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BradentonNow / Winter Residents Car Guide

Updated September 29, 2026 Here for the winter Florida Statutes linked

Winter in Bradenton? The Car Rules Snowbirds Miss

Spending the winter in Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch or on the islands? Here’s when Florida law says you need Florida plates and a license, the insurance rule most winter residents miss, and what to do with the car when you head north.

Do I need Florida plates? Summer storage

This guide summarizes Florida Statutes and FLHSMV guidance, linked in each section. Residency questions depend on your situation, so check with the Tax Collector or your insurer if you’re unsure.

Home-state platesOK for the seasonIf you don’t work here or enroll kids
Insurance90-day ruleOut-of-state car here 90+ days a year
Dropping coverage?Turn in the plate firstOr face fees up to $500
E-ZPassWorks in FloridaAll toll roads, most bridges
The rules

Do you have to switch to Florida plates?

Florida law lets visitors drive on their home-state registration until certain things happen.

10days
Register your car in FloridaAfter you take a job, start a trade or business here, or enroll a child in a Florida public school (F.S. 320.38).
30days
Get a Florida driver licenseAfter the same triggers, and your spouse and dependent children who drive, too (F.S. 322.031).

Here for the season only

A nonresident’s car can stay on home-state plates as long as it’s legally registered in the home state and displays that registration (F.S. 320.37). The exemption doesn’t cover RVs or mobile homes kept in Florida 6 months or more in a row.

What makes you a Florida resident

  • Taking a job or starting a business here
  • Enrolling children in a Florida public school
  • Registering to vote in Florida
  • Filing for a homestead exemption
  • Living here more than six consecutive months

That’s FLHSMV’s list. Once you’re a resident, the 10-day and 30-day clocks apply. (FLHSMV)

Insurance

The 90-day insurance rule

This is the one most winter residents haven’t heard of.

Out-of-state car here 90+ days

If a nonresident’s car has been in Florida more than 90 days in the past 365, driven or not, the owner must keep the security Florida law requires in effect the whole time the car stays in the state (F.S. 627.733). Ask your insurer whether your policy meets Florida’s requirements.

If you register in Florida

A Florida-registered car needs at least $10,000 PIP and $10,000 property damage liability, continuously, even while it sits unused. (FLHSMV)

Heading north

Leaving a Florida-registered car for the summer

Keep coverage or turn in the plate

Florida requires continuous coverage “even if the vehicle is not being driven.” Want to drop insurance while you’re gone? Turn in your plate first at the Tax Collector. A lapse can suspend your license and registration, with reinstatement fees up to $500. (FLHSMV)

Renew from anywhere

Registrations expire at midnight on the first owner’s birthday. Renew online up to 90 days early ($2.95 processing fee). Florida insurance must be on file. (Manatee County Tax Collector) Need a counter instead? Here’s which Manatee County office to book.

Hurricane season

Summer is storm season. Manatee County’s disaster guide says to fill the tank and check oil, fluids and tires before a storm, and to store trailered boats in a garage or covered facility away from the coast. See our hurricane guide. (Manatee County)

Getting around

Tolls on out-of-state plates

If you haveWhat happens
E-ZPass (or E-PASS, Peach Pass, NC Quick Pass, others)Works on all Florida toll roads and most bridges (Florida’s Turnpike, full list)
SunPassThe cheapest way to pay; SunPass PRO also works in E-ZPass states
No transponderToll-by-plate: a photo of your plate, and an invoice mailed to the registered owner every 30 days plus a $2.50 admin fee (Florida’s Turnpike)
Cash on the Sunshine SkywayNot accepted since April 12, 2026

SunPass customers save about 25% on average versus toll-by-plate (Florida’s Turnpike). Driving a rental? Add it to your SunPass account for the rental dates (SunPass FAQ).

Guide sponsor · Firkins Automotive

Keep your winter car ready.

Firkins Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is on US-41 in Bradenton for service before you head north, or a car to keep here for the season.

Firkins Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 2700 1st St (US-41), Bradenton, FL 34208, just south of downtown
(941) 203-1405 · Directions
Service before you leaveBattery, tires and fluids before the car sits for the summer.See service A second car for FloridaUsed vehicles under $20K. Keep one here, one up north.Browse used Certified pre-ownedBrowse Firkins’ certified pre-owned inventory.Shop certified Jeep WranglerTop-off winters on the Gulf Coast.Shop Jeep What’s your trade worth?Get a value for your current vehicle online.Value my trade Current specialsThis month’s lease and finance offers.See specials

Offers and inventory are set by Firkins Automotive and change often. See firkins.com or the dealership for current details.

Questions

Winter residents FAQ

Do winter residents have to get Florida plates?

Not just for spending the winter. Florida lets nonresidents drive on valid home-state registration (F.S. 320.37). You must register in Florida within 10 days if you take a job here, start a business here or enroll a child in a Florida public school (F.S. 320.38).

Do winter residents need a Florida driver license?

Only once the same triggers apply: within 30 days of taking a job, starting a business or enrolling a child in a Florida public school (F.S. 322.031). FLHSMV also counts registering to vote, filing for homestead, or living here more than six consecutive months as signs of residency.

Does my out-of-state car need insurance if it stays in Florida?

If it has been in Florida more than 90 days in the past 365 days, driven or not, Florida law requires the owner to keep the required security in effect while it remains in the state (F.S. 627.733).

Can I cancel insurance on my Florida car over the summer?

Only after you turn in the license plate. FLHSMV says to surrender the plate before canceling; a lapse can bring license and registration suspension and reinstatement fees up to $500.

Does E-ZPass work in Florida?

Yes. Florida’s Turnpike says E-ZPass works on all Florida toll roads and most bridges.

How do I renew my Manatee County registration while I’m up north?

Online through the Tax Collector, up to 90 days before your birthday, for a $2.95 processing fee. Florida insurance must be on file.

Official sources

Go straight to the source

Last updated October 21, 2026. Details change, and the offices above have the final word.