Permanently importing a Canadian vehicle to Florida — complete guide

Which vehicles can be imported

Any vehicle that was originally manufactured to meet US federal safety and emissions standards (FMVSS/EPA) can be imported to the US. Most Canadian-market vehicles are built to standards nearly identical to US requirements, making them eligible for import with minimal or no modifications.

Vehicles that are not eligible for import by private individuals:

• Vehicles less than 25 years old that do NOT meet FMVSS/EPA standards and were never sold in the US market (some grey-market vehicles).
• Vehicles with outstanding safety recalls not remedied.

Vehicles 25+ years old are exempt from FMVSS requirements (though EPA still applies for vehicles under 21 years old for most purposes).

Step 1 — CBP customs entry

• Duty rate: under CUSMA (USMCA), passenger vehicles manufactured in Canada or Mexico that meet the Rules of Origin requirements enter duty-free. Most Canadian-market vehicles from major manufacturers qualify. Vehicles from non-CUSMA origin: 2.5% duty on passenger cars, 25% on light trucks.
• Documentation: original title (ownership document), bill of sale or proof of purchase, CBP Form 7501 (Entry Summary) — typically handled by a licensed customs broker.
• Port of entry: can import at any CBP port of entry. Land crossings (Niagara Falls, Windsor/Detroit, etc.) or air freight.
• Customs broker: strongly recommended. A licensed broker handles the 7501, coordinates with EPA/DOT filing, and ensures you don't overlook any requirements. Fees: $200–$500 typically.

Step 2 — EPA Form 3520-1 (emissions)

File EPA Form 3520-1 at the port of entry (or via a customs broker). Common declarations for Canadian vehicles:

• Box 1: Vehicle conforms to all applicable US federal emission requirements — most Canadian vehicles built after 1996 qualify. Canadian and US emission standards for new vehicles have been harmonized since the 1990s.
• Box 2: Vehicle is certified by the manufacturer as conforming (if the manufacturer provides a letter).
• Verify the vehicle's EPA conformity by checking the emission control label under the hood — it will state "This vehicle conforms to U.S. EPA regulations" if applicable.

If the label says "conforms to Canadian regulations" only: you may need an Independent Commercial Importer (ICI) to certify US compliance — this can be costly ($5,000+). This is rare for mainstream Canadian-market vehicles from major manufacturers.

Step 3 — DOT Form HS-7 (safety)

File DOT Form HS-7 at port of entry. For Canadian vehicles, the most relevant box:

• Box 2B: Vehicle was not manufactured for sale in the US but conforms to all applicable FMVSS (with evidence). Canadian CMVSS and US FMVSS are nearly identical. Most Canadian-market vehicles conform with zero modification.

Potential modifications needed

Step 4 — Florida title and registration

After CBP clearance, visit your county Tax Collector office (which handles FLHSMV titling) with:

• Canadian title (original ownership document, translated if French-only).
• CBP Form 7501 (Entry Summary) showing customs clearance.
• EPA Form 3520-1 and DOT Form HS-7 (copies).
• Proof of Florida insurance (PIP + PDL).
• Odometer disclosure statement (if applicable).
• Payment: title fee ($75–$85) + registration fee (based on weight, ~$14–$32/year) + county fees.

Florida will issue a Florida Certificate of Title and Florida license plate. See the vehicle registration guide and license plate guide.

Note: importing a US vehicle to Canada (RIV)

If you have a US vehicle and want to bring it to Canada, the process is different — the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) program administers Canadian admissibility. US vehicles often require modifications (daytime running lights, metric speedometer, bilingual labelling). The RIV fee is CAD $195 + applicable taxes. Not all US vehicles are eligible (check riv.ca).