Florida
RestrictedKei trucks can be titled and registered, but public road use is legally limited to roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or below. County approval often required.
Important: Kei laws change frequently and vary by county. Always confirm with your state DMV before purchasing.
Key Restrictions
Posted speed limit of 35 mph or below is required for legal road use. County-level approval or confirmation may be required before operating on specific roads. 25-year rule applies.
Registration Process
Florida allows kei trucks to be titled and registered, but on-road use is legally restricted to roads posted at 35 mph or below.
Step 1 — VIN Assignment
Florida HSMV may require a state VIN be assigned to your vehicle. Bring the vehicle to a Florida Highway Patrol station for inspection. This is common for vehicles with non-standard VINs.
Step 2 — Title Application
Submit HSMV 82040 (Application for Certificate of Title) with all import documentation to your county tax collector office.
Step 3 — VIN Inspection
Florida does not require a full safety inspection for most private vehicles, but does require a vehicle identification number inspection.
Step 4 — Registration
Annual registration. Base fee ~$45 plus title fee of $77.75.
Important — Speed Restriction
Florida law limits kei trucks (classified as low-speed vehicles / mini-trucks) to roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or below. Operating on higher-speed roads is a traffic violation.
Insurance Information
Florida has high minimum insurance requirements: $10,000 PIP (personal injury protection) and $10,000 property damage liability. Full coverage is available from most major carriers. Be aware that Florida's high humidity and hurricane risk can affect comprehensive coverage premiums.
Exemptions
No statewide emissions testing for kei trucks.
Legislative Activity
No active legislation to alter the 35 mph restriction as of June 2026.
Additional Notes
The 35 mph restriction is a significant operational limitation. Before purchasing a kei truck for use in Florida, map your planned routes to confirm they fall within the legal speed threshold.
Florida's heat and humidity are hard on older cooling systems. Many owners upgrade cooling components shortly after import.
County tax collector offices may flag kei trucks as commercial vehicles in their systems. Document your vehicle's GVWR — kei trucks under 5,500 lbs GVWR qualify as private passenger vehicles.
Common Issues
The most common issue is operating a kei truck on a road posted above 35 mph — this is a legal violation even with valid registration. Some owners are cited for this without realizing the restriction exists.
County offices may be inconsistent in their handling. If flagged as a commercial vehicle, it can affect fees and registration type. Document the GVWR carefully.
Required Documents
- CBP Form 7501
- EPA Form 3520-1
- DOT Form HS-7
- Foreign title (translated)
- HSMV 82040 (Application for Certificate of Title)
- VIN inspection by FHP
- Proof of PIP and property damage insurance
Related Tools
Other State Guides
Kei laws change frequently and vary by county. Always confirm with your state DMV before purchasing.