How To Sell A Car In Florida: Step-By-Step Guide (2026)

What You Need to Know Before Selling a Car in Florida

Selling a vehicle in Florida is not as simple as just handing the car keys over. You’ll also need to remove the license plate, transfer the title and file a notice of sale. You can obtain a bill or notice of sale online from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

Getting a notarized bill of sale isn’t always required, but it can be a good idea.

How to Sell Your Car to a Dealership in Florida

When it comes to how to sell a car in Florida, one of the easiest ways to do so is to involve a dealership. You will need to have the vehicle appraised and gather the necessary paperwork, including the vehicle title or lien pay-off information. Typically, the dealership will handle the title transfer and taxes involved in selling the car.

How to Sell Your Car Privately in Florida

To sell your car privately, you must sign the transfer of title and complete the odometer disclosure. The buyer, not the seller, must perform the transfer at a DMV. You’ll need to cancel your insurance and remove the license plate. The last step is to complete a notice of sale.

Required Documents and Forms for Selling a Car in Florida

You will need the Florida Certificate of Title. If there is a lien on the car, you need to submit a lien satisfaction document. If the vehicle was not previously titled in Florida, you should file a VIN verification. Vitally, you will need the notice of sale to protect yourself against liability.

How to Transfer a Car Title in Florida

The seller must complete the Transfer of Title by Seller section on the current title and sign it. This is best done alongside the buyer at a Tax Collector’s office. The buyer will then have to submit Form 82040 and pay sales taxes and fees.

How to Sell a Car With a Loan in Florida

You can pay the loan off and receive the title or trade the vehicle in at a dealership.

Protect Yourself After the Sale: Notice of Sale and License Plates

The Notice of Sale form protects you against civil liability. If you don’t take this step and the buyer breaks Florida traffic laws and gets into an accident, you could be responsible for the losses. You must also remove the license plate.

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