For the first time in about 20 years, Florida Department of Transportation fees are increasing - more than doubling in many cases.
The fee increases, which go into effect today, will increase state revenue, said David Westberry, spokesman for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
The fees are projected to contribute $799.6 million to the budget, according to an FDOT report.
Fees for motor vehicle titles, registrations and driver's licenses have not changed in 20 years or more, Westberry said.
Although the DHSMV has tried keeping costs low, the increase is necessary to combat budget troubles, Westberry said.
"Our legislators had some very difficult decisions to make," he said. "But it was important that Florida have a balanced budget without having tax increases in other areas."
Westberry said the DHSMV has seen an increase in visits to its offices leading up to today's fee increases.
On average, the department serves 15,000 to 20,000 people per day. On Friday, the number increased by about 50 percent.
The new fees were established by the Florida Legislature as part of the state's budget development process.
As of this spring, Florida faced a $6 billion deficit. After receiving stimulus funding, the number dropped to about $3 billion.
As part of a constitutional mandate, there must be a meeting every year to produce a balanced budget, according to Jaryn Emhof, spokeswoman for the Florida Senate.
After a conference with the House, Florida's budget - including DHSMV fee increases - was passed May 8, Emhof said.
Residents will be notified of the fees through reminders in the mail and at their local offices, according to the Florida DHSMV Web site.
Regina Topolinskaya, a UF junior, said the increases will put an unfair burden on Floridians.
"I don't think the state of Florida should compensate for the state budget deficit by charging us tag and vehicle fees," she said. "By charging these fees, you are basically targeting every segment of society because in Florida driving is a necessity, and that's not fair."
The fee for a first-time Class E license - used for non-commercial vehicles - increases from $27 to $48. Renewals increase from $20 to $48, and replacements increase from $10 to $25. The fee for non-driver ID cards increases from $10 to $25.
The original and replacement license plate fee increases from $10 to $28. The original and duplicate title fee increases from $24 to $70, and the initial vehicle registration fee increases from $100 to $225.
Driver's licenses will be valid for eight years instead of six to help soften the blow of the increases, Westberry said.
"This lowers the percent of the increase and saves drivers the hassle of having to go in [to renew]," Emhof said.
