Automobile Bill of Sale Florida [Free, PDF, Word, Printable, Fillable]

A Bill of Sale in Florida is a legal document that records the sale or transfer of ownership of a motor vehicle between a seller and a buyer. It includes details like the vehicle identification number (VIN), sale price, date, names and addresses of both parties, and signatures.

According to Florida Statute §319.23, all motor vehicle transfers must be properly documented when applying for a new title. Meanwhile, §319.27 confirms that ownership rights are only valid when properly recorded with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

In my legal practice, I often remind clients that the Bill of Sale acts as a “receipt” of the transaction—crucial if there’s ever a dispute about who owns the car or what price was agreed upon.

Is a Bill of Sale Required in Florida?

Technically, Florida does not require a Bill of Sale for all transactions—but it’s strongly recommended. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Required:
  When selling a motor vehicle, motorcycle, trailer, or boat to another individual (private sale), especially if the seller wants to protect themselves from future liability.
  The seller should file a Notice of Sale (Form HSMV 82050) with the FLHSMV to document that the vehicle was sold.

• Optional but Advisable:
  For transactions involving family members or gifts, the Bill of Sale helps establish a clear paper trail.

In short, while not always legally required, a Bill of Sale in Florida is your best evidence of a legitimate and transparent transaction.

Step-by-Step Process to Complete a Bill of Sale

Filling out a Bill of Sale correctly can save both parties time and headaches later. Here’s how I guide my clients through it:

1. Gather Vehicle Information:
   Include the year, make, model, body type, color, and VIN.

2. Record Sale Details:
   Add the sale date, selling price, and method of payment (cash, check, etc.).

3. Provide Buyer and Seller Information:
   Write full legal names, addresses, and driver’s license numbers.

4. Odometer Disclosure:
   Federal and Florida law require odometer readings for vehicles under 10 years old.

5. Signatures:
   Both buyer and seller must sign. If there are co-owners, all must sign.

6. Notarization (Optional but Recommended):
   Although not always required, notarizing adds an extra layer of protection.

7. File Notice of Sale:
   Submit Form HSMV 82050 to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) office or local Tax Collector’s office.

Key Legal Requirements

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Florida law mandates that the VIN must be verified for used vehicles not previously titled in Florida.

Odometer Disclosure

Per 49 U.S.C. §32705 and Florida Statute §319.225, odometer disclosure is mandatory. Missing or false odometer statements can lead to legal penalties.

Tax Collector Involvement

Vehicle transfers often require a visit to your local Tax Collector’s office to finalize title transfer, pay applicable sales tax, and file necessary forms.

Notary and Witness Requirements

Florida does not require notarization of a Bill of Sale, but notarizing provides added proof that the signatures are genuine—something I always advise clients to do for private transactions.

Example or Template of a Florida Bill of Sale

A valid Florida Bill of Sale should include:

1. Vehicle Information:
Year, Make, Model, Body Type, Color, VIN

2. Sale Information:
Date of Sale, Sale Price, Payment Method

3. Seller Information:
Name, Address, Driver’s License No., Signature

4. Buyer Information:
Name, Address, Driver’s License No., Signature

5. Odometer Reading:
Exact mileage at the time of sale

6. Notary Block (Optional):
Space for notarization to validate the transaction

Common Errors or Legal Pitfalls

In my experience as a Florida attorney, these are the most frequent mistakes I encounter:

• Missing Odometer Reading: This can invalidate the sale or delay title transfer.

• Incorrect VIN: A simple typo can cause major registration issues.

• Failure to File Notice of Sale: Without it, sellers can still be held liable for tickets or toll violations after the sale.

• Unnotarized Signatures: While optional, a notary stamp strengthens the document’s credibility.

• Incomplete Buyer/Seller Info: Missing addresses or license numbers can cause future disputes.

FAQs

Can I handwrite a Bill of Sale in Florida?

Yes, handwritten Bills of Sale are valid as long as all required details are included.

Does the Bill of Sale need to be notarized?

Not necessarily, but notarization is strongly recommended for private sales.

Who keeps the original Bill of Sale?

Both buyer and seller should keep copies for their records. The buyer will need one for title transfer.

Do I need to pay taxes when using a Bill of Sale?

Yes. Sales tax applies to most vehicle transactions, and it’s usually paid when registering the vehicle at the Tax Collector’s office.

Where can I get a Florida Bill of Sale form?

You can download official templates from the FLHSMV website or request one at your local Tax Collector’s office.

Conclusion

A Florida Bill of Sale is your key to a legally safe and smooth vehicle transaction. It protects both parties, ensures compliance with Florida Statutes §319.23 and §319.27, and provides clear documentation for tax and title purposes.

In my legal experience, the most successful vehicle transfers happen when both buyer and seller take the time to document every detail properly.

Download your free Florida Bill of Sale template from the FLHSMV website or consult a Florida attorney if you need help customizing one for your situation.