Cape Coral Mobile Home Owners: Titling & Registration Deadlines

Cape Coral residents who own mobile homes must maintain a state-issued certificate of title as proof of ownership, similar to vehicles or vessels. Mobile homes require titling unless they have been officially declared as real property and their titles retired.

Anyone purchasing a new mobile home, bringing one into Florida, or changing ownership must apply for a title and registration in their name. For purchases made through a dealer or mobile home park, the seller’s representative may handle these processes.

To title a mobile home, proof of ownership is necessary. Double-wide or triple-wide homes require separate titling and registration for each section. Sales tax, title fees, and registration fees are due at the time of titling. If financing is involved, a lien must be recorded.

When transferring ownership of an existing Florida-titled mobile home, the seller must complete the title accurately, including the purchaser's name and the selling price. Each purchaser must also sign the title. Applicants must sign the application for title, which can occur during the transfer. A power of attorney is required for applicants unable to attend in person. Valid identification is mandatory; a legible copy can be submitted for mailed applications. Applicable sales tax will be collected. Individuals or businesses seeking exemptions must provide supporting documentation.

Residents should also confirm that no outstanding tangible personal property taxes are due before purchasing a mobile home.

All mobile homes, occupied or not, must be registered annually and display a current decal. Decals expire annually on December 31. The registration fee depends on the mobile home’s length. Each section of a double-wide or triple-wide home requires separate annual registration. Failure to register incurs delinquent taxes.

Homeowners who currently have a regular mobile home decal and own the land where their mobile home is located can choose to declare it as real property, thus eliminating annual registration renewal. For information regarding real property assessments for mobile homes, contact the Lee County Property Appraiser’s office at 239.533.6100.