Possible HOA problems with a cargo van?

[RobOfYork]

I have found out that I can't park a van at my home if it is considered a commercial vehicle. I am wanting to convert a standard low height cargo van. Is anyone familiar with Florida vehicle titling and registration?

What I am trying to figure out if a 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton and 1 ton cargo vans can be titled and registered just as a personal vehicle. Anyone had to try to figure this out before in Florida?

Any help or pointing me in the right direction would be appreciated.

 

[Sofisintown]

What I am trying to figure out if a 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton and 1 ton cargo vans can be titled and registered just as a personal vehicle.

When I went to register my 1/2 ton , I registered it as a personal vehicle.
All you need to do is call the DMV in your area and ask, before you even go there.
My van has 'truck' plates like any SUV.

 

[WanderingRose]

Might also thoroughly read local ordinances for where you live, if you haven’t done that.

My town determines what is an RV by what is inside, and doesn’t allow it to be parked in the drive or in the street 11/1-4/1.

 

[66788]

My 26 foot step van is registered as a passenger vehicle in Oregon. No smog or inspections, and 2 year registration is $122.00.

 

[MotorVation]

I have a one ton van registered in Florida. It used to be a 15 passenger. I bought it used and didn't change anything about the way it was and is registered.

Florida calls it a "station wagon" on the registration. I would look into that. It may vary with gross vehicle weight

 

[RobOfYork]

MotorVation,

Thanks. So far all I have been able to find is that a 1/2 ton or larger would be classified as a heavy truck for taxes. Can't seem to find anything on if it would be considered a commercial vehicle since it would be a "cargo van".

What you said make sense since yours was a passenger van.

The discrepancy I seem to be getting is the difference between a passenger van and a cargo van as far as being considered a commercial vehicle.

 

[MotorVation]

Got ya. Here in Pinellas County, the Tax Collector's office takes care of vehicle registration. I've called them in the past and actually got a human who answered my questions. Good luck with it

 

[Tony's Dream]

I bought my ford cargo van and converted it into an RV. By Nebraska law....it must contain a stove, sink, bed, and fridge at a minimum. When I went to register it, I discovered that each of the items had to be built into the van. For example, the stove had to be installed and connected to propane gas. A portable stove did not qualify.....so I ended up registering it as a commercial vehicle.

 

[abnorm]

I am a Florida resident for 50 years...........My big cargo van is Insured as "Commercial Vehicle for Personal Use"

 

[RobOfYork]

I am a Florida resident for 50 years...........My big cargo van is Insured as "Commercial Vehicle for Personal Use"

How is it tagged? Commercial or personal plates?

 

[abnorm]

^The ONLY commercial Florida PLATES are found on large trucks over approx 25,000 lbs

Like I said......My van is considered a Commercial vehicle (as determined by the VIN number).......but its "use" is Personal

YOUR gripe is with your HOA....Read the Covenants....You have a choice NOT to live THERE....good luck

And WELCOME to the forum.......maybe head over to the Newcomers section and introduce yourself

 

[RobOfYork]

^The ONLY commercial Florida PLATES are found on large trucks over approx 25,000 lbs

I did not know that. Adding that to my notes. Just trying to make sure I understand everything before I start a conversion. My plans are to start the conversion where we are now and then head out on the road. So trying not to move to a new place if at all possible.

I am seeing a few 3/4 ton trucks in the neighborhood. I'm guessing they would be classified as a commercial vehicle also. So that is promising.

 

[frossiter]

Check with an attorney.

1. Your van may not be considered "Commercial" if it does not have lettering or advertising on the outside.

2. Many court cases have said that an HOA cannot impose parking restrictions on a public street.  They can on private streets maintained by the HOA but not on public streets.

 

[GypsyJan]

HOA won't care what the DMV decides. HOAs live in their own little world. At my parents' condo on North Hutchinson Island (near Vero Beach), the HOA would not even let us enter or park in the parking lot in our Westy or my Toyota truck with a cap! NO "vans" allowed period, just in case a work van might try to pass as something else, LOL.