As an enthusiast and admirer of vintage vehicles, I have found myself consistently disappointed and turned away by Florida DMV,  when trying to title or register antique / vintage vehicles.

So many of these historic vehicles that were once loved, (with so many stories of their own) end up as scrap in a metal yard, unappreciated and rusting away. There are millions like myself who have a profound appreciation for these vehicles and the history they represent, and believe that restoring them and legally registering them serves a far better purpose.

Our shared frustration rests with Florida's current stringent legislature regarding the registration and titling of vintage vehicles. With the existing laws, it is extremely hard to title a vintage vehicle based on a bill of sale, a clean Vehicle Identification Number.  The State of Florida has demonstrated an unnecessary aggression in this regard. Yet, this doesn’t have to be the case. When dealing with associates at the DMV (whom are paid with OUR tax dollars), we are treated as though we are a nuisance for trying to register or title these vehicles.  They act as though we are performing some criminal act simply for trying to title a vintage vehicle of which there is no title or former proof of ownership other than a bill of sale.  So many of these vintage vehicles end up long forgotten and as their owners pass away. They are discarded or given away to family and friends, who passed them along with no chain of ownership.

A significant number of states, such as Georgia and Alabama, have already revised their automotive regulations to allow easier registration and titling of vintage vehicles with a bill of sale and a clean VIN (American Federal of Motorcyclists, 2021). This has been key in preserving and appreciating the aesthetics, engineering, and historical value of vintage vehicles. These laws have enabled vintage vehicle lovers to restore, maintain, and share their vehicles with their communities, fostering a culture of appreciation instead of wasteful discard.

If Florida can follow this precedent, imagine the breath of fresh air it would breathe into our historical vehicle preservation efforts. Not to mention the environmental benefits—the restoration and reuse of vintage vehicles reduces the production of new vehicles, lessening our carbon imprint (The Vintage Vehicle Association, 2018).

So, I implore the State of Florida to reconsider its approach towards vintage vehicle regulations. Let us love and appreciate these vehicles the way they deserve. It's time for Florida to adapt, and in doing so, let history continue riding into the future. Sign this petition to urge Florida to make the necessary changes to enable easier registration and titling of vintage vehicles.