Polk County Tax Collector Joe G. Tedder has publicly called out the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) over its new statewide DMV computer system, calling it “unacceptable” and “crippling” to local operations.
The issue stems from a new system called Orion, which the state rolled out in January to handle driver’s licenses and other DMV transactions.
Here is a breakdown of what is happening:
- Massive Delays: Transactions that typically take 20 minutes or less are dragging out to over three hours because of system freezes and errors, forcing local staff to occasionally turn citizens away.
- Frequent Crashes: The system’s unreliability has spiked recently. Out of the first 18 business days in May 2026, the Orion system experienced software crashes or major delays on 12 of those days.
- Local Control Limits: Because the software is entirely managed and mandated by the state, local tax collector offices have no ability to fix the backend technical glitches themselves.
Tedder took a sharp tone in his statement, questioning the state’s management of the rollout:
“My Office is required to use this State computer system to do the basics like, you know, work… As a Conservative, I join others in the call for less government. But, shouldn’t the State focus on government that works?”
What Residents Can Do
The Tax Collector’s Office is asking residents to remain patient with local staff, who are stuck troubleshooting the crashes in real time.
If you are facing extreme delays or want to voice complaints, Tedder is urging citizens to contact the state directly:
- By Phone: FLHSMV Customer Service at (850) 617-2000
- Online: Submit an email form through the state’s portal at flhsmv.service-now.com/csp
Great – and I am going to need to renew soon.