Selling a used car in Florida through a private sale doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the necessary forms and paperwork in order and a clear understanding of the process, you can complete a legal and successful sale while getting a fair selling price.
Whether you are an experienced car owner or selling a car for the first time, here’s what you need to know to sell your car with confidence in the state of Florida.
How To Sell Your Car in Florida
- Collect Your Required Paperwork
- Consider Selling on CarGurus
- Transfer the Title
- Remove Your License Plates
- Notify the FLHSMV
- Update Your Insurance
Collect Your Required Paperwork
With your vehicle prepped and ready to list, gather all the documentation required under Florida law:
Certificate of Title (Car Title)
The car title proves you legally own the vehicle. If there is a lienholder listed, the lien must be satisfied before the vehicle title can be transferred. If you lost your paper title, you can request a replacement through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) using Form HSMV 82101. Expedited service is available for an added fee.
Notice of Sale / Bill of Sale (Form HSMV 82050)
This form is required for all private-party sales. It documents the vehicle owner transfer and protects the seller from any future liability involving the car. After the car is sold, you can file it online or drop it off in person at a service center or tax collector’s office.
Odometer Disclosure Statement
The odometer reading must be written on the back of the title and included in a separate disclosure, the Odometer Disclosure Statement, available on the FLHSMV website as Form 82993.
Some rules allow certain vehicles to be exempt from odometer disclosure statement requirements:
- A 2011 model year or newer vehicle is exempt after it is 20 years old
- A 2010 or older vehicle becomes exempt after 10 years — as of this writing, all 2010 or older vehicles are now exempt
- Exemptions also apply to vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 16,000 pounds or more
Proof of Insurance & Temporary Tag
If you have already removed your license plate but want buyers to take a test drive, you must apply for a demonstration-only temporary tag. Insurance coverage must remain active on the vehicle until the sale is completed.
Consider Selling on CarGurus
Finding a location to display your car, creating and posting an ad, responding to questions, and meeting potential buyers can make a private sale time-consuming or even uncomfortable. If you want to avoid the hassle of getting your vehicle sold, CarGurus offers an easy way to sell your car in Florida. CarGurus' Sell My Car tool lets you list your used vehicle to our network of dealerships. Simply enter some details and you'll receive up to five offers from local dealerships. If you want to go ahead we'll put you in touch with the dealership who will appraise your car and complete the sale.
If you're not ready to sell right away, you can sign up for a CarGurus value tracker, which sends you monthly email updates on your car's value.
Transfer the Title
For a paper title, fill out the Transfer of Title by Seller section. If your title is held electronically, you and the buyer must go in person to an FLHSMV service center or tax collector’s office to complete the transfer. The new owner will pay any applicable title and registration fees. The FLHSMV has a Title Transfer Guide on its website for more information.
Remove Your License Plates
In Florida, the license plate does not stay with the car, so be sure to remove it before the buyer takes possession. If you are not using the plate on a replacement vehicle, FLHSMV requires the plate to be returned. This can be done at any FLHSMV office.
Notify the FLHSMV
Once the sale is complete, you will need to file the Notice of Sale (HSMV 82050) online or in person. This is an important step; remember, filing it releases you from responsibility for the vehicle, including any tickets or violations the new owner might incur. Be sure to include your name, phone number, and the purchase price. If you have additional questions or want to know more, visit the FLHSMV site.
Update Your Insurance
It is easy to forget to notify your insurer that you no longer own the vehicle. As soon as possible, contact your agent and let them know the car has been sold and the date it was sold. You may receive pro-rated credit for any unused months if you paid for a full year of coverage.
