How long is a dealer temp tag good for?

Always 30 days. Florida's 10- and 90-day temporary tags aren't issued by dealers.

Can I give the same buyer a second temp tag?

Yes, up to two 30-day tags for the same customer on the same vehicle, and no more than four for that vehicle in total. Florida rejects anything past those limits.

What if the buyer keeps driving on an expired tag?

The vehicle isn't legally allowed on the road. Driving on an expired temp tag is a violation under section 320.131.

I typed the wrong VIN. Can I fix the tag?

Not by editing it. Void it the same day while Florida shows it as Approved, then issue a new one. Once Florida has closed it, it can't be voided.

What do I do when Florida's system is down?

Issue pre-printed temporary tags assigned to your license, complete Form HSMV 82082 for each one, and keep the records for five years.

Florida dealer temp tag rules: 30 days, limits, expiry

The short version

A temporary tag issued by a dealer is always good for 30 days.
Florida allows up to two 30-day tags for the same customer on the same vehicle, and four for one vehicle however many owners it has. It rejects any more.
Driving on an expired temp tag is a violation under section 320.131 (opens the official site in a new tab), so the title and registration need to be done before day 30.
An issued tag can't be edited. Fix a mistake by voiding it the same day, while Florida still shows it as approved, and issuing a new one.

How long a dealer temp tag lasts

Florida's temporary tags are governed by section 320.131 (opens the official site in a new tab) of the Florida Statutes. The state issues temporary tags for 10, 30 or 90 days, but a tag issued by a dealer is always a 30-day tag.

Dealers issue and record tags through Florida's electronic temporary registration (ETR) system, which FLHSMV procedure RS-31 (opens the official site in a new tab) requires unless the system is down. Rule 15C-16 (opens the official site in a new tab) of the Florida Administrative Code covers electronic filing for dealers.

How many tags you can issue

Up to two 30-day tags for the same customer on the same vehicle.
Up to four 30-day tags for one vehicle, regardless of how many owners it has (RS-31 (opens the official site in a new tab)).

Florida enforces both limits itself: an issuance that would go over is rejected.

A tag belongs to one vehicle. It can't be reused or moved to another car. And a dealer can't issue a temp tag for a vehicle that's already registered with a metal plate, unless that plate is inactive or pending transfer.

Issuing a tag to a buyer who doesn't exist is a felony under section 320.131(6) (opens the official site in a new tab). Every temp tag needs a real sale behind it.

What to check before you print

Insurance. Under FLHSMV procedure RS-36 (opens the official site in a new tab), a vehicle with four or more wheels needs at least $10,000 of personal injury protection and $10,000 of property damage liability for the whole registration period. Motorcycles, trailers and mobile homes are among the exceptions.
A vehicle last registered in another state. Record the out-of-state insurance, and send the title and VIN paperwork with the request (RS-31 (opens the official site in a new tab)).
Where the tag goes. On the rear of the vehicle in the plate area, or in the front holder where front display is required.
Your own driver license. Florida files in the name of a real person at the dealership. If the driver license of the person filing has expired, tags stop until it's renewed and updated.

When the 30 days run out

A vehicle can't legally be driven on an expired temp tag. It's a violation under section 320.131 (opens the official site in a new tab).

A temp tag does no title work of its own. You still file the title application and registration on the buyer's behalf, and Florida's 30-day title deadline runs from the sale either way.

Fixing a mistake on an issued tag

1Don't try to edit it: an issued tag can't be changed.
2Void it the same day, while Florida still shows the registration as Approved. Once Florida has closed it, it can no longer be voided.
3Issue a new tag with the correct details.

Voiding can't be undone, and it uses up that tag's control number. If it's too late to void, get the tag back, keep it with the deal, and keep proof of the real sale.

When Florida's system is down

If the electronic system is unavailable, dealers may issue pre-printed temporary tags from stock that a tag agency or tax collector has assigned to their license. That stock belongs to the license and can’t be passed to another dealership.

Each pre-printed tag needs a Form HSMV 82082 (opens the official site in a new tab), and those records are kept for five years (RS-31 (opens the official site in a new tab)).

How My Dealer Jacket handles it

My Dealer Jacket issues Florida temp tags from your office. It checks the answers Florida requires before anything is filed, warns you when a VIN already has a recent tag, and prints the tag on your own printer.

See temp tags and plates

Sources

Each one links to the official text.

This guide explains Florida's rules in plain language. It isn't legal advice, and rules change: check with FLHSMV or your attorney before relying on it.

Florida temporary tags: the rules every dealer works under