, you’ll need to fill out and sign the certificate of title, if it’s a paper title. If your car’s title is held electronically, both you and your buyer will need to go to the FLHSMV to complete the sale. Be sure to file a Notice of Sale with the FLHSMV to remove your name from the vehicle and avoid ongoing legal responsibility.

Selling a car privately is one of the best ways to get a good price, but it can be a challenging process. Every state has its own rules governing private auto sales, and a misstep could have serious legal and financial consequences for both the buyer and the seller.

In this article, we’ll walk you through all the steps to selling a car in Florida.

RECOMMENDED

Thousands of customers saved on average $887/year on their car insurance with Jerry

This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍

Gabriella R.

Find insurance savings

4.7/5 Rating on App Store

What you need to sell a car in Florida

The first step to selling a car in Florida is to gather all the necessary paperwork and information. You’ll need the following in order to complete the sale:

Florida Certificate of Title

Your signature

Signature of the buyer

Notice of Sale

Valid smog certificate

Odometer disclosure

If your paper title has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you must apply for a duplicate title before selling the car. If you need the replacement title quickly, some areas will allow you to pay $10 to fast-track your application.

MORE:

Car loan in Florida 2023

Getting a pre-sale inspection

If your car was not previously titled in Florida, you’ll need to complete a

Vehicle Identification Number and Odometer Verification

. You can fill out the form yourself, but it will need to be verified by one of the following:

Florida FLHSMV compliance examiner/officer

Licensed Florida motor vehicle dealer

Florida notary public

Law enforcement officer

Documenting the sale

The most important part of a private vehicle sale in Florida is the

Notice of Sale (Form HSMV 82050)

. This document, which doubles as a bill of sale or legal receipt for the transaction, officially removes your name from the vehicle and protects you if your buyer fails to apply for a new certificate of title within 30 days after the sale.

You and the buyer should both fill out and sign Section 3 of the Notice of Sale.

Signing the title over

The other essential step in a private auto sale is

transferring the title

to the new owner. A car’s title certifies the ownership of the vehicle, and signing it is the only way to legally transfer the car to a new owner.

In order to transfer a paper title, you must fill out and sign the section on the back of the title labeled “Transfer of Title by Seller.” Your buyer will then be able to apply for a new certificate of title from the FLHSMV.

If your title is held electronically, you and your buyer will need to appear at an HSMV office to complete the title transfer. You should both be prepared to show your photo ID.

Reporting the sale

Once the title is transferred and the sale is complete, you’ll have 30 days to file your Notice of Sale with the FLHSMV. It’s better to do this sooner rather than later to avoid any delays or late penalties.

Keep a copy of your Notice of Sale after you’ve filed it. It’s also a good idea to have the form notarized, if possible.

Finding affordable car insurance

Selling your car privately allows you to maximize savings, but it can be a lot of work. With

Jerry

, you can save money on car insurance without filling out any forms or waiting in line at an HSMV office. Just download the app, answer a couple of questions about yourself and your car, and sit back while Jerry goes to work!

Jerry is a licensed insurance broker and a comparison shopping expert, so you can save with confidence, knowing that you’re getting the best coverage at the lowest available rate.

RECOMMENDED