How to Sell a Car in Florida (Private Party)

Florida private sellers must sign over the title and are encouraged to complete a Notice of Sale (HSMV 82050). No notarization is required, and the buyer has 30 days to transfer the title.

Required Documents

Florida Certificate of Title — signed by the seller on the assignment section, including odometer reading
Notice of Sale (HSMV 82050) — submitted to FL DHSMV to release seller liability; $2 fee
Bill of sale — not required by law but strongly recommended to document sale price and date
Valid government-issued ID for both parties

Title Transfer Process

Seller completes the assignment of title on the back of the Florida title — no notarization required
Buyer submits the signed title to a Florida tax collector office within 30 days
Seller should file HSMV 82050 (Notice of Sale) with FL DHSMV to avoid liability for future violations
Electronic titles (e-titles) must be converted to paper title before transfer — visit any tax collector office

Taxes and Fees

6% Florida state sales tax on the purchase price
County discretionary sales surtax of 0.5%–1.5% depending on the county (e.g., Miami-Dade adds 1%)
$75.25 title transfer fee for new title issuance
Buyers pay tax and fees at the county tax collector office during registration

Timeline

Buyer must transfer title within 30 days of purchase
Seller should submit HSMV 82050 within the same 30-day window
Processing at the tax collector office is typically same-day

Seller Tips

Florida does not require a smog or emissions inspection for most private sales
License plates stay with the seller in Florida — remove them before handing over the vehicle
If the vehicle has a lien, the lienholder must release it before you can sign over the title
Keep a copy of the bill of sale and HSMV 82050 confirmation for your records

How to create a bill of sale

Locate the Florida title and confirm there are no outstanding liens.
Complete the assignment section on the back of the title, including the odometer reading and buyer details.
Complete a bill of sale with VIN, sale price, sale date, and both parties' signatures.
Hand the signed title and bill of sale to the buyer.
Submit Form HSMV 82050 (Notice of Sale) to FL DHSMV online or by mail within 30 days.
Remove your license plates — they stay with you in Florida.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to notarize a bill of sale to sell a car in Florida?

No. Florida does not require notarization on either the title assignment or a bill of sale for a private vehicle sale.

What is HSMV 82050 in Florida?

HSMV 82050 is the Notice of Sale form submitted to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. It costs $2 and releases you from liability once the buyer takes possession of the vehicle.

How long does title transfer take in Florida?

The buyer has 30 days from the date of purchase to transfer the title at a county tax collector office. Processing is typically same-day.

Does Florida require a bill of sale for a private car sale?

Florida does not legally require a bill of sale, but it is highly recommended. It documents the sale price (used to calculate sales tax) and protects you if the buyer delays the transfer.

Generate your Florida bill of sale

Create a Florida-ready bill of sale with odometer and signature fields — instant PDF download.

Create Bill of Sale