Overview
Selling or buying a used vehicle in Florida? A bill of sale is your proof of the deal — it records who sold what, for how much, and on what date. Florida transfers ownership through the signed title and the Application for Certificate of Title (Form HSMV 82040), but a bill of sale protects both sides: it locks in the price, the exact handover date, and the fact that the seller is no longer responsible for tolls, tickets, or accidents once the keys change hands.
Florida requirements
Is a bill of sale required in Florida?
Not strictly. Ownership transfers through the signed title and the Application for Certificate of Title (Form HSMV 82040) at a motor vehicle service center. But a bill of sale is strongly recommended — the DHSMV advises keeping one, as it proves the price and sale date and shows you're no longer liable for the vehicle.
Does it need to be notarized?
No. Florida does not require a motor vehicle bill of sale to be notarized to transfer a title. You can notarize it voluntarily for extra proof — the DHSMV recommends it — but it is not mandatory.
Title transfer deadline
The buyer must apply for a new title (Form HSMV 82040) at a motor vehicle service center within 30 calendar days of the sale. Filing late adds a transfer penalty fee.
Motor vehicle sales tax
Florida charges 6% state sales and use tax on the purchase price (less any trade-in), paid by the buyer when the title is transferred. Most counties add a discretionary sales surtax on top, so the total rate varies by county.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires the odometer reading at the time of sale for vehicles under 20 model years old. Record it on both the bill of sale and the title.
How to fill it out
- 1
Enter the sale date and the Florida county where the sale takes place.
- 2
Add the seller's and buyer's full legal names and addresses.
- 3
Describe the vehicle — make, model, year, color, and 17-character VIN.
- 4
Record the odometer reading and the federal odometer disclosure.
- 5
Enter the purchase price and choose 'as-is' or add warranty terms.
- 6
Both parties sign — then the buyer files Form HSMV 82040 at a motor vehicle service center within 30 days.
Ready to create your Florida bill of sale?
Fill the form, watch it build live, and download the PDF — free, no signup.
Open the free builderWhat to include
- Seller & buyer names and addresses
- Make, model, year, color & VIN
- Odometer reading + federal disclosure
- Purchase price & sales-tax note
- “As-is” statement or warranty terms
- Date of sale and signatures
Florida bill of sale by vehicle type
The same Floridabuilder works for more than cars — pick your vehicle and the form adapts: the right ID number (a VIN, a boat's HIN, or a serial number) and an odometer reading only where one applies.
- Car bill of sale
- Truck bill of sale
- SUV bill of sale
- Van bill of sale
- Motorcycle bill of sale
- ATV bill of sale
- RV bill of sale
- Camper bill of sale
- Trailer bill of sale
- Boat bill of sale
- Jet Ski bill of sale
- Snowmobile bill of sale
- Golf Cart bill of sale
- Tractor bill of sale
A few differ: boats and jet skis use a Hull ID Number (HIN) instead of a VIN and have no odometer; trailers, campers, snowmobiles, golf carts, and tractors have no odometer either; and boats, ATVs, and snowmobiles often register with a different agency (such as a wildlife, boating, or parks department) rather than your local motor vehicle service center (Florida DHSMV / county tax collector). Confirm the details with your local motor vehicle service center (Florida DHSMV / county tax collector).
Florida bill of sale FAQ
Does a Florida motor vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. Florida does not require a vehicle bill of sale to be notarized. The legal transfer happens through the signed title and Form HSMV 82040 at a motor vehicle service center — notarizing is optional and only adds extra proof.
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in Florida?
It isn't strictly required to transfer the title (the signed title and Form HSMV 82040 handle that), but it's strongly recommended. It proves the price, the sale date, and that you're no longer responsible for the vehicle after the sale.
Where do I transfer the title in Florida?
At a motor vehicle service center run by the DHSMV or your county tax collector — not a generic DMV counter. The buyer brings the signed title, a completed Form HSMV 82040, proof of insurance, and payment for the title fee and sales tax.
How long do I have to transfer the title in Florida?
The buyer has 30 calendar days from the date of sale to apply for the title at a motor vehicle service center. After 30 days, Florida charges a late-transfer penalty fee, so don't wait.
How much is sales tax on a used car in Florida?
6% state sales and use tax on the purchase price, less any trade-in, plus most counties add a discretionary surtax. The buyer pays it when transferring the title. This is why an accurate sale price on your bill of sale matters.
Do both the buyer and seller need to sign?
Yes. Both parties should sign and date the bill of sale, and each keeps a copy. If there are two buyers or two sellers, every party signs.
Is a handwritten bill of sale valid in Florida?
Yes — Florida doesn't mandate a specific bill of sale form, so a handwritten one is valid as long as it has the key details. A complete, typed document like this one is simply cleaner and far less likely to be questioned at the service center.
Is this Florida bill of sale really free?
Yes — completely. Fill it in, preview it live, and download the PDF with no signup, no credit card, and no watermark. Unlike sites that charge a fee or push a subscription to download, there's nothing to pay here.