Columbus Day
Offices closed on Monday, October 14, 2024 in observance of Columbus Day.
Active Duty Military
How can I renew, replace, or extend the expiration date of my Florida driver license if I am an active duty military Florida resident and I am stationed outside of Florida?
You may visit flhsmv.gov for assistance in replacing or renewing. You will be able to update your mailing address to ensure the delivery of your new driver license. In the event of needing an extension of the expiration date or if your require assistance replacing or renewing your Florida driver license you may contact DHMSV…
Birth Certificates
I have heard the Escambia County Tax Collector’s office can issue Florida birth certificates. Is that true?
Yes, that is correct. In partnership with the Escambia County Health Department, our offices can provide copies of Florida birth records. The birth certificate can be obtained by either parent listed on the birth certificate or the registrant, if over 18. If you need to make any changes or amendments to your Florida birth certificate,…
Business Tax Receipts
How do I obtain a Sales Tax Number for my business?
Sales Tax is handled by the Florida Department of Revenue. Visit the Florida Department of Revenue website or call (850) 471-6970. The Florida Department of Revenue also has an office location in Escambia County: Florida Department of Revenue 3670 North L St #C Pensacola, FL 32505 Phone: (850) 471-6970
I am over 65 years of age, applied for and was granted the over-age exemption from the Business Tax Receipt but received a renewal notice. What should I do?
You are exempt from paying the Business Tax, but still require a Business Tax Receipt to operate your business. To validate the renewal at no fee, mail the notice back to the Escambia County Tax Collector with a copy of your driver license or identification card. An exempt receipt will be sent back to you…
Who qualifies for an exempt (no fee) Business Tax Receipt?
Escambia County residents who are age 65 or older or have a disability rating of 10% or higher. Please see additional qualifiers below. To qualify for the over 65 exemption for Business Tax Receipt, you must: be a resident of Escambia County, show proof of age, use your own capital, with no more than $1,000…
My business is a not-for-profit. Do I need a Business Tax Receipt?
Not-for-profit corporations are exempt from Escambia Business Tax Receipt requirements. Check your municipality regarding additional requirements.
What should I do if I go out of business, or close a business location?
Send notification of the closure of your business or business location, along with a copy of the business tax receipt to be inactivated, to: ectc@EscambiaTaxCollector.com Or by mail to: Escambia County Tax Collector PO Box 1312 Pensacola, FL 32502-1312 If you advertise or conduct a “Going Out of Business/Fire Sale,” such that would reasonably cause…
If I have a Business Tax Receipt from another county, can I perform work in Escambia County?
You must obtain an Escambia County Business Tax Receipt in order to do business in Escambia County, UNLESS the business falls under the Contractors category, is State-certified and has a Business Tax Receipt from your home county in Florida. In these cases, you may do business across the State of Florida without obtaining the Business…
If I have a Business Tax Receipt and move to a new location, change the business name or ownership, do I need a new Business Tax Receipt?
You must transfer your old Business Tax Receipt anytime you move to a new location, change your business name or change business ownership. The transfer fee is $3.00. There is no fee for a change in mailing address if a new business tax receipt is not requested. A Business Tax Receipt may NOT be transferred…
Can I renew my Business Tax Receipt online?
Most businesses can renew a Business Tax Receipt online. Online renewals are not available to businesses that are required to submit annual proof of eligibility. These payments must be submitted by mail or in person with a copy of the current certification.
Which one do I get first – the city license or the Escambia County Business Tax Receipt?
We recommend that you check with the City of Pensacola before attempting to obtain an Escambia County Business Tax Receipt, especially if the business is home-based. In the event your city denies your application due to zoning or inspection requirements, your Business Tax Receipt is non-refundable.
Why do I need both a city and county license?
The County Tax Receipt is required to do business in Escambia County. Because the business is under the city’s jurisdiction, it is also subject to the city’s ordinances and zoning requirements.
Is the County Business Tax Receipt all that I need to open a business?
Depending on the type of business or profession and the location of your business, you may need State, Professional and City Licenses. All businesses should check with their municipality before applying for an Escambia County Business Tax Receipt.
How much does a Business Tax Receipt cost?
Each Business Tax Receipt issued by the tax collector is $26.25. Initial applications processed from April 1 to June 30 are $13.13 and are valid until September 30 of that year.
Who needs an Escambia County Business Tax Receipt?
Any person doing business in Escambia County, even a one-person company or home-based business owner, needs an Escambia County Business Tax Receipt, unless you qualify for an exemption. You need one Business Tax Receipt for each location you are operating your business from, and one for each category of business you are conducting.
Commercial Driver License
How do I apply for and receive a Hazardous Materials Endorsement?
Before applying for a hazardous materials endorsement, you should review the Entry-Level Driver Training requirements (ELDT). Once you have completed the ELDT prerequisites, you must successfully complete the written test for the Hazardous Materials Endorsement. Once successfully completed, you have 60 days to complete fingerprinting and background check in the same office of successful written…
How do I complete the skills testing for my CDL?
After you have completed your written test requirements and obtained your DOT medical card, you may have your CDL permit issued. You must wait 14 days after the issuance of your permit to complete your skills testing. At this time, CDL permits are valid for 180 days from issuance. A maximum of 2 CDL permits…
Who has to maintain a valid medical card?
Currently the state of Florida and the federal government requires the holder of a commercial driver license to self-certify in the category in which they medically qualify. You can find the categories in our CDL Medical Card Inter or Intra Category A thru D PDF. NOTE: If you do not qualify for a medical exemption…
How do I apply for a Commercial Driver License (CDL)?
Applicants for a CDL should consider this a professional driver license that will require additional testing beyond what is required for a Class E driver license. Currently offices in the Escambia County have extremely limited paper copies of the CDL handbook. You may locate a digital copy or request a book at www.flhsmv.gov. In order…
Concealed Weapon License
Where can I find additional information on obtaining a CWL?
For additional FAQs information visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Concealed Weapon License FAQ page.
May I replace my CWL at the Tax Collector Office?
No, you will need to contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to replace your license.
Will my license be printed onsite at the Tax Collector Office?
At this time, Florida residents whose renewals do not include name changes will be printed in the tax collector’s office. Original licenses, renewal licenses for out-of-state residents, and licenses for Florida residents who are providing documentation of a name change will be mailed by the Florida Department of Agriculture.
May I change my address at the Tax Collector Office?
To change the address associated with a Concealed Weapon License, use the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Change of Address Form.
How do I get further eligibility information?
For eligibility information please visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Eligibility Requirements page, or use the Preliminary Eligibility Determination Tool
How can I check information about reciprocity?
Visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ States Recognizing Florida License page.
Dealer
How do I get temporary tags for my dealership?
Electronic temporary license plates are provided by your electronic temporary registration system (ETR) vendor. You will need to contact your vendor for temporary license plates. Pre-printed temporary license plates are purchased from our office. Pre-printed temporary license plates may only be issued during an ETR vendor outage. Upon issuance of a pre-printed temporary license plate,…
What is required to purchase dealer plates?
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) requires us to have current proof of your garage liability insurance in order to provide, renew, or replace dealer license plates. Your purchase of dealer license plates will be limited to the number authorized by the insurance policy.
What authorization do you need for my employees to process transactions with your office?
Annually, we require a letter listing the people who are authorized to sign on behalf of your dealership. This listing must include the name and driver license number of all authorized individuals. Unless specified otherwise, the authorization includes processing title transactions, purchasing pre-printed temporary plates, and the receiving of fast titles. This letter must be…
How do I get additional supplies from your office?
When requesting supplies from our office, a Request for Supplies form can be emailed or hand-delivered to our office. Supplies include registration decals, dealer reassignments, secure powers of attorney, and metal license plates. Electronic Filing System (EFS) users will request and be assigned metal license plates by our office. Supply requests require two business days…
How do I open an escrow account for my dealer transactions?
To create an escrow account, complete the Escrow Account Application and provide payment for the opening balance. We will use your escrow account to process your payments; you will receive a balance reminder on each receipt. We will advise you if the account is nearing depletion. You may make payment any time to increase your…
Can I just drop off my transactions?
Yes, the dealer section offers a drop-off service for dealer transactions. Drop-off service is limited to ten transactions per bag. Most deals are completed within three days of drop-off, excluding holidays and weekends. We require a tracking register for each bag to account for all items in the bag. We must have payment in advance…
Where is the dealer section located?
The dealer section is located at our Marcus Pointe office in the back corner of the building near the drive-thru. There is a dealer entrance at the northwest corner of the office. The address is: 6451 North “W” Street Pensacola, Florida 32505 You can contact the dealer section by email at Dealer_Info@EscambiaTaxCollector.com The fax number…
How do I contact the dealer section?
You can contact the dealer section by email at Dealer_Info@EscambiaTaxCollector.com The fax number is (850) 477-4891 For more dealer information, visit the dealer section here.
What are the hours of operation for the dealer section?
The dealer section is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Walk-in services are available as follows: 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 2 titles (deals) per check 5 print electronic titles per check 10 tag renewals per check 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 1 title (deal) per check 5 print electronic titles per…
Drivers License/ID Card
Will I have to take a photo when I get my driver license or identification card?
Yes, when you visit our office, be prepared to have your photo taken and your vision checked. If corrected lenses are required, please have them with you.
What should I do if I need special accommodations?
If you need special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact our office at ectc@escambiataxcollector.com or at (850) 438-6500 ext. 3252 with your request.
What are the qualifications for a reduced fee ID card?
Some individuals may qualify for issuance of a reduced fee ID card with proof of enrollment in the Department of Children and Families’ Automated Community Connection to Economic Self Sufficiency (ACCESS) Florida Benefits Program. Documents accepted for a customer over the age of 18 can include a valid Access Card (with an expiration date) with…
Can my child be issued a Florida identification card?
Yes, children five years or older may have an identification card issued. Children under the age of five can be issued an identification card if it is required for a handicap parking placard. You will need to present all documents required under the Real-ID act.
Can I have an ID card and a valid driver’s license at the same time?
No. Florida law requires the surrender of all licenses or identification cards in your possession to be issued a new driver license or identification card. Issuance of an ID card with a current valid driver license from any state will void or cancel the issuance of the driver license.
My driver license may be suspended. How can I check the status of my driver license?
You can complete an online driver license check by going to flhsmv.gov, clicking on the driver license or ID card tab and clicking on driver license & ID tracking. You will need to have your driver license number and will be required to answer a few security questions.
How can I have the motorcycle endorsement added to my Driver license?
First-time applicants will be required to complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation approved course. A list of providers can be found on the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website. Once you have completed the course you will need to present the completion card as well as any other required Real ID documents if you’re not…
What if my name has changed? How long do I have to change my driver license or identification card?
If you have legally changed your name you must first update your name with the Social Security Administration. After 24 to 48 hours you may visit our office for assistance. If you are currently Real ID compliant, you will need to provided your certified name change documents (marriage certificate, court order, etc.) and documentation of…
What if I have moved? How long do I have to make that change on my Florida driver license or identification card?
If you have relocated or changed your name you are allowed 30 days to change what is displayed on your driver license or identification card. If you are already Real ID compliant and changing your address, you will need to present two documents with your new residential address listed (deed, utility hook-up or mail you…
How do I know if I’m already Real ID Compliant?
If you have been issued a driver license or ID card from any Florida office since January 1, 2010, most likely you already meet the Real ID document requirements. The best way to tell is by the depiction of a gold star on your current license. An example can be found on the Florida Highway…
What documents are required to obtain a Florida Driver license or identification card (original, replacement, and renewal)?
Proof of Identity Effective January 1, 2010, Florida law requires applicants for a driver license or identification card to present the following identification documents: A certified birth certificate, valid US Passport, US Passport Card, original Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship or Report of Birth Abroad NOTE: No photocopies or hospital certificates will be accepted!…
Electronic Title
I am a business. Can I use this service?
Private businesses not engaged in buying, selling, leasing, renting automobiles may use the service. A letter of authorization on company letterhead will be required to retrieve the title from our office. We hope to offer this service to automobile dealers and similar companies at a later date.
What happens if I don’t pick up my title once it has been printed?
Once an electronic title has been printed it cannot be converted back to an E-title. If you do not retrieve the title, you may request that it be mailed. However, if the title is mailed and lost in the mail, there is no provision to replace the title for no fee. The cost to acquire…
What is an E-title?
Electronic Titles and Liens On an electronic title, lien notifications and satisfactions are transmitted electronically between the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the lienholder. When an electronic lien is satisfied, the title will then remain electronic until a request for paper title is received. You do not need to request a…
I just paid off my car. What now?
It may take several business days for a lien to clear after a payoff is processed through your lender. We cannot print your title if the lien is pending removal by the lienholder.
What is the cost to print an E-title through this site?
The cost to print a fast (same-day) electronic title through this site is $12.95. We accept credit and debit cards.
What issues could prevent my title from being printed?
The title is not electronic. If the title has been previously printed, and is lost, you must apply for a duplicate title. A duplicate title cannot be processed using the online E-title printing process. A lien shows on the title record. We cannot print your title if there is an active lien. It may take…
How long will it take to process my electronic title print?
We will attempt to process your title print within the window that you chose when completing the form. We process each business day between 9 AM and 3:30 PM. You may select one of the following options: Today Morning (9 AM – 12 PM) Today Afternoon (12 PM – 3:30 PM) Tomorrow Morning (9 AM…
First Time Driver
What do I need to complete to obtain my Class E learner permit?
Please visit our First Time Driver page to find these requirements.
Non-Us Citizens
I am a non-us citizen and I wish to obtain a Florida driver license or ID card. What do I need to bring?
All driver license and identification card applicants must present proof of lawful presence. A list of acceptable documents can be found in our Foreign National Real ID PDF. If you currently hold a driver license from any other state or country, written and skills testing may be honored. Additional testing may be required. Please see…
Pre-Sale Vouchers
I’ve bought a voucher. Should I renew my registration?
In most cases, you should renew your existing registration and wait for the new plates to become available. New license plates are authorized by selling a minimum number of vouchers. For most plates, this means that 3,000 vouchers must be sold prior to a license plate entering production. Organizations have up to two years to…
Can I personalize my specialty plate?
Yes. Most specialty plates can be personalized with up to five letters or numbers. To verify if a plate is available click here. Some specialty license plates are configured to allow 7 characters.
Can I purchase a gift certificate for friends or family?
Yes. Gift certificates are available for current specialty plates as well as pre-sale vouchers. The recipient must have a vehicle titled in their name or plan to acquire a Florida registered vehicle once the plate is manufactured. If you purchase a vehicle for someone who does not have a vehicle registered to them, you will…
I live out of state, can I get a plate as a souvenir?
No, however, DHMV offers sample plates for many current Florida plates.
What should I expect the fees to be once the plate is available?
Here is a common scenario: (for illustration purposes only) Your current annual registration (your yellow decal renewal) is 46.10. You purchase a pre-sale voucher for $33.00. The plates are manufactured and shipped to your local tag office. Option A: You decide to replace the plate while your registration is still current: Approximate fee to replace:…
Why must I provide purchaser and recipient information?
The State of Florida allows anyone to purchase a specialty plate pre-sale voucher for themselves or for another person as long as the recipient is the holder of a Florida driver license or registration. If you are both the purchaser and the recipient, you should enter your information into both sections for the sale to…
What is the cost of a pre-sale voucher?
Fees can vary depending on which plate is chosen. Most pre-sale vouchers will cost $33.00. If paying by credit or debit card, a $1.95 fee will apply. There is no additional fee to use an eCheck.
What is a pre-sale voucher?
Upon approval by the Florida Legislature, a new specialty plate is required to sell a minimum number of reservations or vouchers. This process ensures that there is sufficient interest to warrant the manufacture of the plate. For many new plates, that pre-sale number is 3,000. Out-of-state colleges and universities must sell 4,000 vouchers. Once a…
What if I want to purchase a voucher for a specialty plate that already exists?
Vouchers may be purchased as gifts for specialty license plates that have already been authorized. Please have the recipient’s Florida driver license number, name, and date of birth available before ordering. Click here to order an existing specialty plate voucher. For example: You could purchase a license plate voucher for a professional team or college…
Do I have to be a resident of Escambia County to use this form?
No. Any Florida motorist may use this form. The recipient, if different from the purchaser, must have a Florida driver license or vehicle registration.
Are pre-sale vouchers refundable or transferrable?
If the license plate does not meet it’s pre-sale requirement, the fees will be refunded. However, they are not refundable for any other reason. Pre-sale vouchers are non-transferrable.
Will I receive a printed voucher?
No. The voucher will be attached to your driver record in the State of Florida’s registration system. You will be able to redeem it once the plates are produced and you request the plate at time of renewal or as an on-demand plate replacement.
How can I monitor the progress of a particular specialty plate?
Sales data may be viewed here.
May I purchase a voucher as a gift?
Yes. Vouchers make great gifts. As long as the recipient has a Florida Driver License or Florida registration, they can receive a pre-sale voucher.
Will there be additional fees when the license plate is manufactured?
In most cases, yes. The voucher will cover the specialty plate for the first year once the plate has been manufactured and is available at your local tax collector’s office. If your license plate is not due for a mandatory replacement (every 10 years), you will likely need to pay a fee between $28.00 -$36.90…
Property Tax
How do I change my address for property tax?
The Escambia County Property Appraiser is responsible for maintaining property record ownership, including address changes. To change the address associated with your property tax account, you can complete, sign and mail the Property Tax Change of Address Request form found here to Escambia County Property Appraiser, 221 Palafox Place, Suite 300, Pensacola, Florida 32502-5836.
How do I update my address to apply for Homestead Exemption
When qualifying for Homestead Exemption, you will need the following documents for all owners applying: Florida Driver’s License or Florida ID if you do not drive (change address online here) Florida car registration (change address online here) Florida Voter’s ID (if you vote) (change address online here) Immigration documents if not a U.S. citizen. Must…
Can I prepay next year’s property taxes
The earliest payment of 2020 property taxes authorized by Florida Statute is June 1, 2020 under the quarterly installment plan.
What is the definition of capping or assessment limitation on non-homestead properties?
Sections 193.1554 and 193.1555 limit the assessment increases for specified non-homestead real property to 10 percent each year. Property will be assessed at just value following an improvement, as defined by general law, and may be assessed at just value following a change of ownership or control as provided by general law. This limitation is repealed effective January…
What is the tangible personal property exemption?
Section 196.183 authorizes an exemption from property taxes of $25,000 of assessed value of tangible personal property. Tangible property is defined as property used in a business. This provision applies to all taxes and takes effect for the 2008 tax roll. In order to qualify, a timely and accurate tangible personal property tax return must be…
What is portability?
Section 193.155 provides for the transfer of accumulated Save-Our-Homes benefits. Homestead property owners will be able to transfer their Save-Our-Homes benefit to a new homestead within one year and not more than two years after relinquishing their previous homestead. If the new homestead is established on January 1, 2008, the previous homestead must have been relinquished…
What is the additional Homestead Exemption benefit?
Section 196.031(1) increases the Homestead Exemption by exempting the assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000. This exemption does not apply to School District taxes and takes effect for the 2008 tax roll.
What is an Amendment 1 exemption?
Amendment 1 was approved by the electors on January 29, 2008 and is now part of the Florida Statutes. It covered the measures detailed below. Repeals obsolete language on the Homestead Exemption when it was less than $25,000 and did not apply uniformly to property taxes levied by all local governments. Provides for Homestead Exemptions…
What other exemptions are available?
Exemptions and special classifications in Escambia County: Regular Homestead Exemption Additional Homestead Exemption Over 65 [Senior] Homestead Exemption Widow/Widower Exemption Medical Disability Exemption Veteran Partial Disability Exemption Total Disability Exemption Veteran’s Total Disability Exemption Veteran’s Discount Military Homestead Exemption Assessment Reduction for Living Quarters of Parents or Grandparents Tangible Personal Property Exemption Assessment Limitation on…
What is the Senior Homestead Exemption and who qualifies?
If you have the regular Homestead Exemption, are age 65 or older, and you meet certain income criteria, you may qualify for an additional Senior Homestead Exemption. For the County, this exemption is up to $50,000; for the City, the exemption amount is up to $25,000, depending on eligibility criteria and assessed value. This exemption applies only to…
How can I apply for Homestead Exemption?
For more information on homestead exemption, please visit the Property Appraiser’s web site here.
U.S. Veterans
What if I am 100% Service-Connected Disabled?
You may present a 100% service connected disabled card or letterhead statement from Veterans Affairs indicating your permanent disability. This may waive your driver license or identification card issuance fees. NOTE: You must have all paper documentation, electronic documentation is not accepted at this time.
What if I am a veteran?
If you are an honorably discharged US military veteran you may present proof of honorable discharge to have a veteran designation added to your Florida driver license or ID card. In addition to the license fees, a $1 endorsement fee will be assessed. Proof of honorable discharge can be a DD-214 or retired military ID…