Florida has a statewide set of updates taking effect July 1, 2026 that change how many driver license and vehicle services are handled through FLHSMV (DHSMV) and county tax collector offices. These updates come from HB 961 (Chapter 2025-125, Laws of Florida) and focus on administrative processes like appointments, document delivery, permits, and restricted driving privileges.
Even though these updates are not “rules of the road,” they can change the way you book appointments, replace documents, renew permits, and maintain restricted driving privileges.
DMV Appointment Scalping is Banned
Third parties selling appointment slots has been a growing frustration in many places. Starting July 1, 2026, a person may not sell or offer to sell a service appointment with a DHSMV office or a tax collector office (when acting as DHSMV’s agent) unless authorized in writing by DHSMV or the tax collector. Violations can be treated as a first-degree misdemeanor.
Expect more emphasis on booking directly through official DHSMV or tax collector channels, and fewer paid “middlemen” listings online.
More Mail and Courier Options for Documents
HB 961 expands how certain documents can be delivered after a transaction, which should reduce extra in-person trips.
Title documents
- Tax collectors (as authorized DHSMV agents) may deliver original or corrected certificates of title by mail or make them available for pickup at tax collector offices.
Registrations and plates
- Tax collectors may deliver items like registration certificates, renewals, duplicate registrations, license plates, mobile home decals, and validation decals by courier or U.S. mail if requested.
Disabled Parking Permit Updates
HB 961 updates disabled parking permit rules and renewals. Two notable changes highlighted in DHSMV guidance include:
- Lifetime disabled parking permits may be issued in limited circumstances, including cases involving permanent dismemberment or amputation.
- DHSMV may renew a disabled permanent parking permit for another 4-year period without requiring an additional certificate of disability in certain situations.
This reduces repeat paperwork for some renewals and clarifies longer-term options for people with qualifying permanent disabilities.
Hardship License Consequences Get Stricter
A hardship license, also called a restricted driving privilege, may be granted when someone’s full driving privilege is suspended or revoked, allowing limited driving for necessities like work, school, or medical needs.
Under this change, if someone violates the restrictions, DHSMV guidance indicates the restricted privilege can be revoked, and the person may be ineligible for any driving privilege for the remainder of the 5-year revocation period.
In other words, compliance matters a lot more, and even a small violation can trigger severe consequences.
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- State-approved teen driver education
- Professional driving school for adults
- Swerve Driving School’s comprehensive resources for parents