Florida Wholesale & Auction Ground Rules for Dealers

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.

Working wholesale or at auction? These are the Florida rules that trip dealers up.

Key points in 30 seconds

• Wholesale dealers sell only to licensed dealers/auctions; no retail and no dealer plates.
• Auction dealers need an independent license to retail vehicles to the public.
• Only licensed dealers or bona fide dealership employees can bid at auction.
• Franchised dealers can sell only approved line-makes; adding brands requires a formal approval and protest window.

Who this applies to

• Wholesale dealers and auction operators.
• Retail dealers sending employees to bid at auction.
• Franchised dealers adding or changing line-makes.

Wholesale dealer basics

• Wholesale dealers are exempt from display (lot) requirements because they don’t retail to the public.
• They cannot use dealer plates.
• They may sell only to licensed dealers or auctions—never to retail consumers.

Auctions and bidding

• Only licensed dealers or bona fide dealership employees authorized to bid may buy at auction.
• Auction dealers cannot retail to the public. To retail used vehicles, they must also hold an independent dealer license.

Franchised dealer line-makes

• A franchised dealer may sell only the line-make(s) approved on its license.
• Adding a line-make requires manufacturer approval, publication in the Florida Administrative Register, a 30-day protest window, and then an application on Form 86072 once approved (see s. 320.642, F.S.).

Buses and who needs a license

• FLHSMV does not license bus manufacturers/importers/distributors, because buses don’t meet the motor vehicle definition in s. 320.60(10).
• Selling buses requires an independent motor vehicle dealer license.

RVs taken in trade

• Independent and franchised motor vehicle dealers may sell RVs taken in trade, but selling new/used RVs otherwise requires an RV dealer license.

Examples

• Wholesale-only lot: Cannot plate vehicles with dealer plates and cannot sell to retail buyers; sales limited to dealers/auctions.
• Auction employee bidding: Must be a bona fide employee authorized by the dealership; friends/family can’t bid on behalf of the store.
• Franchise adding a brand: Needs manufacturer approval, FAR publication, protest window, then submits Form 86072 before selling the new line-make.

Internal links

• Cornerstone overview: /dcs/resources/florida-dealer-license-types-explained
• Dealer vs broker basics: /dcs/resources/florida-dealer-licensing-basics
• Mobile home & RV specifics: /dcs/resources/mobile-home-and-rv-dealer-rules
• CMV insurance (heavier vehicles): /dcs/resources/florida-commercial-motor-vehicle-insurance-guide

Quick FAQ

• Can wholesale dealers use dealer plates? No—dealer plates are not allowed for wholesale-only dealers.
• Who can bid at an auction for a dealership? Licensed dealers or bona fide employees authorized to bid.
• Can auction dealers retail to the public? Only if they also hold an independent dealer license.
• How do franchised dealers add a new line-make? Get manufacturer approval, wait out the FAR protest window, then file Form 86072 to update the license.

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.