Florida — quick answer
In Florida, a bill of sale is recommended for a private vehicle sale and notarization is not required. No witnesses are required. The relevant state form is HSMV 82050. Ownership is transferred through the FLHSMV via the assigned title.
Is a bill of sale required in Florida?
Recommended. FLHSMV recommends a bill of sale and provides HSMV 82050, which also serves as a notice of sale.
Seller completes the transfer section of the Florida title; the buyer titles and registers at a tax collector or license-plate agency.
Does a Florida bill of sale need to be notarized?
Not required. Notarization was removed from the HSMV forms. FLHSMV recommends — but does not require — notarizing the bill of sale.
Witness requirements
No. Florida does not require witnesses for a standard private bill of sale.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires a written odometer disclosure when title is transferred for vehicles less than 20 years old. As of 2026 that means model year 2011 and newer; model year 2010 and older are generally exempt. Record the exact mileage — never round it. See the NHTSA rule.
How to transfer a vehicle title in Florida
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Fill in the buyer, seller, price, odometer, and date. Both parties sign and date the document.
- 2Hand over the signed title.
Seller completes the transfer section of the Florida title; the buyer titles and registers at a tax collector or license-plate agency.
- 3File a notice of sale / release of liability.
As the seller, file Notice of Sale (HSMV 82050) — file to remove liability so you are not liable for the vehicle after the sale.
- 4Register with the FLHSMV.
The buyer titles and registers the vehicle, bringing Notice of Sale and/or Bill of Sale for a Motor Vehicle (HSMV 82050). Confirm the current fees and documents on the official FLHSMV page.
Official Florida sources
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) — buying & selling a vehicle
- Notice of Sale and/or Bill of Sale for a Motor Vehicle (HSMV 82050)
- NHTSA — federal odometer disclosure rule
We link to primary government sources and review this page regularly, but requirements change. This is general information, not legal advice.
Florida bill of sale by type
Get requirements and a free template tailored to Florida for each item type — the generator applies the Florida notary and witness rules automatically:
Florida bill of sale — FAQ
Is a bill of sale required in Florida?
In Florida, a separate bill of sale is recommended. FLHSMV recommends a bill of sale and provides HSMV 82050, which also serves as a notice of sale.
Does a Florida bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. Notarization was removed from the HSMV forms. FLHSMV recommends — but does not require — notarizing the bill of sale.
Do I need a witness for a bill of sale in Florida?
No. Florida does not require witnesses for a standard private bill of sale.
How do I transfer a vehicle title in Florida?
Seller completes the transfer section of the Florida title; the buyer titles and registers at a tax collector or license-plate agency. Titling and registration in Florida are handled by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
Is a bill of sale proof of ownership?
Generally no. For titled property like a car or boat, the title is what proves ownership. A bill of sale proves that a sale happened and records the price, date, and terms — it supports the title transfer but does not replace it. For untitled property (furniture, equipment, electronics), the signed bill of sale is usually the main proof of ownership.