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Florida · Auto Dealers · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your Florida Auto Dealer License

Florida auto dealers must complete 8 hours of board-approved continuing education every year, as required by Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) rule on September 4, 2026.

CE hours
8 hours
Renewal cycle
Every year
Next deadline
April 30, 2027
Exam to renew
Required

Who has to renew

This guide covers Florida auto dealers holding a All licensees license. Requirements are set by Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

When to renew

Florida auto dealers licenses renew every year, on a fixed statewide date — every licensee renews on the same day. The next renewal deadline is April 30, 2027. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (FL Auto Dealers: independent/wholesale/auction expire Apr 30 annually (Fla. Stat. 320.27); franchise dealers Dec 31)

The continuing education Florida requires

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) requires 8 hours of approved continuing education every year. The hours must cover these topics:

  • legal or legislative issues (at least 2 hours)
  • department issues (at least 1 hour)
  • relevant motor vehicle industry topics (5 hours)

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    Florida sets auto dealers requirements by license class (All licensees). Check the class printed on your license, then note your renewal date — renewals run a fixed statewide date — every licensee renews on the same day; the next fixed deadline is April 30, 2027.

  2. 2

    Complete 8 hours of board-approved continuing education

    Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) requires 8 hours every year, including legal or legislative issues (at least 2 hours), department issues (at least 1 hour), relevant motor vehicle industry topics (5 hours). Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

    See the Florida auto dealers course
  3. 3

    Save your certificate of completion

    Download the certificate the moment you finish and keep it with your license records.

  4. 4

    Make sure your hours reach the board

    In Florida, you keep your certificate of completion and present it to the board if asked.

  5. 5

    Renew with Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)

    Submit your renewal and pay the renewal fee before the deadline. This renewal also requires passing an exam. A late renewal usually means a late fee, and a lapsed license can mean re-applying from scratch.

    Go to Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)

Florida auto dealer renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Florida auto dealers need?
Florida auto dealers must complete 8 hours of board-approved continuing education every year, as set by Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
What topics are required for Florida auto dealers continuing education?
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) requires coverage of: legal or legislative issues (at least 2 hours); department issues (at least 1 hour); relevant motor vehicle industry topics (5 hours).
Is an exam required to renew a Florida auto dealers license?
Yes — Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) requires an examination as part of renewal in addition to continuing education.
Can Florida auto dealers complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Florida requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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