The Florida State Legislature this year approved across-the-board rate increases for fees charged by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The new prices take effect September 1, 2009. It was a state decision and the local counties will see no additional revenue. Because the new rates do not take effect until September 1st, anyone who renews their vehicle registration and driver's license before then can pay the lower rates.

You can renew your vehicle registration up to three months in advance.  If your registration expires on or before November 30, 2009 you should renew it before the new fees take effect on September 1^st. You can save even more money by renewing your registration for two years rather than just one.

Driver's licenses can be renewed up to 18 months in advance. Changes of address can be updated at the lower rate by accessing http://www.flhsmv.gov/dhsmv/express.html before September 1.

Below are some of the hikes:

- License plate renewals: From $28.10 to $46.65.
- Registration fee for new vehicles: From $100 to $225.
- Drivers license: From $32.25 to $54.25.
- Replacement of lost license: From $15.25 to $31.25.

This applies to boat registrations, too. So, enjoy your summer, but you might want to take care of some registrations before the summer's end.

Click here for more detailed fees.