Safety Center

Consumer Education




At FLHSMV, we take seriously our mission to provide highway safety and security through excellence in service, education and enforcement. An important part of that mission involves making you aware of issues relating to Consumer Protection. Here at FLHSMV, we strive to keep you informed about issues that could affect you and your family. Whether it’s fraud, unfair practices, or motor vehicle recalls, you need to have the latest information. Check with us often, as we will update this web page when new issues arise that you need to be aware of.

Buying a Vehicle

Buying a car is an important decision and major investment. Whatever vehicle you choose, buyers should know what to look for, what to ask and what rights they have. From new to used cars at a dealership, private sale, auction or online, make sure you know how to protect yourself and your investment.

Read More →

Selling a Vehicle

Thousands of vehicles are sold in Florida every year. As a seller, there are certain things you should know before selling a vehicle, including the process to transfer the title. Most importantly you will want to protect yourself by completing a Notice of Sale, which removes your name from the vehicle so you are no longer civilly liable for the vehicle you sold. Florida law requires sellers to file a Notice of Sale as of July 1, 2009.

Read More →

Consumer Complaints & Resources

If you would like to file a complaint with the department, your vehicle dealership has gone out of business or simply want to identify more resources, please click below to learn more.

Read More →

Flooded Vehicles

FLHSMV is committed to educating consumers on safe car-buying practices. Flooding is one of Florida’s most frequent hazards. Consumers can take steps to educate themselves about flooded vehicle sales.

Read More →

Fraud

Protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud. Learn to identify and avoid fraudulent practices and ensure your consumer safety.

Read More →

Low Speed Vehicles

Know the rules and regulations for golf carts, low speed vehicles and other non-traditional vehicles to stay safe on Florida roads.

Read More →

Mobile & Manufactured Home Safety

FLHSMV recommends you have a mobile home installer who is licensed by the department conduct a safety inspection of your home’s tie-down system and make any necessary corrections that will afford you maximum protection.

Read More →

Off-Highway and All-Terrain Vehicles

Florida law states that all-terrain vehicles (ATV) may only be operated on unpaved roadways where the posted speed limit is less than 35 MPH and only during daylight hours.

Read More →

Protect Yourself Against Staged Crashes

An alert driver can avoid a crash by knowing more about staged crash fraud schemes, motorists can avoid fraud schemes. The Division of Insurance Fraud, National Insurance Crime Bureau and the Florida Highway Patrol have collaborated to help stop staged crashes in Florida.

Read More →

Safety Warnings

Want to know more about air bags and how they affect children and adults? Have you been harassed by phone solicitors? What about that shiny new car you just bought, is it really new? Are you or do you know a victim of domestic violence?

Read More →

Vehicle Theft Prevention

Motor vehicles are our primary mode of transportation. Learn more about keeping your vehicle safe from theft.

Read More →

Vessel Registration & Titles

Florida is a great place for boating. Learn more about registering and titling your vessel, plus important boating safety and education information.

Read More →