FL title and tag complete!

[65 Cobra Dude]

I finally got my car tagged and titled in Charlotte County, FL today. It’s titled as a 2024 assembled from parts (ASPT).. The process was simple but required a bit of time. I emailed Debra ([email protected]), or call 941-723-4551, from the Palmetto, FL office and she sent me an email with the documents required. She highlighted exactly what I need to fill out and I complied. HSMV 82040 MV Rev 07/23 and HSM84490, 07/24. Only, and I repeat only, fill out what is highlighted. I then had to get a certified weight slip. I went to the local Pilot Truck Stop (Punta Gorda) and had her weighed. I trailered her there and she weighed 2540 lbs (big block, 3 link and insulated interior and trunk). I got 2 copies of the completed form from them for a total of $13. Got 2 because the state lost my first one last time and I didn’t want to have to load up again to get a new weight. I sent the original weight slip, check for $40, copy of receipt from FFR for the kit, copy of receipt for engine and transmission and required forms listed above. I got a call from Tommy from the tag office setting up my inspection. They only inspect on Tuesdays here. Tommy offered a temporary 10 day tag to drive it to the inspection but I decided to trailer again because of the scattered rain here. I went to the inspection today and it was easy. Nice guy came and looked at my car, still in trailer, and said, nice car, where do you want VIN. Pretty simple, no safety checks, no wipers. At this point, you have the option to get it titled and tagged there and then (if you have insurance) but they don’t supply Veterans plates there so I decided to go to my local tag office. They gave me a manilla envelope with do not open stamped all over it. I got home, unloaded trailer and put the car away. I then called my insurance company (American Modern for GEICO) to document my newly acquired VIN and get the insurance updated to the new VIN (insured for $65k agreed upon value, $1260/yr). I then took my insurance card, manilla envelope and a check for 7% of the costs for the kit and the motor/transmission ($2645) and walked out with a legal title, registration and plate. I have been working with FFR, Dave Smith, and Tallahassee HQ on fighting for replica status on these cars. I sat down with the boss at our local tag office and we concluded ASPT is the only way to go for our FFR cars (this after I had 5 FFR cars titled here as replicas). The new laws require this because a replica is reserved for cars that are complete by the manufacturer. It's done and legal and I’m tired of fighting the state for replica status. I, like many others are worried about possibly selling their cars and the acquiring state requiring safety inspections as a 2024. I sold a 2021 ASPT Coupe to a guy from Missouri and it went through without issue. Sorry for the long post, I’m just happy to be finally legal. It’s really a simple process that works and makes us legal. We’re still talking with FL to get it consistent around the state for all FFR’s because each County, tag office, and individual could be different. Consistency across the Counties with the ability to transfer a (certificate of origin) COO from an owner that couldn’t, didn’t, finish their kit. Current FL law requires the original name on the COO to title it and that’s not easy sometimes. My advice to anyone trying to tag/title in FL is to initially try to tag and title as a replica and don’t be surprised if you have to go ASPT. Just go in and act oblivious.


PM me with questions/concerns,

Henry

[Jeff Kleiner]

Happy to hear that you’re finally legal Henry! Now go put some miles on #198

Jeff

[GoDadGo]

Congratulations!

[Higgybulin]

Get out there and drive! Car looks great!
Higgy

[Kbl7td]

Ouch, went the long route. About to do mine in a couple days more simple, I’ll document.

[Power Surge]

I have a few concerns about titling my GTM here in FL.

I'm the third owner, so the COO isn't in my name. I got the car with the motor and trans in it, so I don't have any receipts for them.

Those are the two main one that really concern me.


Any advice is welcome.