Transferring a car title in Florida involves a straightforward process handled by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). The core steps are signing the title over to the new owner, completing a bill of sale, and submitting the required documents and fees to your local tax collector's office. Both the seller and the buyer have specific responsibilities to ensure the transfer is legal and complete.
Required Documents
You'll need the current, signed certificate of title (the pink slip). The seller must sign the title in the presence of a notary public or a deputy clerk at the tax collector's office. The buyer must also sign the title. You must also complete Form HSMV 82040, the Application for Certificate of Title with/without Registration. A bill of sale is highly recommended as it documents the sale price, which is used to calculate sales tax.
The Step-by-Step Process
- Seller's Responsibilities: Completely and accurately fill out the "transfer of title by seller" section on the back of the title. This includes the odometer reading, sale price, and date. Have your signature notarized. It's critical to report the sale online to the FLHSMV or submit a Notice of Sale to protect yourself from liability for the vehicle after the sale.
- Buyer's Responsibilities: Take the notarized title, completed application form, bill of sale, and proof of Florida insurance to your county tax collector's office. You will pay the required fees, including the 6% state sales tax on the purchase price, title fee, and registration fee.
- Special Cases: If there's a lien on the vehicle, the lienholder must be paid off and provide a lien release. If the title is lost, the seller must obtain a duplicate title before the sale can proceed.
| Fee Type | Standard Amount | Notes |
|---|
| Initial Registration Fee | $225.00 | For a new vehicle (weight 2,499 lbs or less) |
| Title Transfer Fee | $75.75 | Standard fee for a new certificate of title |
| Florida Sales Tax | 6% of Sale Price | Applied to the vehicle's purchase price |
| Local County Surtax | 0.5% - 1.5% | Varies by county; added to the state sales tax |
| Electronic Filing Fee | $2.00 | Fee for processing the title transaction |
| Lien Filing Fee | $2.00 | Only if a new lien is being recorded |
| Duplicate Title Fee | $75.75 | If the original title is lost or damaged |
The most common mistake is improper notarization of the seller's signature, which will cause the application to be rejected. Avoid using white-out or making errors on the title itself, as this may require applying for a duplicate.
