Which Vehicles Are Exempt From a Florida Trip Permit?

Which Vehicles Are Exempt From a Florida Trip Permit?

Table Of Contents

• Introduction

• The Short Answer

• Who Needs a Florida Trip Permit

• Vehicles Excluded by Florida Law

• Other Situations Where No Trip Permit Is Needed

• Vehicles That Are Often Mistaken as Exempt

• How to Check Your Vehicle

• Why Many Trucking Companies Choose Our Service

• FAQ

Introduction

Florida sees heavy traffic from out-of-state trucks, buses, motor homes, and work vehicles every day. Not all of them need a Florida Trip Permit, and knowing which ones don't can save carriers time and money.

The key is a single definition in Florida law: the apportionable vehicle. Florida's trip permit rules apply to vehicles that fit this definition. Vehicles that fall outside it, or that the law specifically excludes, don't need a trip permit. This guide explains the list.

The Short Answer

Under Section 320.01, Florida Statutes, these vehicles are excluded from the definition of an apportionable vehicle, so they don't need a Florida Trip Permit:

• Recreational vehicles,

• Vehicles displaying restricted plates,

• City pickup and delivery vehicles, and

• Government-owned vehicles.

Vehicles that don't meet the weight and axle test, and trucks already apportioned for Florida, don't need one either.

Who Needs a Florida Trip Permit

Section 320.01 defines an apportionable vehicle as one used or intended for use in two or more IRP jurisdictions to transport property, or persons for hire, that:

• Is a power unit with a gross vehicle weight over 26,000 pounds, or

• Is a power unit with three or more axles, regardless of weight, or

• Is used in a combination over 26,000 pounds.

If a vehicle meets this test and its apportioned registration doesn't include Florida, it needs a Florida Trip Permit. Under Section 320.0715(2), the permit expires 10 days after issuance and lets the vehicle run in interstate or intrastate commerce in Florida during that time.

Vehicles Excluded by Florida Law

1. Recreational Vehicles. Motor homes, travel trailers, and other recreational vehicles are excluded from the apportionable vehicle definition. A family driving a large motor home to Florida for the winter does not need an IRP trip permit.

2. Vehicles With Restricted Plates. Vehicles that display restricted plates are excluded. These plates limit how and where a vehicle can be used, so the vehicle is not treated as an apportionable vehicle.

3. City Pickup and Delivery Vehicles. Florida law excludes city pickup and delivery vehicles. These are local delivery trucks, not over-the-road vehicles running between states.

4. Government-Owned Vehicles. Vehicles owned by a government are excluded from the apportionable vehicle definition.

Every one of these vehicles still needs proper registration. An exclusion from IRP doesn't mean a vehicle can run without plates.

Other Situations Where No Trip Permit Is Needed

• Light trucks. A two-axle truck at 26,000 pounds or less, not in a heavier combination, doesn't meet the apportionable vehicle test.

• Trucks apportioned for Florida. If Florida is on the cab card, the truck is already registered to run in the state.

• Trucks coming in for repairs or a new truck. Under Section 320.0715(5), the IRP rules in that section don't apply to an out-of-state commercial vehicle entering Florida solely to bring a truck in for repairs or to pick up a newly purchased one, when it is driven by its owner and not hauling a load.

• Vehicles not used in two or more jurisdictions. The definition covers vehicles used or intended for use in two or more IRP jurisdictions.

Vehicles That Are Often Mistaken as Exempt

These vehicles usually do need a Florida Trip Permit when Florida isn't on their registration:

• Charter and tour buses. The definition covers vehicles that transport persons for hire. Only government-owned buses and other excluded vehicles fall outside it.

• Three-axle trucks under 26,000 pounds. Three or more axles qualify regardless of weight.

• Pickups pulling heavy trailers. A combination over 26,000 pounds qualifies.

• Box trucks over 26,000 pounds. Size alone doesn't make a truck a city pickup and delivery vehicle.

• Leased trucks. A lease doesn't change whether the vehicle qualifies.

How to Check Your Vehicle

1. Check the Vehicle Type. Is it a recreational vehicle, a government vehicle, a restricted-plate vehicle, or a city pickup and delivery vehicle?

2. Count the Axles. Three or more axles on the power unit means it qualifies.

3. Check the Weight. Look at the gross vehicle weight and the combined weight with any trailer.

4. Look at the Cab Card. If Florida is listed, no trip permit is needed.

5. Plan the Purpose. A trip only for repairs or to pick up a new truck may fall under 320.0715(5).

6. Order Before You Enter. If you need a Florida Trip Permit, get it before the truck crosses the state line.

Why Many Trucking Companies Choose Our Service

Florida Trucking Online checks your vehicle type, axles, weight, and registration so you know right away whether you need a Florida Trip Permit, and we issue it fast when you do.

• Trip permit: $105

• Fuel permit: $120

• Oversize permit: $97

We provide support 24/7 and also work weekends and holidays.

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FAQ

Which vehicles are exempt from a Florida Trip Permit?

Recreational vehicles, vehicles with restricted plates, city pickup and delivery vehicles, and government-owned vehicles are excluded from the apportionable vehicle definition.

Do motor homes need a Florida Trip Permit?

No. Recreational vehicles are excluded under Section 320.01.

Do charter buses need a Florida Trip Permit?

Usually yes, if Florida isn't on their registration. The definition covers vehicles that carry persons for hire.

How long is a Florida Trip Permit valid?

It expires 10 days after issuance.

How much does your Florida Trip Permit service cost?

Our Florida Trip Permit service is $105.

For more information, visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.