Selling a Car in Florida: Everything You Need to Know

Are you wondering how to sell your Florida car? It doesn't matter where you live in Florida, preparations for a private sale of your car require some planning and forethought. Florida had more than 7.9million registered cars as of 2018. Quick Cash For Clunkers is the ideal place to sell your car privately, as private sales are gaining momentum.

Florida law states that you cannot privately sell more than three vehicles within a single calendar year without a license. You can't park vehicles on public roads or public property in Florida if you don’t have permission from the owner. Selling your car online is often easier due to this and other reasons.

The 7 Steps to Selling Your Car Legally in Florida

If you have already sold 3 cars in the past year, get your dealer license before you start these steps.

1) Apply for a temporary tag.

Vehicle plates in Florida are the property of the seller. If you have transferred your plate to another vehicle, you will need a temporary tag for the vehicle you are selling. Potential buyers can test drive the car with a temporary tag. You should keep your insurance until you sell the car. To get the temporary tag, you will need insurance.

2) Remove any liens.

Are there any liens on the vehicle? If the vehicle has any existing liens, it is illegal to sell. After you have paid off the lien, the lienholder will notify the FHSMV (Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle Department) and the title can be transferred to you.

3) Do you not have the title?

You must apply for a new car title if you have lost your original car title. Submit form HTMLMV 82101 along with the required fees to your local FHSMV Office. Your local office may offer expedited title services for an additional $10 depending on the county.

4) VIN inspection

If your car has not been registered in the state, you will need to complete the Odometer Verification Form, HSMV-82042. The form must be signed by you and one of these officials. The following officials can sign off on the information:

• FHSMV officers
• Licensed, authorized car dealers
• Licensed Florida notaries
• Officers of law enforcement

5) Transfer the title.

Although it's not required by law, it's recommended that you and your buyer meet at an FHSMV Office to complete the title transfer and sale. You will need to request a replacement if you cannot locate the title.

The buyer fills FHSMV Form 82040 and attaches it with the title. If you are unable to meet in person at the office, the buyer must complete this form within 30 days. The late fee will be charged to the buyer if they are unable or unwilling to complete the form in the required timeframe. The buyer must provide the official reading of the odometer at the time they purchased the item. This information must also be provided and acknowledged at the time you sell it.

6) Provide a Bill of Sale to the Buyer

The law requires that bills of sale be filed. Before filing the Bill of Sale form 82050, you should notarize it. This form will remove your existing registration and cancel your liability attached the vehicle. The buyer is responsible for obtaining the new title and registration after you have filed form 82050.

7) Do not forget to take off the license plate

Florida law requires that license plates be kept with the sellers and not with vehicles. The license plate must be removed once the buyer has taken possession of the vehicle. The license plate can be placed on another vehicle by you. You can return the license plate to the FHSMV nearest you if you are moving out of Florida but will not be titling any other vehicles.

Important Seller Information - Protect your Interests

Filing form 82050 when you sell a Florida car is mandatory. This form removes your name from the vehicle and makes sure you aren't liable for any damage that may occur after the new owner has taken possession.

After you have completed this form, the buyer must apply for the necessary documents to legally drive the vehicle.

You could still be responsible for any accidents or criminal activity that may have occurred even though the vehicle is no longer yours. Keep a copy of all documents that prove you have sold the vehicle, including the Bill of Sale and title transfer paperwork showing the new owner's name and address.

Do I need to sell my car online?

Quick Cash For Clunkers makes selling a car in Florida easy. Quick Cash For Clunkers offers many benefits to car sellers:

• Advertise until your car sells.
• You can communicate with interested buyers without disclosing your personal information.
• Window Brochure to promote your vehicle on the roads
• You can manage and respond to offers from your dashboard.
• Test drive scheduler.
• Sign the State Documents
• Electronic Signatures