Florida Dealer License Types Explained (One-Page Guide)

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or insurance advice. Requirements may change. Verify current rules with FLHSMV or a licensed professional.

Keep this open while you decide which Florida dealer license you need and what each one can (and cannot) do.

Key points in 30 seconds

• Dealers must be licensed; brokers are not licensed as dealers under 320.27.
• Mobile home dealers need an RV endorsement + insurance to sell RVs; they cannot use dealer plates.
• RV dealers can sell trade-in cars but can’t buy cars for resale unless also motor-vehicle licensed.
• Wholesale dealers sell only to dealers/auctions and cannot use dealer plates or retail to the public.
• Auction dealers need an independent license to retail; bidding is limited to licensed dealers/employees.

License snapshots

• Independent / franchised motor vehicle dealer: Retail/wholesale vehicles; franchised restricted to approved line-makes.
• Motor vehicle broker: Not a dealer license; cannot take title or advertise inventory.
• Mobile home dealer (with RV endorsement): May sell RVs; must carry garage liability $25k CSL + $10k PIP; no dealer plates.
• Recreational vehicle dealer: May sell RVs; can retail/wholesale trade-in motor vehicles incidentally; cannot buy cars for resale without motor-vehicle license.
• Wholesale dealer: No display requirement; no dealer plates; can sell only to licensed dealers/auctions.
• Auction dealer: Facilitates sales; cannot retail to public unless also licensed as independent dealer.

What to file & forms

• Salespeople (mobile home): Register via Form 84045.
• Add line-make (franchise): Manufacturer approval → FAR notice → possible protest → Form 86072.
• Insurance (mobile home selling RVs): Garage liability $25,000 CSL + $10,000 PIP minimum.

Examples

• A mobile home dealer wants to add RVs: add RV endorsement, show garage liability with PIP, keep using regular plates (not dealer plates).
• A wholesale dealer driving a tagged car home: misuse—no dealer plates allowed and no retail use.
• A franchised dealer adding a second brand: must complete manufacturer approval and protest window before FLHSMV updates the license.

Cross-links

• Dealer vs broker specifics: /dcs/resources/florida-dealer-licensing-basics
• Mobile home & RV details: /dcs/resources/mobile-home-and-rv-dealer-rules
• Wholesale & auction rules: /dcs/resources/wholesale-and-auction-ground-rules
• Insurance for heavy commercial vehicles: /dcs/resources/florida-commercial-motor-vehicle-insurance-guide

Quick FAQ

• Do brokers need a dealer license? No, if they only arrange sales and never hold/advertise vehicles.
• Can mobile home dealers use dealer plates? No; plates are not authorized for mobile-home-only dealers.
• Can RV dealers sell cars? Only cars taken in trade and only incidentally; otherwise they need a motor-vehicle dealer license.
• Who can bid at auction? Licensed dealers or their bona fide employees authorized to bid.

Source

• Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Motor Vehicle, Recreational Vehicle and Mobile Home Dealers FAQ: https://www.flhsmv.gov/motor-vehicles-tags-titles/dealers-installers-manufacturers-distributors-importers/mv-rv-mh-dealer-broker-licenses/mv-rv-mh-dealers-faqs/
• Last reviewed: February 4, 2026.