What does "sold as-is" mean for a private car sale in Florida?

"As-is" means the buyer accepts the vehicle in its current condition, with all faults, and the seller makes no warranty about the vehicle's condition or fitness for use. Florida recommends printing 'AS IS' on the face of the title or providing a written as-is disclosure. Without it, limited implied warranty protections may apply.

Does an as-is clause protect me from all liability in Florida?

No. An as-is clause protects against claims that the vehicle is not in the condition represented. It does NOT protect against fraud. If you knowingly conceal a material defect (engine failure, flood damage, accident history), the buyer can still sue for fraud regardless of the as-is clause.

Does Florida lemon law apply to private car sales?

Florida's Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act (lemon law) covers dealer sales only — not private party sales.

What should I include in an as-is bill of sale?

Include: (1) "AS-IS, NO WARRANTY" language in bold, (2) a list of known defects, (3) confirmation that the buyer had the opportunity to inspect, (4) both parties' signatures and dates, (5) vehicle VIN, sale price, and odometer reading.

Can a buyer undo an as-is car sale?

Generally no — once both parties sign and the title transfers, the sale is final. Exceptions: the seller committed fraud by concealing a known material defect, or the seller made specific false representations about the vehicle that induced the sale. The as-is clause does not protect against intentional misrepresentation.

Are implied warranties waived in an as-is sale in Florida?

Florida UCC § 672.316 allows disclaimer of implied warranties in writing. An as-is clause in the bill of sale effectively waives the implied warranty of merchantability.

Selling a Car As-Is in Florida (2025)

How to complete a legal as-is vehicle sale in Florida — including required disclosure language, what liability you keep, and what to include in your bill of sale.

Florida — As-Is Sale at a Glance

"As-is" requiredRecommended on title face
Implied warranty waivedYes — with written as-is clause
Lemon law appliesNo — private party sales only
Fraud liabilityYes — cannot be waived

Florida recommends the seller write or stamp 'AS IS — NO WARRANTY' on the face of the title before transfer. This is common practice for Florida private vehicle sales.

As-Is Does Not Cover Fraud

An as-is clause protects you from claims about unknown defects. It does not protect you if you knowingly concealed a material defect. Always disclose what you know in writing — in the bill of sale.

Recommended As-Is Disclosure Language

THIS VEHICLE IS SOLD AS-IS, WHERE-IS, WITH NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.

The seller makes no representations about the vehicle's condition, fitness for a particular purpose, or merchantability. Buyer accepts the vehicle in its present condition after having had the opportunity to inspect.

Known defects disclosed: ______________________________________

Copy this language into your bill of sale. Replace the disclosure line with any known issues (or write "none known").

What You Must Still Disclose As-Is

!Salvage, rebuilt, flood, or lemon law buyback title brand
!Known structural damage (frame, unibody) from accident or collision
!Known engine or transmission failures or imminent failures
!Flood, fire, or hail damage — even if cosmetically repaired
!Active liens or encumbrances you know about
!Any safety defect you are aware of

FAQ — As-Is Vehicle Sales in Florida

Can the buyer sue me after an as-is sale in Florida?: The buyer can still sue for fraud if you concealed a known material defect. The as-is clause only protects against warranty claims for unknown conditions. Disclose everything you know to reduce your legal exposure.
Does an as-is sale have to be in writing?: Yes. Oral as-is disclaimers are generally unenforceable. The disclaimer must be in writing and conspicuous in the bill of sale or other transfer document.
Can a dealer sell a car as-is in Florida?: Dealer as-is sales have different rules than private party sales. Dealers must comply with FTC Used Car Rule requirements, including a Buyers Guide disclosing warranty status. Private party sales have fewer formal requirements but the same fraud prohibitions.

Official Resource

Florida HSMV →

As-Is Bill of Sale for Florida

Generate a free Florida bill of sale with as-is language included. Protect yourself with a properly written sale document.

Florida As-Is Car Bill of Sale →