How to Get a Title for an Abandoned Vehicle in Florida
Florida has a 35 days (private property) / 3 days (public road) wait period before you can begin the title process. Here is everything a towing company, storage facility, or property owner needs to know.
Quick Reference
Wait Period & Reporting
35 days (private property) / 3 days (public road) wait required. Vehicles abandoned on public roads may be towed in 3 days. On private property, the wait is 35 days from the last date the vehicle was moved.
Notifying the Owner
Certified mail + public notice in newspaper if owner not found via DHSMV records
Florida requires the towing company to notify DHSMV within 24 hours of tow. DHSMV provides owner/lienholder information.
Lienholder Rights
Lienholder has 15 days after notice to respond; silence waives interest
Florida's "quick title" for liens under $500 can be processed at any tax collector office within 24 hours.
The Title Application Process
Form/Program: Notice of Lien for Storage / Application for Certificate of Title — Form HSMV 82040
Towing companies file with DHSMV. For private property holders, an attorney or title company typically assists.
Restrictions & Requirements
- Towing company or storage facility must be licensed by Florida DHSMV
- Vehicle under $500 value: simplified fast process
- Must hold vehicle for full notice period before selling
Florida-Specific Note
Florida-Specific Facts for Abandoned Vehicle Title
Florida Vehicle transfer fees and requirements
In Florida, the title transfer fee is $75.25 and registration costs $14.50 - $32.50 based on vehicle weight. Vehicle sales are subject to 6% state sales tax plus discretionary county surtax (up to 1.5%). Florida does not require notarization for private-party vehicle transfers. Florida does not require emission testing for private-party vehicle sales.
- Electronic title program (no paper titles for lien-free vehicles)
- Title must be transferred within 30 days
- Sales tax applies to purchase price or NADA value, whichever is higher
- Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles handles registration
Official Florida bill of sale form
The official Florida bill of sale form is HSMV 82050 (Motor Vehicle, Mobile Home, or Vessel Bill of Sale). BillOfSaleNow generates a document that meets all Florida requirements and can be used in place of the official form.
Florida sales tax on vehicle purchases
Florida has a 6% state sales tax rate. 6% state plus county discretionary surtax (0.5–1.5%). Private-party vehicle sales in Florida are subject to sales tax. Tax based on purchase price or NADA book value, whichever is higher. The title transfer fee is $75.
Florida bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 8,923 bill of sale documents for Florida transactions, with 241 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
More Florida Vehicle Guides
- Dealer Surety Bond in Florida
- Vehicle Deposit Refund in Florida
- Sell Car With Suspended License in Florida
- EV Tax Credit in Florida
- Emissions Inspection in Florida
- Extended Warranty Cancellation in Florida
Each guide is written specifically for Florida laws, agencies, and procedures. Bookmark for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before a vehicle is considered abandoned in Florida?
Florida requires a 35 days (private property) / 3 days (public road) wait period. Vehicles abandoned on public roads may be towed in 3 days. On private property, the wait is 35 days from the last date the vehicle was moved.
How do I notify the owner of an abandoned vehicle in Florida?
Certified mail + public notice in newspaper if owner not found via DHSMV records. Florida requires the towing company to notify DHSMV within 24 hours of tow. DHSMV provides owner/lienholder information.
How much does it cost to get an abandoned vehicle title in Florida?
$75–$250 DHSMV fee + towing/storage. Florida caps initial towing at $125 (non-consent light vehicle) + $85/first day storage. Beyond cap: negotiated.
How long does the abandoned vehicle title process take in Florida?
45–75 days. DHSMV processes within 20–30 days of receiving complete paperwork. Total with wait period: 6–10 weeks.
Does Florida require a surety bond for an abandoned vehicle title?
Not for the standard process. A surety bond may be required if the abandoned vehicle's VIN cannot be verified or if it has a prior out-of-state title.
Selling the Vehicle After You Get Title?
Create a compliant Florida bill of sale to protect yourself in the transaction.
Generate Bill of SaleSource: Florida DHSMV Abandoned Vehicle Process. Abandoned vehicle laws change frequently — verify current wait periods with your state DMV.