What Is a Florida Vehicle Bill of Sale?
A Florida vehicle bill of sale is a legal document that records the sale of a car, truck, or any other motor vehicle in a private transaction. It includes key details like the names of the buyer and the seller, the vehicle description, the purchase price, and the date of sale.
In Florida, this information is provided on Form HSMV 82050 (Notice of Sale or Bill of Sale), which is issued by Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Sellers must file this form (or an equivalent bill of sale) with FLHSMV to officially remove their name from the vehicle record. FL Stat § 319.23 supports this filing process, outlining how a bill of sale helps facilitate the title transfer process during a private vehicle sale.
If a seller fails to file the form, they may still be held legally and financially responsible for the vehicle, even after it’s been sold. This includes:
- Traffic tickets or toll violations by the new owner
- Accidents or crimes involving the vehicle
- Other legal issues tied to the car registration
Filing a bill of sale protects both parties and provides a clear record that the vehicle has changed hands.
When Do You Need a Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale in Florida?
In Florida, you need a vehicle bill of sale anytime you’re involved in a private sale of a motor vehicle and want to protect yourself legally and financially. While a bill of sale is not always required to transfer the title, it is strongly recommended, especially if the vehicle’s title is missing or incomplete.
According to the FLHSMV’s guide to selling a vehicle in Florida, a motor vehicle bill of sale helps:
- Prove ownership in private transactions
- Document the sale when a Florida title isn’t available or incomplete
- Protect the seller from future liability
- Support proper title transfer
Even when not required, it’s best practice to complete and file a bill of sale to create a clear, signed record that the vehicle has changed hands. With Legal Templates’s free Florida vehicle bill of sale form, you can quickly create a document that meets FLHSMV requirements.
Does a Florida Vehicle Bill of Sale Have to Be Notarized?
While not legally required, FLHSMV strongly recommends having your vehicle bill of sale notarized, especially in private sales.
Notarizing the bill of sale adds an extra layer of protection by verifying the identities of both parties and confirming that both parties willingly signed the document. Whether or not it’s notarized, the buyer and the seller should keep a signed copy for their records.
Sample Florida Vehicle Bill of Sale
View a sample Florida vehicle bill of sale template to see the details needed to complete your document for a private motor vehicle sale. Use our free, printable template to customize your form with your specific information and download it in PDF or Word format.
