FL Selling Your Car

Selling your vehicle in the sunny state of Florida is going to require adherence to the various laws and guidelines that are found in the state’s DMV system. Vehicles that are sold privately are different from those that are new or even old, and sold on vehicle sales lots. In fact, the difference can be found in the price and the various regulations as well – with buyers less protected than if purchasing a vehicle from a lot.

There are several things that you, as the seller, must do when completing a transaction in which you sell your vehicle to another individual. The buyer must obtain the appropriate documents and paperwork from you before they are able to follow forth with registration and titling of the vehicle in their name. At the same time, it is necessary that you, too, obtain the appropriate paperwork and documents if required so that you are protected from any future responsibility over the vehicle – and able to prove that you have relinquished rights to the vehicle as well.

Paperwork for Selling Your FL Vehicle

The state of Florida’s vehicles are regulated by the Department of Motor Vehicles, with a large number of offices spread throughout the state. With many large cities, there are several different offices within various locations, which can be found in various parts of the same city, within several counties, and serving all zipcodes as well. When selling your vehicle, it is always important to contact one of the local DMV offices in order to determine what paperwork, if any, is required in order to complete the sale. You may also want to receive a vehicle history report in order to show potential buyers that the vehicle is legit.

At the same time, there are various counties that require smog and emissions testing, which you must be able to prove was completed when you sell the vehicle. Contact a local DMV office to see where the participating testing inspection service centers are located and how you can go about getting your vehicle inspected or the paperwork for such testing if required.

Following State Regulations

While used vehicles that are sold in a private sale aren’t all warrantied or even guaranteed to run past the point of sale, it is always necessary that a private vehicle seller is aware of what regulations they are required to follow in the sale. This not only protects you from criminal liability and fraud accusation, but guarantees yourself for the sale so you aren’t handing over money later on due to the sale. After all, you want a profit, not a cost from the sale.

Getting the Vehicle Ready

Make sure you give the courtesy of cleaning up the vehicle and detailing it. You will find this goes a long way in the sale, and can sell the vehicle much quicker. If you ignore the detailing of the vehicle, it will look to be in worse shape than it may be in, even if it is in top condition under the hood. Make it appealing so you are able to show that you took care of the vehicle as a whole.

Also, make sure you get the right paperwork together, sign the title in the appropriate location, and provide the appropriate documents during the sale. You want to be sure that the buyer is able to transfer the vehicle to their name and will be able to renew the registration as well.

You should also be sure to get a bill of sale, which can prevent you from later being unable to prove the vehicle has been sold. Some buyers, unfortunately, can continue operating the vehicle in your name, which can cause you to be liable for accidents, tickets, and other situations the vehicle could be involved in without your knowing. With the bill of sale, you can show that the vehicle is indeed out of your possession.