehicle receives multiple traffic violations or toll citations.
• There is evidence that the vehicle is parked or garaged full-time in Florida.
• Insurance fraud is suspected due to mismatched policies.
• The vehicle exceeds a certain gross vehicle weight, which may subject it to additional registration or tax requirements.

Enforcement actions may also target unattended motor vehicles with out-of-state plates, especially if they appear to be unregistered or improperly registered.

During an investigation, a duly constituted police officer may be required to verify the vehicle identification number (VIN) shown on registration documents to ensure compliance and prevent fraud. The officer may also request such prescribed proof, including affidavits or official documentation, to verify vehicle identity, insurance coverage, or other owner obligations. A valid self insurance certificate may be accepted as proof of financial responsibility during the investigation.

Even then, most investigations are complaint-based or arise from a pattern of behavior. There is no widespread enforcement mechanism that automatically flags Montana LLC plates on Florida roads.

7. Final Thoughts on Legality and Peace of Mind

For Florida residents who own high-value vehicles, RVs, exotic cars, or trailers, registering through a Montana LLC remains a legal and viable strategy—as long as the ownership structure is genuine, the insurance is compliant, and the vehicle is used or stored in accordance with what’s declared.

It’s essential to view this strategy as a matter of proper business structuring and legal registration—not as a loophole or trick. When handled properly, the Montana LLC method offers not just tax savings, but also peace of mind, privacy, and protection.

If you’re a Florida resident considering a Montana LLC for vehicle registration, understanding the legal framework is the first step. When structured correctly, this approach is fully legal, and often more secure than many assume.

Want to know if it’s the right move for your situation? Now may be the time to explore your options with a trusted professional who understands both the Montana and Florida legal landscapes. Contact Montana LLC Company Today