TALLAHASSEE, FL – Motor vehicle fees in Florida have increased for all drivers, with truckers facing the steepest increase at as much as 35 percent, according to Capitol News Service. Lawmakers said it's been 36 years since the fees were last raised.
Nearly 900,000 commercial trucks are registered in Florida, according to Capitol News. The 35-percent increase could mean up to $350,000 a year for the heaviest trucks. The association representing the truckers says they are being hit harder than anyone else.
"When they go to pay these fees in December of this year, it is going to feel like a 35-percent tax increase," said Mary Lou Rajchel with the Florida Trucking Association, as reported by Capitol News.
While grocery chains, produce dealers, rental trucks, and delivery companies are free to build the increases into their costs, 70 percent of the trucks are run by independent operators unable to pass on the increased costs right away.
The fee increases total $35 million and truck registrations in Florida are already down by about 50,000 reported Capitol News.
According to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), company-owned vehicles begin registration in June of each year. Full amount is charged for the registration period regardless of when during the registration period the vehicle is registered.
The following are the Florida DMV fees for private and commercial trucks based on weight:
