Florida Bill of Sale Form – Download Free Template

Buying a used vehicle or vessel in Florida comes with risks, from undisclosed damage to disputes over ownership. A bill of sale helps protect both buyers and sellers by providing legal proof of the transaction. It ensures a smooth transfer of ownership, helps prevent fraud, and reduces the risk of future disputes over payment, title issues, or hidden liabilities.

What is a Florida Bill of Sale?

A Florida Bill of Sale works like a receipt when you buy something valuable, such as a car or boat. It proves that a legal sale took place between the buyer and seller. More than just proof of payment, it helps protect both sides by clearly showing who owns the vehicle or vessel after the transaction.

In Florida, a bill of sale is especially useful when:

Buying or selling a used car, truck, boat, or trailer privately
The vehicle title is missing or needs additional ownership verification
A seller wants proof that they are no longer responsible for the vehicle
A buyer needs documents for registration or insurance

Having a bill of sale helps avoid problems in the future by making the transfer of ownership clear and official.

Why Do You Need a Florida Bill of Sale?

For Seller

A bill of sale is not just a piece of paper; it serves different purposes for sellers and buyers. For the seller, there are many reasons why getting a bill of sale is important. Here’s why:

Proof of Ownership Transfer: The bill of sale is mainly a proof of ownership transfer since the seller has sold the vehicle to the respective buyer, meaning that it is not the seller’s responsibility anymore if something happens to the vehicle.
Protection for Future Liability: If the buyer fails to register the vehicle, any issues, such as parking tickets, fines, or even accidents, can still be linked under the seller’s name.
Tax Reporting: Sellers need to pay and report the tax; hence, the bill of sales is proof of a transaction in the dealership.
Avoids Legal Troubles: A bill of sale provides legal protection if the vehicle is misused after the sale, proving that the seller is no longer associated with the vehicle.

For Buyers

Proof of Purchase: The bill of sale is solid evidence that the buyer legally purchased the vehicle from the previous owner, useful for resolving legal disputes, tax matters, or ownership claims.
Ownership Verification: A bill of sale helps confirm that ownership has been properly transferred and can be used as supporting proof if there are title delays or incorrect information.
Registration and Titling: Some Florida counties require a bill of sale to complete registration or title transfer, especially in cases involving out-of-state purchases or missing title details.
Financial Protection: It records the exact sale price and transaction details, protecting both parties from fraud or disagreements over payment later on.

Bill of Sale Types in Florida

Florida has different types of bills of sale for different types of transactions: vehicle, vessel, and trailers. The form usually has official state forms provided by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). For other items like firearms or personal equipment, you can write your own bill of sale, though it’s safer to use a proper template.

For motor vehicles and watercraft, the bill of sale must either be notarized or include a perjury clause to be considered valid.

Vehicle and Watercraft Bill of Sale Requirements

Official Forms: Use the FLHSMV-provided bill of sale forms designed for vehicles and watercraft.
Details Needed: Include the year, make, model, color, VIN, sale price, and the names and addresses of both the buyer and seller.
Odometer Disclosure: Florida law requires an odometer reading and disclosure section for all vehicle sales.
Signatures: Both parties must sign the document. It must be either notarized or include a perjury clause to make it legally binding.

What Should Be Included in the Florida Bill of Sale?

The Florida bill of sale should include the key details about the vehicle or vessel transaction, including the following:

Buyer and seller details: Full names, addresses, and contact information.
Vehicle or vessel details: Make, model, year, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or Hull Identification Number (HIN), color, and body style.
Purchase price: The amount agreed upon for the sale.
Signatures: The buyer and seller must sign for the document to be valid.

Registering a Vehicle in Florida

You have 30 days to register a vehicle after purchasing it or moving to the state. This process requires a visit to a county tax collector’s office or a Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) center.

Required Documents and Information

Proof of Identity: Your Florida driver’s license or another government-issued ID.
Proof of Florida Insurance: Coverage with at least $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL).
Vehicle Title: The Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (for new vehicles) or the out-of-state title (required for VIN check).
Completed Application: HSMV form 82040 (Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration).
Bill of Sale: Required if you purchased the vehicle from a private seller or dealership.
Proof of Address: Documentation like a lease agreement, deed, or mortgage statement.
Loan Information: If financed, the lienholder’s name, address, and account number.

Important Steps and Fees

Vehicle Inspection: If the title is from out of state, you must bring the vehicle to the office for a VIN inspection.
Visit the Office: Go to your county tax collector’s office or an FLHSMV service center.
Pay Fees and Taxes: Be prepared to pay the required fees. Note that Florida charges a 6% sales tax on the purchase price, and a $225 initial registration fee for new residents.
Complete the Process: Submit your application and documents to receive your new registration and license plate.

Florida VIN Check – Verify Vehicle History Before You Buy

If you plan to buy a used vehicle in California, make sure you check the VIN and secure the vehicle history report to examine the vehicle’s specifications and its past records, like accidents, auctions, or recalls.

Mileage History

Title Brand

Ownership History

Warranty Status

Sales History

Salvage Title

Usage History

Repair Cost

Auction History

Hail Damage

Ownership Duration

Recalls History

Accident History

Flood Damage

Lien & Loans

Maintenance Schedule

Get a Vehicle Bill of Sale by State

Each state has its requirements for an auto bill of sale. Click below to find the template for your state!

Florida Bill of Sale FAQs

Can you handwrite a bill of sale in Florida?

Yes, you can handwrite a Florida bill of sale. You must write down the seller and buyer information (name and address) and the vehicle information. For convenience, you may use our bill of sale tool.

Can I transfer the title without a bill of sale in Florida?

In Florida, a bill of sale is not mandatory for title transfer if the title is correctly completed and signed by the seller. However, it provides additional protection for both parties and serves as a valuable personal record.

Do you give the bill of sale before payment?

Only sign the bill of sale once the buyer confirms they’re happy with the vehicle and you’ve checked crucial details such as the price, mileage, VIN, and condition. Don’t transfer the title until you’ve received the complete payment.

Does a Florida Bill of Sale Need to Be Notarized?

No, the bill of sale does not need to be notarized in Florida, but the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV) recommends that the bill of sale be notarized for every vehicle transaction.

What is required in the Florida bill of sale?

The Florida bill of sale should list the detailed information about the vehicle, such as the year, make, model, body type, color, and sale price. It must also include the names, addresses, and signatures of both the buyer and seller. To make the document legally binding, it should be notarized or contain a perjury clause.

The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) recommends using Form 82050 for vehicle sales to ensure all required information is properly recorded.

Is a bill of sale legally binding in Florida?

The bill of sale is a legally binding document that records any important transactions like vehicles, vessels, or livestock in Florida.