Can I Get a Title With a Bill of Sale in Florida? (2026)

Using a Bill of Sale for a Florida Title Transfer

A bill of sale works as ownership evidence in one narrow situation. Under section 319.23 of the Florida Statutes, if a certificate of title has never been issued for the vehicle or mobile home in this state, the title application may be accompanied by a proper bill of sale, a sworn statement of ownership, a certified copy of either, or the ownership evidence required by the state the vehicle came from.

That wording matters. The bill of sale supports the application – it does not replace the title. If a Florida title already exists, the seller generally signs it over to you instead, which is the usual way to transfer a title.

Ancient and antique vehicles get their own path. Those applications may be backed by a certificate of title, a bill of sale plus a Florida car registration, or a bill of sale plus an owner affidavit defending the title against all claims. That bill of sale must include:

• The vehicle identification or engine number
• The year, make and color of the vehicle
• The selling price
• The signatures of both the seller and the purchaser

Seller Responsibilities When Transferring a Title

Sellers carry real duties. Florida's transfer of title rules in section 319.22 say a buyer does not acquire marketable title until a certificate of title is issued to them, and courts generally will not recognize a claim to a vehicle unless a certificate backs it up.

The same section protects a careful seller. An owner who makes a bona fide sale, delivers possession, and properly endorses and delivers the certificate of title is not treated as the owner for civil liability when someone else later drives the vehicle. When co-owners are listed with the word "or," either signature counts as proper endorsement.

Honesty on the paperwork is not optional. A false name, address, or statement in a title application, an affidavit, or a bill of sale is listed among the offenses in section 319.33. Guessing at a purchase price or a mileage figure is a risk you may want to avoid.

Documents Required at the Tax Collector Office

Florida's title statute pairs the bill of sale with a short stack of supporting documents. Expect to bring:

• A completed application for certificate of title
• Your bill of sale, sworn statement of ownership, or a certified copy
• A sworn VIN affidavit signed by the seller and purchaser, or a departmental form showing a physical VIN inspection
• An odometer affidavit if the vehicle is a used car original

The owner must make that physical VIN check together with a law enforcement officer in any state, a licensed motor vehicle dealer, a license inspector, or a Florida notary public. A used car original is a used vehicle titled in Florida for the first time.

Not every vehicle needs that check. Verification is not required for any new motor vehicle, any mobile home, any trailer or semitrailer under 2,000 pounds, or any travel trailer, camping trailer, truck camper, or fifth wheel recreation trailer.

Out-of-State and Special Title Transfers

Vehicles arriving from another state follow the same logic. Whatever ownership evidence that state required supports your Florida application, and the VIN and odometer rules still apply.

Brand new vehicles are different. Under section 319.21, a manufacturer, distributor, or licensed dealer may not sell a new vehicle or new mobile home without delivering a properly executed manufacturer's statement of origin, and no one may bring a new vehicle into Florida for sale without obtaining it from the seller. That document starts the title chain.

Create Your Florida Bill of Sale With ConsumerShield

A clear, complete bill of sale protects both sides of a private vehicle sale. A template saves time and reduces the risk that you hand over a document the tax collector will not accept. For help drafting yours, explore ConsumerShield's online tools and resources today.