Are kei trucks street legal in Florida?

Yes, within limits. Florida has a defined mini truck class, and kei trucks titled and registered in that class may operate on streets posted 35 mph or less. They are not permitted on higher-speed roads except to cross at an intersection.

Do I have to register it, or is registration optional?

It is mandatory. Unlike golf carts, which cannot be titled or registered at all, low-speed vehicles and mini trucks must be titled under Chapter 319 and registered and insured under FS 320.02.

Can I cross a 45 mph road?

Yes. FS 316.2122 expressly provides that the 35 mph restriction does not prohibit crossing a road at an intersection where the posted limit is higher. You may cross it; you may not travel along it.

What equipment does Florida require?

Headlamps, stop lamps, turn signal lamps, taillamps, reflex reflectors, parking brakes, rearview mirrors, a windshield, seat belts, and a vehicle identification number.

Do I need a driver license?

Yes. Any person operating a mini truck must have a valid driver license in their possession while driving on public roads.

Is a mini truck the same as a low-speed vehicle?

They are related but distinct classes in Florida law, handled together in FLHSMV procedure TL-63 and FS 316.2122. LSVs are capped at 25 mph top speed; the mini truck class is what typically applies to an imported kei truck. Confirm which class your vehicle is titled under.

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Florida · Kei truck guide

Florida kei truck registration guide

Mini truck class · roads posted 35 mph or less

Florida has a defined 'mini truck' vehicle class that kei trucks can be titled and registered under. Registration is required rather than optional — but road use is capped at streets posted 35 mph or less.

Bottom line for Florida

Mini trucks must be titled under Chapter 319 and registered and insured under FS 320.02 — this is mandatory, not optional.
Operation is limited to streets with a posted limit of 35 mph or less.
Crossing a higher-speed road at an intersection is expressly allowed.
FLHSMV procedure TL-63 is the controlling agency document for mini truck titling.

Last reviewed July 20, 2026

Classification

How Florida classifies a kei truck

Florida law distinguishes mini trucks from low-speed vehicles (LSVs) and from golf carts. Golf carts cannot be titled or registered at all; LSVs and mini trucks must be. That distinction matters, because it means a kei truck in Florida is not in a legal grey zone — there is an established class for it.

FLHSMV procedure TL-63 governs titling for low-speed vehicles and mini trucks, and FS 320.0847 provides for mini truck and low-speed vehicle license plates. Road-use restrictions come from FS 316.2122.

Registration

Titling & registration steps

1
Clear federal import
Import a vehicle at least 25 years old and retain CBP Form 7501, NHTSA HS-7 (Box 1), EPA Form 3520-1, and the Japanese title or export certificate with certified translation.
2
Apply for a Florida title
Title under Chapter 319 through a county tax collector or license plate agency. Reference FLHSMV procedure TL-63, which covers low-speed vehicle and mini truck titling.
3
Register and insure under FS 320.02
Mini trucks must be registered and insured. Obtain the mini truck plate provided for under FS 320.0847.
4
Confirm required equipment
Florida requires headlamps, stop lamps, turn signal lamps, taillamps, reflex reflectors, parking brakes, rearview mirrors, a windshield, seat belts, and a VIN.
5
Carry a valid driver license
Any person operating a mini truck on public roads must have a valid driver license in their possession.

Road use

Where you can drive

Permitted

Under FS 316.2122, mini truck operation is allowed on:

Streets with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less
Intersection crossings of higher-speed roads — expressly permitted by statute

Not permitted

Streets posted above 35 mph, other than crossing at an intersection
Interstates and limited-access highways

Official sources

Florida law & agency links

FLHSMV Procedure TL-63 — Low-Speed Vehicles and Mini-Trucks
Official sourceflhsmv.gov
The controlling agency procedure for titling low-speed vehicles and mini trucks in Florida.
Florida Statutes § 316.2122 — Operation of a low-speed vehicle or mini truck
Official sourceleg.state.fl.us
Road-use restrictions, the 35 mph cap, the intersection-crossing allowance, and equipment requirements.
Florida Statutes § 320.0847 — Mini truck and low-speed vehicle license plates
Official sourceStatuteleg.state.fl.us
Statutory basis for the mini truck license plate.
Florida HSMV — Titles and registrations
Official sourceflhsmv.gov
State portal for title applications, registration, and county tax collector office locations.

FAQ

Common questions

Are kei trucks street legal in Florida?: Yes, within limits. Florida has a defined mini truck class, and kei trucks titled and registered in that class may operate on streets posted 35 mph or less. They are not permitted on higher-speed roads except to cross at an intersection.
Do I have to register it, or is registration optional?: It is mandatory. Unlike golf carts, which cannot be titled or registered at all, low-speed vehicles and mini trucks must be titled under Chapter 319 and registered and insured under FS 320.02.
Can I cross a 45 mph road?: Yes. FS 316.2122 expressly provides that the 35 mph restriction does not prohibit crossing a road at an intersection where the posted limit is higher. You may cross it; you may not travel along it.
What equipment does Florida require?: Headlamps, stop lamps, turn signal lamps, taillamps, reflex reflectors, parking brakes, rearview mirrors, a windshield, seat belts, and a vehicle identification number.
Do I need a driver license?: Yes. Any person operating a mini truck must have a valid driver license in their possession while driving on public roads.
Is a mini truck the same as a low-speed vehicle?: They are related but distinct classes in Florida law, handled together in FLHSMV procedure TL-63 and FS 316.2122. LSVs are capped at 25 mph top speed; the mini truck class is what typically applies to an imported kei truck. Confirm which class your vehicle is titled under.

County tax collector offices may apply mini truck procedures inconsistently, and statutes are amended periodically. Confirm current requirements with FLHSMV or your county office before purchasing. This page is informational only and not legal advice.

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