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Consumer Alert: Beware of Third-Party Tag Renewal Websites Charging Excess Fees

Tampa, FL — May 31, 2024

TAMPA, Fla., May 31, 2024 – The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office warns customers about third-party websites that charge excessive fees for renewing vehicle tags. These sites charge fees that official government websites do not.

Key Issues: 

  • Excessive Fees: Third-party websites impose additional charges that are not required when renewing through official channels. These can be as high as $30 or more.

  • Misleading Advertisements: These third-party sites often appear as sponsored results at the top of search engines. This placement is due to paid advertising, which can cost between $100 and $10,000, depending on various factors.

  • Customer Confusion: Many customers are misled by these sponsored ads, believing they are official sites. This results in unnecessary expenses when a quick online search leads them to click on these top results.

Our Advice: 

  • Double-Check Website URLs: To avoid unnecessary fees, always ensure you are on our official Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office website (hillstax.org) or another official site like flhsmv.gov.

  • Avoid Third-Party Sites: Be cautious of websites that appear as ads in search engine results, as these are often third-party services that charge additional fees.

Official Renewal Options: 

  • Visit hillstax.org: Renew your registration directly through the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s website.

  • Payment Methods: Online E-check payments are free. Online Debit/Credit Card payments include a $2.95 convenience fee per registration. Note that the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office does not receive any portion of this convenience fee.

Stay informed and save money by using official channels for your vehicle tag renewals. Visit hillstax.org for a hassle-free and cost-effective renewal process.

About Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office:  

The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office is responsible for collecting and distributing local property, tangible, business, and tourist development taxes. In addition, as an agent for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, they provide motor vehicle, vessel and mobile home titles and registrations, issue disabled parking permits, issue driver licenses and ID cards, and administer written tests and road tests. They also collect tolls and clear toll violations as part of motor vehicle transactions.

Additionally, they partner with other state and local government agencies to issue certified copies of Florida birth certificates and to provide concealed weapons permits, vehicle for hire permits, and hunting and fishing licenses.

The taxes and fees we collect are distributed in accordance with Florida Statute to the appropriate agency or municipality to fund vital services at the state and local levels.

For more information about the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office, visit their website at hillstax.org.