Motor vehicle registration fees will return back to their pre-2009 levels next week after better economic times no longer required the higher fees instituted during the Great Recession.
Gov. Rick Scott, who is now set to face off against his predecessor, former Gov. Charlie Crist in November, said drivers will save between $17 and $25 when renewing their registration, depending on the size of their vehicle. The move, Scott said, would cost the state about $400 million, which was additional revenue the Legislature passed at the time to help close budget gaps.
By rolling back to the original registration fees, motorcycles will save a little more than $17, vehicles less than 2,500 pounds will save $18.55, vehicles between 2,500 and 3,500 pounds will save $21.55, and vehicles at more than 3,500 pounds will save just over $25.
The reduction will apply for vehicle registrations renewed on or after Sept. 1.
In March, Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano encouraged drivers who were renewing registrations to only do it for one year instead of two, so that they would have a chance to realize the savings that took effect Sept. 1. While the bill would help motorists in reducing their tax burden, it did not address the 750,000 vehicle owners who typically renew in two-year increments, Fasano said.
