How to Sell a Car Privately in Florida
Selling your car yourself in Florida comes down to a signed title, the right paperwork, and a few steps people often miss. This guide summarizes what the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and state law say, so you and the buyer can finish the transfer cleanly.
Transferring the title
- For a paper title, the seller completes the Transfer of Title by Seller section, including the selling price. flhsmv.gov
- The seller and buyer each sign and print their names in that section. flhsmv.gov
- The buyer completes an Application for Certificate of Title, attaches it to the title, and submits both. flhsmv.gov
- The buyer should file within 30 days of purchase to avoid a late-transfer penalty. flhsmv.gov
- It is illegal to transfer a title when the buyer's name is not on it. flhsmv.gov
- FLHSMV recommends finishing the sale together at a motor vehicle service center. flhsmv.gov
Bill of sale
- A bill of sale is required when the title is an open title (no buyer name or no price filled in) or the price was altered. flhsmv.gov
- Form HSMV 82050 can serve as the bill of sale if both parties complete it. flhsmv.gov
- Florida gives no three-day cooling-off period, so both parties should keep copies of signed papers. flhsmv.gov
Notarization
- A notary is not required on a Florida title, even if the title has a space for one. flhsmv.gov
- A notary is one of the people allowed to verify the VIN on form 82042 for vehicles not previously titled in Florida. flhsmv.gov
Odometer disclosure
- Used-vehicle sellers disclose the mileage on the title and the buyer acknowledges it by signing and printing their name. flsenate.gov
- Skipping the odometer statement or the buyer's acknowledgment is a second-degree misdemeanor under the statute. flsenate.gov
- Per the 2025 statute, model year 2011 and newer vehicles are exempt after 20 years, and 2010 and older after 10 years. flsenate.gov
- Vehicles over 16,000 pounds GVWR are also exempt. flsenate.gov
- Form 82050 includes an odometer section for motor vehicles. flhsmv.gov
License plates
- Plates stay with the seller, who should remove them before the sale. flhsmv.gov
- The seller may move the plate to a new or replacement vehicle. flhsmv.gov
- If the plate is not moved, it must be turned in to a local office to prevent a driver license suspension. flhsmv.gov
Telling the state you sold the car
- Florida law requires sellers to file a Notice of Sale. flhsmv.gov
- The form is HSMV 82050, which can be filed in person or by mail with the local tax collector office. flhsmv.gov
- The statute requires the seller to notify the state within 30 days of a bona fide sale. flsenate.gov
- Filing removes the seller's registration from the vehicle and helps limit liability after the sale. flhsmv.gov
Taxes and fees the buyer pays
- The buyer pays Florida sales tax plus tag and title fees at the service center, not as part of the sale price. flhsmv.gov
- The state rate is 6%, and county surtax can apply to the first $5,000 of the price. floridarevenue.com
- A buyer who already paid similar tax to another state may get a credit. floridarevenue.com
- Registration tax depends on vehicle weight. flhsmv.gov
Loans and liens
- An existing lien must be satisfied, and an original lien satisfaction is needed for any lien in the system. flhsmv.gov
- For an electronic title, buyer and seller go together to a tax collector or plate agency with photo ID to complete form HSMV 82994. flhsmv.gov
- After payoff, the lienholder must file the satisfaction with FLHSMV within 10 days. flhsmv.gov
Easy-to-miss rules in this state
- A vehicle never titled in Florida needs a VIN and odometer verification form (82042) checked by an approved person such as a notary, dealer or police officer. flhsmv.gov
- The buyer must show Florida PIP and PDL insurance to register. flhsmv.gov
- An out-of-state buyer can buy a 30-day temporary tag to drive the car home. flhsmv.gov
- Florida used cars have no Lemon Law protection. flhsmv.gov
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a notary to sell a car in Florida?
A notary is not required on a Florida title, even if the title has a space for one. A notary is one of the people allowed to verify the VIN on form 82042 for vehicles not previously titled in Florida.
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in Florida?
A bill of sale is required when the title is an open title (no buyer name or no price filled in) or the price was altered. Form HSMV 82050 can serve as the bill of sale if both parties complete it.
Is an odometer disclosure required when selling a car in Florida?
Used-vehicle sellers disclose the mileage on the title and the buyer acknowledges it by signing and printing their name. Skipping the odometer statement or the buyer's acknowledgment is a second-degree misdemeanor under the statute.
What happens to the license plates when I sell my car in Florida?
Plates stay with the seller, who should remove them before the sale. The seller may move the plate to a new or replacement vehicle.
Do I have to tell the state I sold my car in Florida?
Florida law requires sellers to file a Notice of Sale. The form is HSMV 82050, which can be filed in person or by mail with the local tax collector office.
Official Florida resources
- FLHSMV: Selling a Vehicle
- FLHSMV: Buying from a Private Sale
- FLHSMV: Form HSMV 82050 Notice of Sale / Bill of Sale
- FLHSMV: Form HSMV 82042 VIN and Odometer Verification
- FLHSMV: TL-11 Transfer of Florida Certificate of Title
- Florida Dept. of Revenue: Sales and Use Tax on Motor Vehicles
Next steps
Once you know the rules, create a free listing and print a QR code sign for the car window. For the general process, see our step-by-step private sale guide, the paperwork checklist, and how to get paid safely. Need paperwork? Use our free bill of sale generator.