Cash for Cars in Florida: Selling Your Car Just Got Easier with CarBidNow
Florida never sits still. Businesses come and go swiftly, and new faces arrive every year. In this ever-changing landscape, trying to sell your car the old-fashioned way can be a major headache. The sweltering heat, the sudden downpours—who wants to deal with haggling buyers or endless online listings? That’s why CarBidNow is a breath of fresh air. We make selling your car in Florida simple and stress-free. Get your cash, get it quickly, and move on to the next exciting thing Florida has in store.
Florida's Thriving Economy and Car Ownership
While Florida’s economy is booming, navigating the used car market can still be a challenge. With over 20 million people calling Florida home, there are a lot of vehicles on the road—and many potential buyers. The key is finding the ones who are serious about purchasing a vehicle and then getting the best possible price for yours.
Understanding Florida Residents' Needs
Floridians have unique needs when it comes to their vehicles. With a high percentage of residents holding at least a high school education, most Floridians are savvy individuals. They’re well aware of their car’s value and want to sell their vehicle on their own time—and for the right price. That’s where CarBidNow comes in. We eliminate the need for endless research and negotiation, offering a streamlined sales process.
Florida-Specific Pain Points for Car Sellers
Selling a car in Florida has its own set of challenges:
- The Heat and Humidity: Florida’s intense heat and humidity can turn a casual car viewing into an arduous task for both seller and buyer. With CarBidNow, the entire process is handled online and over the phone, minimizing unnecessary effort.
- Weather Worries: From tropical downpours to hurricanes, Florida weather can be unpredictable. Scheduling multiple buyers to view your car and then having those plans canceled due to weather can be a significant frustration. CarBidNow eliminates those headaches.
- Limited Junkyard Options: While Florida has a healthy number of junkyards, they don’t always offer the most competitive prices for junk cars. CarBidNow removes the need to visit junkyards, saving you time and getting you the best offer possible.
CarBidNow: Cash for Your Florida Car, the Easy Way
Forget waiting weeks or even months to get your car sold. CarBidNow puts you on the fast track to getting quick cash for your car, regardless of its condition. Here’s how it works:
- Instant Bid: Enter your car’s VIN and details to get a guaranteed instant offer.
- Convenient Pickup: If you’re happy with the offer, we’ll schedule a swift pickup, often within 1–2 business days.
- Quick Cash: You’ll receive a check on the spot when we collect your vehicle. No fuss, no delays.
With CarBidNow, you can focus on enjoying the Florida sunshine and let us handle getting you cash for your car. We understand the Florida market, offer a streamlined process, and provide fair prices. Skip the dealership haggling and forget the unreliable junkyards—CarBidNow is the fast, reliable, and easy way to sell your car in Florida.
Important Steps in Selling Your Car Online for Cash in Florida
Does and Don’t about Titles
- DON’T scribble or cross out to correct an error.
- DON’T write the incorrect mileage.
- DON’T write the incorrect name, if your vehicle is registered as John J. Smith sign the title as it appears on your registration.
- DO use blue or black ink when filling out the title.
- DO write legible and as clear as possible.
Common Title mistakes when Selling Your Car in Florida
- Filling in the wrong area on a title
- Incorrect mileage written on the title
- Losing a title
Important Forms for Selling Your Car in Florida
Link for applying for a duplicate in Florida- Application for Duplicate or Lost in Transit / Reassignment for a Motor Vehicle. Mobile Home, or Vessel Title Certificate (flhsmv.gov)
Limited Power of attorney-Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Power of Attorney for a Motor Vehicle, Mobile Home, Vessel or Vessel with Trailer (flhsmv.gov)
Application of title/registration-Application for Certificate of Motor Vehicle Title (flhsmv.gov)
Application for Salvage title/certificate of destruction-App. for Salvage Title (flhsmv.gov)
Florida DVM Contact-Contact Us – Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (flhsmv.gov)
Motor Vehicle customer odo affidavit-Microsoft Word – 82996 change name single.doc (flhsmv.gov)
Application for surviving spouse transfer of title-82152.pdf (flhsmv.gov)
Suspended or reported title/or registration fraud-80122.pdf (flhsmv.gov)
Vehicle identification and odo verification- Vehicle Identification Number and Odometer Reading – Form 82042 (flhsmv.gov)
Bill of sale for a junk vehicle-STATE OF FLORIDA (flhsmv.gov)
Reassignment document for an electronic certificate of title:Microsoft Word – 82092_MO.doc (flhsmv.gov)
Application for notice of lien/reassignment of lien-Microsoft Word – 82139 name change.doc (flhsmv.gov)
Lien satisfaction form-Microsoft Word – 82260 change in name.doc (flhsmv.gov)
Odometer disclosure-Microsoft Word – 82993a (flhsmv.gov)
Notice of sale-STATE OF FLORIDA (flhsmv.gov)
Additional Information on Selling Your Car for Cash in Florida
- Registration info: when you sell your vehicle to a dealer you are required to file a vehicle transfer notice to protect yourself . When the notice is received by the Florida Dmv they will update the record to show when the vehicle was sold so you won’t be held responsible for tickets, toll violations or any crimes committed with your vehicle.
You can do the process online see the link to get started STATE OF FLORIDA (flhsmv.gov)
- When to Cancel Insurance: Once the vehicle is picked up you can cancel the coverage because ownership has transferred at that point.
- Cleaning out vehicle: Before we pick up the vehicle remember to remove all personal items such as personal belongings, license plates, and park passes.
- Removing plates: The seller has the option to remove their plates and registration sticker from the vehicle. Here is a few options for removed licensed plates
- Seller may transfer their plates to a vehicle being transferred , if the vehicle classification is similar
- The seller may keep their plates for future transfer to another vehicle but the registration sticker is not transferred
- If the seller does not want to transfer or keep plates, they must dispose of the plates by defacing the front of the plates, either with permanent black ink or another way to prevent the being used again
- Sales Tax: Sales tax is due on original registration/transfer of vehicles purchased from someone other than a dealer, when selling a vehicle sales tax isn’t collected so this isn’t a fee a seller will be paying.
- Amandonments
If a person or entity is needing to dispose of a vehicle to a motor vehicle demolisher you will need to apply to the department for a certificate of authority. This certificate facilitates the transfer of a motor vehicle to a motor vehicle demolisher for the purpose of crushing and destroying the vehicle. You may apply if you are the following:
The person is the record owner, the person has been transferred ownership of the vehicle or the vehicle has been abandoned and is in possession of the person or located on a property owned by the person.
If the applicant is not the owner of record or does not have evidence that ownership has been transferred, the department is required to make notification to any owners and lienholders. If the department is unable to locate a motor vehicle record, the notification is posted on the state dmv website. In either scenario the owner and lienholder have 20 days to claim the vehicle. If the vehicle remains unclaimed the certificate of authority is issued on the 21st day.
- Selling without Title or for Parts Only
If the vehicle is incapable of safe operation for use on roads and highways the vehicle should be sold as parts only. Application for salvage or nonrepairable vehicle title or bill of sale for a junk motor vehicle form is needed.
- Total Loss Threshold
Salvage motor vehicle means the vehicle was damaged to the extent that the cost for repair, which includes labor and materials, was more than the worth of the vehicle before it was damaged. Insurance companies usually make this decision.
Everything You Need to Know About Transferring Your Title in Florida
Below are the important items you need to know about preparing your title for transfer in Florida.
How to Prepare Your Title in Florida
How to get a Duplicate in Florida
How to Obtain a Lien Release in Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drive an out-of-state car in Florida?
You can drive an out-of-state car in Florida. As long as you possess a valid driver’s license from your home state or country, you are legally permitted to operate a vehicle on Florida’s roads. This applies whether you’re enjoying a sunny vacation driving a rental car or you’re on a cross-country road trip. However, if you become a Florida resident, you are required by law to register your out-of-state vehicle within 10 days of establishing residency. Establishing residency typically involves actions like getting a job in Florida, enrolling your children in a Florida school, or officially declaring your intent to reside in the state.
Is it legal to drive around in the state of Florida without having your car registered?
No, it is not legal to drive a car in Florida without valid registration. Florida law mandates that all vehicles operated on its roads must have current registration. If your car registration has expired within the last six months, you could be charged with a non-criminal minor traffic violation. This offense usually carries a fine of up to $100, but the specific fine can vary depending on individual circumstances. Driving with an expired registration for more than six months is considered a more serious offense. It can potentially result in higher fines and other penalties.
What is needed to own a car in Florida?
There are a few essential documents you’ll need to be a car owner in Florida. First and foremost is the Certificate of Title. This official document proves that you are the legal owner of the car. If you’re buying your car from a Florida dealership, they’ll often take care of the title paperwork for you. However, if you’re buying from a private seller, you’ll be responsible for transferring the title into your own name. Secondly, your car must be registered with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), as this will give you a valid license plate. Finally, Florida law requires all registered vehicles to carry valid insurance, which usually includes Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) coverage.
Does Florida car insurance cover out-of-state?
Your standard Florida car insurance policy typically covers you when driving out-of-state. Most car insurance policies in the United States provide nationwide coverage, including in Canada. This means that your liability coverage, as well as other coverages like collision and comprehensive, will still apply even when you’re driving outside of Florida. However, some insurers may have specific requirements for extended out-of-state trips or if you are moving to a new state permanently.
Can I drive a car I just bought without plates in Florida?
You can drive a newly purchased car without permanent plates in Florida, but there are some limitations. If you purchase a brand-new car from a dealership, they will typically provide you with a temporary paper license plate. This temporary plate allows you to legally operate the vehicle for up to 30 days while your official metal license plate is being processed. If you’re buying a used car from a private seller, the process can vary slightly.
What are the rules for driving in Florida?
Florida’s traffic laws are very similar to those in most other states. Still, it’s always a good idea to refresh your memory on the key rules of the road. For starters, remember to stay in the right lane unless you’re passing slower traffic. You can usually make a right turn at a red light, but always check for “NO TURN ON RED” signs and make sure you come to a complete stop and yield to any oncoming traffic before proceeding. Yielding is crucial—give pedestrians in crosswalks the right of way, and always yield to traffic already in the intersection when you’re turning or entering. Florida law mandates seatbelts for everyone in the car. Be sure to secure children in the appropriate car seats or booster seats based on their age and size.
Can I drive my friend's car in Florida?
While it’s generally okay to drive your friend’s car in Florida with their permission, there are essential points to keep in mind. First and foremost, ensure their car insurance policy is current and offers enough protection, particularly in the case of an accident. Some insurance plans have limitations regarding drivers outside the owner’s household. Additionally, you’ll need to have a valid driver’s license. Finally, it’s wise for your friend to be aware of Florida’s Dangerous Instrumentality Doctrine. This legal principle means that as the vehicle owner, they could potentially be held responsible for any harm you might cause while driving their car, even if they weren’t in the vehicle at the time.
How much are taxes and fees on a car in Florida?
When purchasing a car in Florida, be prepared for a few mandatory costs. Florida applies a 6% sales tax to the vehicle’s purchase price. However, additional local sales taxes might apply in certain counties and cities. Registration fees, also known as tag fees, will also be added, and these fluctuate based on the car’s weight and where it will be registered. Lastly, expect a fee to process the title to officially establish your ownership of the vehicle. Besides the primary taxes and fees, your specific car purchase might include additional costs such as a new license plate, dealer fees, and miscellaneous charges.
Can you have a Florida driver's license with an out-of-state address?
No, you cannot have a Florida driver’s license with an out-of-state address. To be eligible for a Florida driver’s license, you must be able to provide proof of Florida residency. This involves submitting two documents that clearly display your Florida residential address. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) will not accept out-of-state addresses or addresses from U.S. territories for Florida driver’s licenses or identification card applications.
How long do I have to register my car in Florida after moving?
You have 10 days to register your out-of-state vehicle in Florida after officially establishing residency. To finalize your car’s registration in Florida, you’ll need to make a trip to your local Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) office. Come prepared with the necessary documentation, which includes proof that you reside in Florida, proof that you own the vehicle (such as the title), and evidence of current Florida car insurance coverage.
