How to Transfer a Car Title to an LLC in Florida
Transferring a personal vehicle to your LLC in Florida involves a title change at Florida DHSMV, potential sales/use tax, a new insurance policy, and — if financed — lienholder coordination. Here is exactly what to expect.
Consult a tax professional in Florida before transferring a vehicle to your LLC. Tax treatment of personal-to-LLC transfers is complex and varies by LLC structure. This guide provides a general overview — not tax advice.
How to Transfer the Title to Your LLC in Florida
Florida tax treatment of personal-to-LLC transfers is complex. Florida treats a personal-to-LLC transfer as a taxable sale subject to 6% state sales tax (plus county surtax capped at $5,000). Exceptions may exist for single-member LLC transfers if properly documented. Consult a Florida tax professional or the DOR before the transfer.
Personal auto loans cannot transfer to an LLC — refinancing into a commercial vehicle loan is required
Florida requires commercial auto insurance in the LLC's name once the vehicle is transferred. Personal policies are void for LLC-owned vehicles. Obtain commercial coverage before completing the transfer.
Gather: Current Florida title (signed by individual); HSMV 82040 (Application for Certificate of Title) — LLC as buyer; Florida LLC Articles of Organization (SunBiz filing); Proof of commercial auto insurance in LLC name; Proof of Florida sales tax payment or exemption; Valid ID of LLC officer/manager signing on behalf of LLC.
The individual owner signs the current title. The LLC is listed as buyer on HSMV 82040. The LLC's authorized representative signs on the LLC's behalf. Submit at the Tax Collector office along with proof of LLC registration. Pay $75.25–$85.25 title fee plus any applicable taxes.
Required Documents in Florida
- 1Current Florida title (signed by individual)
- 2HSMV 82040 (Application for Certificate of Title) — LLC as buyer
- 3Florida LLC Articles of Organization (SunBiz filing)
- 4Proof of commercial auto insurance in LLC name
- 5Proof of Florida sales tax payment or exemption
- 6Valid ID of LLC officer/manager signing on behalf of LLC
Florida requires commercial auto insurance in the LLC's name once the vehicle is transferred. Personal policies are void for LLC-owned vehicles. Obtain commercial coverage before completing the transfer.
Florida's combination of high title fees ($75.25+) and 6% sales tax on LLC transfers makes this a significant financial decision. A $40,000 vehicle transfer costs approximately $2,475 in tax plus $85 in title fees. Ensure the liability protection benefit justifies this cost for your situation.
Florida Car Title to LLC FAQ
How do I transfer a car title to my LLC in Florida?
Sign the current title as the individual seller naming your LLC as the buyer. Complete HSMV 82040 (Application for Certificate of Title) — LLC as buyer at Florida DHSMV. The individual owner signs the current title. The LLC is listed as buyer on HSMV 82040. The LLC's authorized representative signs on the LLC's behalf. Submit at the Tax Collector office along with proof of LLC registration.
Will I owe taxes when transferring my car to an LLC in Florida?
6% Florida sales/use tax typically owed. Florida treats a personal-to-LLC transfer as a taxable sale subject to 6% state sales tax (plus county surtax capped at $5,000). Exceptions may exist for single-member LLC transfers if properly documented. Consult a Florida tax professional or the DOR before the transfer.
What happens to my car loan if I transfer the title to an LLC in Florida?
Personal auto loans cannot transfer to an LLC — refinancing into a commercial vehicle loan is required
Do I need a new insurance policy when I transfer my car to an LLC in Florida?
Florida requires commercial auto insurance in the LLC's name once the vehicle is transferred. Personal policies are void for LLC-owned vehicles. Obtain commercial coverage before completing the transfer.
What documents are needed to transfer a car title to an LLC in Florida?
Required: Current Florida title (signed by individual); HSMV 82040 (Application for Certificate of Title) — LLC as buyer; Florida LLC Articles of Organization (SunBiz filing); Proof of commercial auto insurance in LLC name; Proof of Florida sales tax payment or exemption; Valid ID of LLC officer/manager signing on behalf of LLC.
How much does it cost to transfer a car title to an LLC in Florida?
$75.25–$85.25 title fee. Standard Florida title fee applies. Florida sales tax (6% of vehicle value) may also be owed unless an exemption applies. The county surtax applies only to the first $5,000.