Bill of Sale Requirements in Florida

A bill of sale is a legal document acting as a receipt between the person selling a used car and the person buying it. The bill of sale acts as a record of a vehicle sale and includes details of the transaction, which Florida requires you to have if you're selling or buying a vehicle in a private party sale.

The bill of sale is not a vehicle title, and a completed bill of sale does not replace a title transfer.

Florida Bill of Sale

Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) provides a state-approved, printable bill of sale for residents buying and selling used cars in the state. The Notice of Sale and/or Bill of Sale for a Motor Vehicle, Mobile Home, Off-Highway Vehicle or Vessel (Form HSMV 82050) serves multiple purposes for both the seller and the buyer, and acts as two forms—a Bill of Sale, and a Notice of Sale.

Writing a Florida Bill of Sale:

Your Florida bill of sale should include the following:

  • Basic vehicle details:
    • Make.
    • Model.
    • Year.
    • Body style.
    • Color.
  • The certificate of title number (located on the vehicle title).
  • Vehicle identification number (VIN).
  • The odometer disclosure statement.
  • The seller's and buyer's printed names and addresses, signatures, and the date signed. There's also space for a co-seller.
  • The sell date and sell price.

The DHSMV suggests notarizing the bill of sale, but doesn't require it. Notarizing the document is further proof the signatures are genuine and makes the bill of sale carry more legal credibility, should any of its authenticity be questioned.

Notice of Sale

When acting as the Notice of Sale, this form notifies the DHSMV that you've sold your vehicle. This form frees you from liability and is especially important during the period between selling the vehicle and the new owner titling the vehicle.

The FLHSMV requires you to submit this form to your local tax collector's office (this is the office that handles such motor vehicle transactions) after selling your vehicle.

Generic Bill of Sale:

If you decide not to use Florida's bill of sale, or can't download the form, we provide a free, printable, generic bill of sale.

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