Florida Vehicle Registration Cost Comparison: Montana LLC vs. Florida Registration

Is Registering Your Vehicle in Florida the Most Affordable Option?

If you’re a Florida resident thinking about purchasing a high-value vehicle—whether it’s a luxury car, RV, or collector model—your registration decision could make a difference of thousands of dollars. Registration fees and taxes are often calculated based on vehicle value, MSRP, model year, and vehicle type, so understanding these factors is crucial when estimating your total costs. On the surface, registering a vehicle in your home state may seem straightforward. But when you start adding up sales tax, registration fees, and insurance premiums, a different picture emerges.

That’s why in 2025, more Florida vehicle owners are looking west—specifically to Montana—for a legal, financially strategic solution. Forming a Montana LLC to register high-dollar vehicles has become a proven way to reduce upfront and ongoing costs.

In this guide, we compare the real numbers behind registering vehicles in Florida vs. using a Montana LLC. What you’ll find is more than just a tax strategy—it’s a complete cost-control model that can reshape how you approach vehicle ownership. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees and requirements, consult the official Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles page.

1. Sales Tax: Florida’s Biggest Financial Hit

The sales tax burden is often the largest cost driver for vehicle buyers in Florida.

Florida applies:

• A statewide 6% sales tax on all vehicle purchases, as listed by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
• Additional county surtaxes, pushing totals to up to 8.5% depending on location

If you’re buying a $120,000 vehicle in Miami-Dade or Broward County, expect to shell out nearly $10,200 in sales tax alone—before you even pay title, tag, or insurance.

Montana, on the other hand, imposes no sales tax at all. This includes vehicles purchased and registered through a Montana-based LLC. By purchasing the vehicle under a Montana LLC and registering it in-state, Florida residents can legally bypass thousands in tax costs.

On a $150,000 purchase, this difference can equal $10,000–$13,000 in immediate savings.

For the most current sales tax rates and fee schedules, consult the official department page of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

2. Annual Registration Fees: Comparing the Year-to-Year Drain

In Florida, vehicle registration isn’t a one-time expense—it’s a recurring hit to your wallet.

Here’s how it breaks down:

• $225 initial registration fee (for first-time Florida title)
• Annual registration fee ranging from $27.60 to over $90, based on vehicle weight and vehicle type. The registration fee also varies depending on model year and, for certain vehicles like RVs or trailers, length.
• Plate fee (required for all registrations), which covers the cost of your license plate and is a key component of the total registration cost
• Additional fees for specialty tags, renewals, and title work

While the costs may seem manageable per year, they add up significantly over 5–10 years, especially for heavier vehicles like Class A RVs or luxury SUVs.

Montana simplifies the process. Most passenger vehicles are eligible for:

• Flat annual rates, often lower than Florida’s
• Permanent registration options for older vehicles or RVs
• No weight-based fee increases

The result? A lower, more predictable long-term cost structure—ideal for owners who plan to hold on to their vehicle for the long haul.

3. Insurance Premiums: A Cost People Often Forget

Florida ranks among the top five most expensive states for auto insurance. Between no-fault rules, dense traffic, and high fraud rates, drivers in Florida routinely face premiums that are 30–50% above the national average.

Insurance becomes even more complex—and expensive—for high-value or exotic vehicles.

Montana doesn’t control your insurance premiums, but registering your vehicle through a Montana LLC opens the door to lower-cost policies, especially if the vehicle is:

• Garaged outside Florida for most of the year
• Not used as a daily driver
• Insured through specialty or commercial carriers that understand LLC structures

Over the course of a decade, the insurance savings alone can reach five figures, depending on usage and storage location.

When comparing insurance rates across both states, expect an annual difference of $1,000 to $3,000 or more for high-value vehicles.

4. High-End Cars and RVs: Where the Savings Skyrocket

Montana LLC registration is especially effective when applied to luxury cars, supercars, exotic imports, and RVs—where the numbers work best for high-value motor vehicles. When you apply for a new title or registration for these motor vehicles, the procedures and title fees apply regardless of the vehicle's age, but the age can impact depreciation rates and registration fees. If the vehicle is financed, a lien may be recorded, which can result in additional title fees, especially for electronic titles. You can choose between electronic titles, paper titles, fast titles, or have a printed or mailed title, each with its own fee structure. If you need to transfer ownership, be aware that a transfer fee applies, and if the title is not transferred within the required timeframe, a late fee will be charged. Replacement plates or decals may also be needed for high-value vehicles, with specific replacement fees.

Let’s take two real-world scenarios:

Exotic Car Example:

• Purchase price: $150,000
• Florida sales tax (avg 7.5%): $11,250
• Montana sales tax: $0
• Montana registration (annual): ~$300
• Florida registration (first year): ~$350 + $225 new fee

Total first-year savings: Over $11,000

RV Example:

• Purchase price: $200,000
• Florida tax & registration: $17,000+ upfront + $200–300/yr
• Montana LLC registration: $0 sales tax, flat fee, and possible permanent registration

These vehicles are particularly well-suited to Montana LLC structures because they are:

• Used seasonally or across multiple states
• Not garaged full-time in Florida
• Cost-prohibitive when taxed at Florida rates

5. Additional Benefits: Asset Protection and Privacy

Beyond the numbers, Montana LLCs offer additional non-financial perks that Florida registration doesn’t:

• Limited liability protection — the vehicle is titled to a business entity, not you personally
• Privacy — your name doesn’t appear in public DMV records tied to the vehicle
• Dispute insulation — reduces exposure in lawsuits or personal liability claims

While these may not be the primary motivators, they’re added value—especially for collectors, public figures, or high-net-worth individuals who prefer discretion.

6. Long-Term Value and ROI

Even when you factor in the cost of forming and maintaining a Montana LLC—which can range from $500 to $1,000 per year—the overall savings are substantial.

Let’s look at a 10-year outlook for a high-value vehicle: