Kei Vehicle Laws in Florida

Florida is one of the easiest states in the country to register and drive a kei vehicle. The state has no annual safety inspection requirement, a straightforward titling process, and a generally permissive attitude toward imported vehicles that meet the 25-year FMVSS exemption. For more details, check our complete guide to importing a kei truck from Japan. This combination makes Florida a popular destination for kei truck and kei car owners.

Disclaimer: Laws and regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local Florida county tax collector's office or the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) before purchasing or registering a kei vehicle. Be sure to review our pre-purchase inspection checklist.

Overview

Florida allows kei trucks and kei cars to be titled and registered for on-road use. Unlike some states that impose strict speed or road-type limitations, Florida does not have a state-level speed restriction specifically for kei vehicles. However, the practical limitation remains that most kei trucks have top speeds of 60-70 mph (and often less when loaded), which can make sustained highway driving uncomfortable or impractical.

Kei vehicles that are 25 years or older are exempt from FMVSS requirements, which is the primary pathway for legal importation and registration. Florida's title process treats these vehicles similarly to other imported cars, making the experience relatively painless for owners who have their paperwork in order.

Registration Process and Requirements

To register a kei vehicle in Florida, you will need the following:

• Title or Foreign Ownership Document: A valid title from another U.S. state, or the original Japanese export certificate (deregistration record) with a certified English translation. If the vehicle has never been titled in the U.S., you will need to apply for an original Florida title.
• Bill of Sale: Showing the purchase price, date of sale, and buyer/seller information.
• Customs Documentation: CBP Form 7501 (Entry Summary), EPA Form 3520-1, and DOT Form HS-7 showing the 25-year exemption.
• VIN Verification: Florida requires a VIN verification for vehicles being titled for the first time in the state. This can be completed by a law enforcement officer, a licensed Florida dealer, or a Florida DHSMV-authorized agent.
• Proof of Insurance: Florida requires minimum insurance coverage of $10,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 Property Damage Liability (PDL). Florida is a no-fault insurance state, so PIP coverage is mandatory.
• Odometer Disclosure: Required for vehicles with fewer than 10 years on the odometer. Most kei vehicles eligible under the 25-year rule are exempt from this requirement.

Step-by-Step Registration

1. Gather all import and customs documentation from your broker or importer.
2. Obtain Florida auto insurance meeting minimum PIP and PDL requirements.
3. Visit your local county tax collector's office with all documents.
4. Complete the VIN verification if the vehicle has not been previously titled in the U.S.
5. Submit the title application (Form HSMV 82040) along with all supporting documents.
6. Pay the applicable title, registration, and tax fees.
7. Receive your Florida title and license plate.

Restrictions

• No State Inspection: Florida does not require an annual safety or emissions inspection, which removes a significant hurdle present in other states. See our complete state-by-state guide for details.
• No Specific Speed Restriction: Florida does not impose a state-level speed limit specifically for kei vehicles. However, if a kei truck cannot safely maintain highway speeds, operating it on interstates or high-speed roads could result in a citation for impeding traffic.
• Standard Road Rules Apply: Kei vehicles must comply with all standard Florida traffic laws, including equipment requirements such as headlights, taillights, turn signals, mirrors, and a horn.
• County Ordinances: While Florida is generally uniform in its vehicle registration laws, some municipalities may have local ordinances regarding slow-moving vehicles on certain roads. Check with your local government if you are unsure.

Cost Breakdown

First-year costs, excluding insurance and the purchase price, typically range from $200 to $600 depending on the vehicle's weight class and declared value. For more guidance, see our kei truck insurance guide.

Recent Legislative Changes

Florida has not enacted legislation specifically targeting kei vehicles in recent legislative sessions. The state continues to rely on the federal 25-year FMVSS exemption as the primary gating factor for imported vehicle eligibility. As more model years of kei vehicles age into the 25-year window, the variety of legally importable kei vehicles continues to grow.

Florida's elimination of its safety inspection program years ago continues to benefit kei vehicle owners, as it removes what can be a significant barrier in other states where inspection stations may be unfamiliar with kei vehicles. If you're near the border, you may also want to check kei truck laws in Georgia and Alabama.

Tips from Local Owners

• Florida is a top-tier state for kei vehicles. The combination of no inspection, easy titling, and warm weather (no salt on roads) makes Florida one of the best states to own a kei truck or kei car.
• Insurance can be tricky. Despite Florida's easy registration process, finding an insurance company willing to write a policy for a kei vehicle can take some shopping around. Progressive, Hagerty, and some specialty insurers are commonly recommended by Florida kei owners.
• Watch for rust on imports. Florida's humidity can accelerate rust on vehicles that were already exposed to salt in Japan. Inspect the frame carefully before purchasing, especially on trucks from snowy Japanese prefectures.
• Tax collector offices vary. While the process is standardized, some tax collector offices are more experienced with kei vehicles than others. Owners in the Tampa Bay, Orlando, and South Florida areas generally report smooth experiences due to higher volumes of imports in those regions.
• Use it as your daily driver. Many Florida kei car owners use vehicles like the Suzuki Cappuccino, Honda Beat, or Autozam AZ-1 as daily drivers for short-to-medium commutes. The mild climate and flat terrain are well-suited to these small vehicles.
• Join the Florida Mini Truck community. Active groups on Facebook and local car meets regularly feature kei vehicles. These communities are excellent resources for finding kei-friendly mechanics, insurance agents, and parts suppliers.

Find verified kei truck dealers in Florida in our dealer directory.