How to Donate a Car in Florida
Donate your vehicle in Florida — title requirements, how the tax deduction works, free pickup options, and which charities to consider.
How to Donate Your Car in Florida
Use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search (apps.irs.gov) to confirm the charity is registered. Avoid for-profit middlemen who take most of the proceeds.
Florida requires the original title. Florida requires a signed title for vehicle donation. The title must be transferred to the charity. Florida title fee is $75.25 if you need a duplicate.
Free pickup is available throughout Florida. Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville are well-served by national charity pickup programs.
Complete the assignment section on the back of the title. Some charities handle this at pickup; others require it in advance.
In Florida, notify the IRS that you no longer own the vehicle. This protects you from liability for anything that happens after the donation.
The charity must send Form 1098-C within 30 days of selling the vehicle. Federal deduction applies. Florida has no state income tax, so the entire benefit is through the federal deduction. For donations where the charity sells the vehicle for over $500, deduct the actual sale price per Form 1098-C.
Charities Accepting Car Donations in Florida
Always verify 501(c)(3) status at apps.irs.gov before donating.
Florida has no state income tax, so car donation tax benefits are federal only. With Florida's strong nonprofit sector, donation pickup is available within 24–48 hours in most metro areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the title to donate my car in Florida?
Yes. Florida requires a signed title for vehicle donation. The title must be transferred to the charity. Florida title fee is $75.25 if you need a duplicate.
How much can I deduct for donating my car in Florida?
Federal deduction applies. Florida has no state income tax, so the entire benefit is through the federal deduction. For donations where the charity sells the vehicle for over $500, deduct the actual sale price per Form 1098-C.
Is free pickup available for car donations in Florida?
Yes. Free pickup is available throughout Florida. Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville are well-served by national charity pickup programs.
What form do I need for the car donation tax deduction?
Form 1098-C for vehicles valued over $500, sent within 30 days of sale. The charity must send you Form 1098-C within 30 days of selling the vehicle. Attach it to your federal tax return (or keep it if e-filing). Vehicles sold for $500 or less: use the fair market value from a guide like Kelley Blue Book, up to $500.
What charities accept car donations in Florida?
Popular options in Florida include: Cars for Kids, Goodwill Industries of South Florida, Salvation Army of Florida, American Cancer Society, Donate a Car 2 Charity. Verify each is a registered 501(c)(3) using the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search at apps.irs.gov.
Is car donation better than selling or trading in?
It depends on the vehicle's value and your tax situation. Donating makes the most financial sense when: the vehicle is worth less than $1,500 (difficult private party sale), you itemize deductions, or the charity will use the vehicle operationally (allowing you to deduct full fair market value rather than the sale price). For vehicles worth $5,000+, a private sale or trade-in often returns more cash.