Selling a car in the Sunshine State comes with its own set of steps and legal requirements. Whether you’re located in Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, or anywhere else across Florida, this guide helps you sell your vehicle quickly, safely, and legally.
Sell a Car in Florida – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before you list or sell your vehicle in Florida, make sure you have the following ready:
- Florida Certificate of Title: The title must be in your name, and all lienholders must be released. Both parties must complete the title transfer section.
- Valid ID: A Florida driver’s license or another valid government-issued ID is typically required.
- Odometer Disclosure: Required for vehicles less than 10 years old. Can be completed on the title or separately.
- Bill of Sale (Recommended): Not legally required but highly recommended to protect both the buyer and seller.
- Lien Release (if applicable): If the vehicle had a loan, you’ll need proof that the lien has been satisfied.
Florida DMV Forms You May Need
Depending on your situation, you may need one or more of these:
- Form HSMV 82050 – Notice of Sale (must be filed within 30 days of sale)
- Form HSMV 82042 – Odometer Disclosure Statement (if not completed on the title)
- Form HSMV 82101 – Application for Duplicate Title (if your original title is lost)
All forms can be downloaded from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) website.
Sell Your Car in Florida — Fast & Easy
Get a real offer in minutes
instead of waiting days for responses
Get your car’s true value
trustworthy, no guessing, no back-and-forth
We’ll handle the handoff
no need to arrange inconvenient meetups
Step 2: Prepare the Vehicle for Sale
A clean, well-maintained car may increase your offer — but if you don’t have the time or energy, that’s not a problem.
At Ken Ganley Buying Center, we buy cars as-is. No detailing, no repairs. Just a fast offer and a hassle-free process.
Step 3: Determine Your Car’s Value
Before accepting any offer, check the market value of your car:
- Use Our Instant Appraisal Tool: Get a free offer in under 2 minutes.
- Check Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds: Use these tools to estimate value based on condition, mileage, and features.
- Research Local Listings: See what similar cars are selling for in Fort Lauderdale, St. Petersburg, Tallahassee, Gainesville, and West Palm Beach.
Step 4: Choose a Selling Method
There are several ways to sell your car in Florida:
- Sell to a Car Buying Center (Best for Fast & Secure Sales): Skip the hassle. We handle the paperwork and offer same-day payment.
- Trade-In at a Dealership: If you’re buying a new vehicle, trade-ins are convenient but often undervalued.
- Private Sale: May net more cash but requires more effort — listings, communication, and handling all DMV forms.
If you value speed, simplicity, and security, Ken Ganley Buying Center is the way to go.
Step 5: Get Paid
We make sure you receive secure, verified same-day payment with no risk of bounced checks or payment scams.
From the title transfer to the payout, we handle every step with professionalism so you can walk away with peace of mind.
What Affects Car Values in Florida? Local Market Insights to Know
Florida’s climate, geography, and urban density impact car resale trends:
- Convertibles and sunroof-equipped vehicles are more desirable in coastal cities and warmer months.
- Fuel-efficient vehicles are in demand in metro areas like Orlando and Miami.
- Rust-free vehicles from inland areas may fetch a higher price than those exposed to salty coastal air.
Local demand and seasonality can impact how much your car is worth — and how fast it sells.
Ready to Sell Your Car in Florida?
Skip the back-and-forth of private sales and dealerships. With Ken Ganley Buying Center, you get a real offer, no pressure, and fast payment.
Get your free appraisal today or call 330-427-3656.
We help people sell their cars across Florida with ease.
Need help selling your car in Florida? Here are some quick answers
Do I need to notarize the title in Florida?
No. Florida does not require title notarization, but all signatures must be completed correctly.
Do I keep my license plates after I sell my car?
Yes. Florida law requires you to remove and either transfer or surrender your license plates.
Can I sell a car without the title?
No. You must apply for a duplicate using Form HSMV 82101 before you can complete the sale.
Is a bill of sale required in Florida?
Not required, but highly recommended to record the sale terms.
Who pays sales tax when a car is sold?
The buyer is responsible for paying sales tax when they register the vehicle with the state.