What Is IFTA?
IFTA is an agreement among the lower 48 states and Canadian provinces that streamlines fuel tax collection for commercial carriers operating across state lines.
Under IFTA:
- Carriers file one quarterly fuel tax return
- Fuel taxes are distributed to the states where miles were driven
- One IFTA license and decal set is recognized across participating jurisdictions
Who Needs an IFTA Permit in Florida?
Florida requires an IFTA license for qualified commercial vehicles operating interstate that meet any of these conditions:
- Two axles with a gross vehicle weight over 26,000 pounds
- Three or more axles regardless of weight
- Combination vehicles exceeding 26,000 pounds GVW
Vehicles Usually Exempt From IFTA
Florida exempts:
- Recreational vehicles not used commercially
- Certain government-owned vehicles
Florida IFTA License and Decals
Florida issues:
- One annual IFTA license
- Two decals for each qualified vehicle
The decals must be displayed on both sides of the truck cab, and a copy of the IFTA license must remain inside the vehicle.
IFTA credentials are valid for the calendar year and must be renewed annually.
Recordkeeping Rules for Florida Truckers
Florida requires carriers to maintain detailed operational records, including:
- Trip reports
- Fuel receipts
- Mileage records
- Bulk fuel records
- Quarterly summaries
IFTA records generally must be retained for four years.
Temporary Fuel Permits as an Alternative
Some truckers that do not want full IFTA registration may obtain temporary fuel permits instead. These are commonly used by:
- Occasional interstate operators
- One-time trips
- Carriers not regularly crossing state lines
Common IFTA Compliance Mistakes
Truckers often encounter problems from:
- Missing fuel receipts
- Incorrect mileage tracking
- Late quarterly filings
- Improper decal display
- Operating without valid IFTA credentials