FDACS is moving license records between two systems. Search both official databases before interpreting a missing repair-shop result. The legacy lookup and new lookup each warn that some businesses appear only in the other system.
This is a Florida-wide verification method prepared by LSL’s Orlando desk. An Orlando, Orange County or Seminole County address does not create a separate FDACS registration program.
Open the two searches with the same identity information
Start with the shop’s stated business name, registration number, location and phone. Use a number when available to reduce confusion between similar names, but compare the returned identity too.
| Search detail | Legacy FDACS page | New FDACS page |
|---|---|---|
| Identity fields | Name, license number, phone and city | Business name, license number, phone and city |
| Geographic filter | County | County |
| Program filter | Program | License Type |
| Status control shown on entry page | Limit results by Active status | No equivalent active-only checkbox was shown in the initial page read |
Those are the fields displayed on the two linked entry pages, not a claim that LSL performed a search or tested every result control. The old page’s active-status filter is particularly important when interpreting what a search did or did not include. Retain the selected filters with a dated result.
If a site will not load results, record an access failure—not “no registration.” The new page exposed an offline/read-only notice to the text browser used for this review; its search-result operation was not tested.
Decide what the results actually establish
A matching record: compare the name, registration number and location with the business taking the vehicle and the documents it gives you. Save the status and any dates actually displayed. Do not invent an expiration date or treat a screenshot’s age as current status.
A different name, location or status: preserve both results and ask FDACS to reconcile them. Do not select whichever record looks more favorable.
No matching record in either system: check the inputs and filters, then ask FDACS. Absence alone does not decide whether an exemption applies, a record has moved or a business is operating unlawfully.
LSL’s suggested question is: “I searched [name/number] in both systems on [date]. The results show [specific mismatch or absence]. Which registration record applies to [business and service location]?” Do not post a private owner’s home address as part of a public accusation.
A local business receipt is not the state registration check
Section 559.904 generally requires registration before covered repair shops do business, provides location-specific certificates and requires an active state certificate for the relevant local business tax receipt. It also distinguishes exemptions from registration fees and other exceptions. A fee exemption is not automatically an exemption from the registration record itself.
Section 559.902 excludes specified activities from the Act. Section 559.904(9) has a separate individual/no-employees/no-established-place provision and explicitly addresses a mobile shop owner’s home as an established place. Do not apply a blanket “mobile mechanics are exempt” rule.
If coverage or identity is unclear, FDACS consumer guidance provides 1-800-435-7352 for assistance. LSL did not call that number or obtain a determination about any business.
Registration is one check—not a repair recommendation
A listed registration does not establish technician credentials, insurance, repair necessity, workmanship, warranty coverage or future performance. Continue with the actual estimate and authorization checks. If an existing transaction is disputed, the separate complaint preparation guide addresses evidence and filing rather than ranking shops by allegations.
What LSL compared
On September 13, 2026, we read both database entry pages and their reciprocal migration notices, FDACS consumer guidance and the relevant current statutory sections. The contribution is the entry-field comparison and the three result branches above. No query was submitted, no individual business record was evaluated and no company supplied information. Recheck the migration instructions before relying on this procedure; the next scheduled review is October 13, 2026.