Manatee County Tax

Office Hours
Monday – Friday, 9 AM - 4:30 PM
taxcollector.com

Security Deposit FAQ's

THIS TRANSACTION MUST BE PROCESSED BY APPOINTMENT AT THE
DRIVER LICENSE OFFICE – 904 301 BLVD W, BRADENTON
Customers will be charged a $6.25 Tax Collector service fee for information and processing, and additional transaction fees may apply. Visit taxcollector.com to schedule your appointment. Services are for Manatee County residents and businesses only.

If you choose not to obtain written releases or you are unable to obtain them for any reason in order to reinstate your Financial Responsibility suspension, your only other alternative is to pay the security deposit. (This is in addition to any other requirements and fees needed to clear your Financial Responsibility suspension).

1. HOW IS THE AMOUNT OF A SECURITY DEPOSIT ESTABLISHED?

Property damages: When you are involved in a motor vehicle crash, the investigating law enforcement officer establishes the estimated dollar amount of the property damages at the scene of the crash.

Bodily injuries: The estimated dollar amounts of injuries are based on the seriousness of the injuries listed on the crash report and actuarial estimates of costs of injuries stated in the Florida Administrative Code.

2. WHEN CAN THE SECURITY DEPOSIT BE WAIVED?

In the following circumstances:

At least one year has passed since you received your Financial Responsibility suspension.

You have an original letter from your insurance company on their letterhead that states property damage liability insurance was effective on the date of the crash. It must include the vehicles that were covered, policy effective dates, policy number and insurance company name. This will only waive security deposits for property damage. You would still be required to pay any applicable security deposits for bodily injury from the other parties involved in the crash.

You have an original letter from the insurance agent/company on their letterhead, stating that bodily injury liability insurance was effective on the date of the crash, vehicles covered, policy effective dates, policy number and insurance company name.

You were driving someone else’s vehicle with their permission. Therefore, you would not need to pay the security deposit to the owner of the vehicle. However, you would still need to pay the security deposit for any other parties involved in the crash. (If you did not have the owner’s permission, you would be required to pay the security deposit for them as well.)

You have evidence of the actual amount of damage to the other parties’ property and evidence of payment of that amount (i.e. a quote and a receipt of payment).

You received a verdict of “not liable” by a court of competent jurisdiction. You must provide official court documentation with the “not liable” language specifically referencing the crash that caused the sanction.

You filed bankruptcy and you have a petition for bankruptcy or Discharge of Debtor filed through the court that lists the other parties involved in the crash as debts and debtors. (If the court document does not specifically list the appropriate persons/businesses and amounts, it cannot be used to waive the security deposit.)

3. CAN A SECURITY DEPOSIT BE REDUCED?

Yes, provided there is no subrogation on file. Subrogation in its most common usage refers to circumstances in which an insurance company tries to recoup expenses for a claim it paid out when another party should have been responsible for paying at least a portion of that claim.

4. HOW CAN I REDUCE MY SECURITY DEPOSIT?

You have three options when attempting to reduce the amount of your security deposit. Regardless of the option chosen, the resulting amount will be determined by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, provided the request is approved. (The resulting amount will never go below $250 for property damage or $100 for bodily injury.)

OPTION #1: Provide proof/evidence that the actual amount of the property damages are less than the amount shown on record.

OPTION #2: Provide the crash report indicating that the parties involved in the crash were equally charged.

OPTION #3: If you are unable to locate the parties involved in the crash and are consequently unable to obtain their releases, send a certified letter (return receipt requested) to the parties involved. If the letters are returned, provide the unopened envelope(s) to our office. Our office will verify all correct information was addressed on the envelope(s) as required by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

5. CAN I GET MY SECURITY DEPOSIT BACK IF IT REMAINS UNCLAIMED?

Yes. After one-year from the date of deposit and as long as there is no subrogation on file, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will mail you a Security Deposit Refund Request form to complete and return for reimbursement. If you did not receive the form, you can download the Security Deposit Refund Request Form (HSMV 74007) and mail it to the address on the form.

Note: An Online Application is REQUIRED for all transactions! To complete your driver license or ID card transaction at one of our offices, you must complete the Online Driver License & ID Card Application (https://taxcollector.jotform.com/210103795736152) – or scan the QR code to access the application – prior to your appointment. Do not print the application; an associate will access your electronic submission during your appointment. Applications are valid for 90 days.

Not a Manatee County Resident? Our offices are open by appointment only for Manatee County residents/businesses only. All out-of-county residents must visit their home county for information and processing. To find a location visit flhsmv.gov/locations.

FR_SecurityDeposit – Last Update: 02/03/2022