FL DMV is worse than CA DMV, is that possible?

So I'm buying a truck in NJ and I'll be leasing it to someone in CA. Its getting delivered straight to CA and they will be using it only in CA and under their own operating authority. I want the truck title transfered to me as the new legal owner, who's located in FL. This isn't one of those driver lease programs, a real lease. Anyway, I have talked to the FL dmv or their version of it about 3 times and I'm getting different answers.....

Do you guys know if I have to register the truck in FL and get FL insurance? I don't see why I would need to register it in FL if the truck won't ever be in FL and I won't be insuring the vehicle. FL dmv said I can't get a FL title without registering it in FL but on another call said I can get a FL title without registering it in FL.

Also, do you guys know if I need to pay FL sales tax? Again, I don't think I would need to because its going straight to CA, just want the title transfered to FL. Thanks!

 

Ok, could you explain what you mean by baseplate? Are you saying it can be titled in a base/home state and then registered anywhere else?

 

Ok so you're saying that even if the truck won't ever be in FL or used in FL, I am still legally supposed to register the truck in FL? I thought vehicles were only supposed to be registered in states that they will be used in? I'm not trying to argue or anything, I'm just thinking about this similar scenario:

You buy a vehicle for your daughter to use (not give to her) in say NJ, she is a CA resident and will be using it there. You have it delivered to CA but as the new legal owner, you want the vehicle title transfered to you, who's a resident of FL.

Its similar to what's going on but instead of free use, its going to be leased to a CA resident, in this case a CA motor carrier. Also, does FL sales tax have to be paid when you're not going to use the vehicle in FL?

 

This is pretty similar to what I have going on. The truck should end up with a FL title but with CA tags or plates and registration. Thanks for your reply. Did you have to register your truck in FL in order to have a FL title? Or did you choose to register since it looks like you might use it as a bobtail sometimes in FL?

 

Ok, I had to edit my original post to add important things I forgot. Here the breakdown:

Truck getting delivered straight to CA from NJ.
Company that I'll be leasing to will use it only in CA under their own operating authority and insurance. Truck should have CA plates and CA insurance.
I want the truck title transfered to me as the new legal owner, FL resident and that's why I bring up the FL title (before I think I said I just want the title mailed or addressed to a FL address)

I will be running my own business and the truck will be insured by the other company. So based on that you're saying I need to register it in FL correct?