Florida Bill of Sale Create Florida Bill of Sale

Florida Bill of Sale

Updated Mar 13, 2026 5 (1) 0 Downloads

A Florida Bill of Sale is a formal instrument recording the transfer of title for personal property, such as vehicles or vessels, under Florida state law.

Answer the question(s) below to create your Florida Bill of Sale

Sale Type

Select the category that best describes the item or property being sold. This will tailor the form to your transaction.

Provide a brief description of the property if 'Other' was selected.

Florida Bill of Sale Preview
View Document
Create
Download PDF

Table of Contents

What is a Florida Bill of Sale?

A Florida Bill of Sale serves as a legal document recording the transfer of ownership for personal property from a seller to a buyer. This instrument outlines the specifics of the transaction, including the purchase price, date of sale, and a detailed description of the item being transferred. Residents of Florida utilize this form primarily for vehicle transactions, though it applies to boats, firearms, and general personal property. The document functions as proof of purchase for the buyer and releases the seller from future liability associated with the item.

Florida Statutes and Legal Requirements

The state of Florida maintains specific laws governing the transfer of title and registration for vehicles and vessels. These statutes dictate the obligations of both the buyer and the seller during a private sale:

  • Notice of Sale Requirements - Mandates that sellers file a Notice of Sale (Form HSMV 82050) with the tax collector's office within 30 days of the transaction to avoid civil liability (Fla. Stat. § 319.22(2)).
  • Sales Tax Collection - Requires the collection of sales tax on the purchase price of vehicles and vessels during registration unless a specific exemption applies (Fla. Stat. § 212.05).
  • Odometer Disclosure - Compels sellers to provide an accurate reading of the vehicle's odometer at the time of transfer for vehicles under 10 years old (Fla. Stat. § 319.225).
  • Title Transfer Regulations - Stipulates that the certificate of title must be properly assigned to the purchaser at the time of delivery (Fla. Stat. § 319.23).
  • Vessel Registration - Requires purchasers of boats to title and register the vessel with the county tax collector within 30 days of purchase (Fla. Stat. § 328.01).

Essential Elements of the Document

For a Florida Bill of Sale to be legally effective and acceptable by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), it must contain specific data points:

  • Parties' Information - Full legal names and physical addresses of both the buyer and the seller.
  • Property Description - Comprehensive details identifying the item, including VIN/HIN, make, model, year, color, and body style.
  • Consideration - The agreed-upon monetary value or trade details expressed in U.S. dollars.
  • Date of Sale - The specific calendar date when the ownership transfer and payment occurred.
  • Signatures - Hand-written signatures of all parties involved in the transaction.
  • Odometer Statement - A declaration of the vehicle's mileage and a certification that the reading is accurate to the best of the seller's knowledge.

How to Complete a Vehicle Sale in Florida

Completing a private vehicle sale involves several administrative steps to ensure compliance with state regulations:

Step 1: Negotiation and Agreement - The buyer and seller agree on the terms, price, and condition of the vehicle, often deciding if the sale is "as-is."

Step 2: Drafting the Bill of Sale - Parties fill out the Florida Bill of Sale form with accurate information matching the vehicle's title.

Step 3: Signing the Title - The seller completes the "Transfer of Title by Seller" section on the existing certificate of title, including the odometer reading.

Step 4: Filing Notice of Sale - The seller submits Form HSMV 82050 to the local tax collector's office to remove their liability for the vehicle.

Step 5: Registration and Tax - The buyer visits the county tax collector to pay sales tax, apply for a new title, and obtain registration and license plates.

Notarization and Witnessing

Florida law distinguishes between different types of documents regarding notarization requirements:

  • Standard Bill of Sale - Notarization is generally not required by state statute for a basic bill of sale to be valid between parties, though it is highly recommended for legal protection.
  • Title Transfer - The physical certificate of title does not require notarization for the seller's signature in Florida, unlike in some other states.
  • Affidavits - Any supplementary affidavits or specific corrections filed with the FLHSMV typically require notarization.
  • County Variations - Certain county tax collector offices may prefer or request notarized bills of sale to prevent fraud during the registration process.

FAQs

A bill of sale is not strictly mandated if the selling price is recorded on the title, but the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) recommends it. It serves as proof of the purchase price for calculating sales tax. Some county tax collector offices may specifically request it to verify the transaction details.
Florida state law does not require a standard bill of sale to be notarized for it to be valid. Parties often choose to have the document notarized to add a layer of legal authenticity and prevent future disputes regarding the signatures.
Yes, a handwritten bill of sale is legally binding in Florida as long as it contains all the essential elements required by law. The document must be legible and include the signatures of both the buyer and the seller.
Form HSMV 82050, known as the Notice of Sale, allows the seller to inform the state that they have sold the vehicle. Filing this form protects the seller from civil liability for tickets, accidents, or crimes involving the vehicle after the date of sale.
A buyer must register the vehicle and transfer the title within 30 days of the purchase date. Failure to register the vehicle within this timeframe may result in late fees and potential legal penalties if the vehicle is driven on public roads.
Yes, most bill of sale templates include an "as-is" clause. This provision states that the buyer accepts the property in its current condition, and the seller offers no warranties regarding the item's quality or functionality.

Florida Bill of Sale Sample

0% Complete 0/0 Fields

FLORIDA BILL OF SALE

I. THE PARTIES

This Bill of Sale (the "Agreement") is entered into on (the "Effective Date"), by and between:

The Seller(s):
Name:
Mailing Address:

AND

The Buyer(s):
Name:
Mailing Address:

The Seller and Buyer may be referred to individually as a "Party" and collectively as the "Parties."

II. THE PROPERTY

For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Seller agrees to sell, transfer, assign, and convey to the Buyer the following personal property (the "Property"):

Description of the Property:

Manufacturer/Make (if applicable):
Model (if applicable):
Year (if applicable):
Color (if applicable):

III. VEHICLE OR VESSEL DISCLOSURE (IF APPLICABLE)

IV. PURCHASE PRICE AND PAYMENT

The total purchase price for the Property shall be $ (the "Purchase Price"). The Buyer shall pay the Purchase Price to the Seller as follows:

A. Payment Method (Check one):

B. Payment Timing (Check one):

C. Taxes:

All sales taxes, use taxes, and other fees associated with the transfer of the Property shall be the responsibility of (Check one):

V. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

The Seller represents and warrants to the Buyer that:

  1. Authority: The Seller has the full right, power, and legal authority to sell and transfer the Property.
  2. Title: The Seller is the lawful owner of the Property and has good and marketable title to the Property.
  3. Liens: The Property is free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, security interests, mortgages, and claims of any kind, except as expressly noted here:

VI. "AS-IS" CONDITION

EXCEPT FOR THE WARRANTY OF TITLE STATED IN SECTION V, THE PROPERTY IS SOLD "AS IS, WHERE IS" AND WITH ALL FAULTS. THE SELLER MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE BUYER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THEY HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO INSPECT THE PROPERTY AND ACCEPTS IT IN ITS CURRENT CONDITION.

VII. TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP

Title to and ownership of the Property shall pass from the Seller to the Buyer immediately upon the delivery of the Property and the receipt of the Purchase Price by the Seller.

VIII. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida.

IX. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties regarding the sale of the Property and supersedes all prior agreements, representations, and understandings, whether written or oral.

X. SIGNATURES

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Bill of Sale as of the date first written above.

SELLER

Signature: _________________________
Print Name: _______________
Date:
Address: _______________

BUYER

Signature: _________________________
Print Name: _______________
Date:
Address: _______________

Not the form you're looking for?

Try our legal document generator to create a custom document

Ask about a Florida Bill of Sale

Disclaimer: The templates available on this website are provided for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. They are not intended to be, and should not be interpreted as, compliant with any specific legal, regulatory, or privacy requirements. These templates are not a replacement for professional legal guidance and should not be relied upon for any particular matter or circumstance. Users are strongly encouraged to seek advice from a qualified attorney licensed in their jurisdiction before using, modifying, or relying on any template.

All templates are provided on an "as is," "with all faults," and "as available" basis. The provider disclaims any and all warranties of any kind, whether express, implied, statutory, or otherwise, including without limitation warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title, or non-infringement.

LegalTemplates.com makes no guarantees or representations regarding the accuracy, completeness, expected outcomes, or reliability of the materials contained in these templates or any materials referenced or linked from them.

We Value Your Privacy

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze site traffic, and personalize content. We do not sell your personal data. By clicking "Accept All," you consent to our use of cookies. For more information, please read our Privacy Policy.