Car Recall Process in Florida: VIN Check, Disclosure & Free Repair

If your vehicle has an open recall, you have specific rights — and the manufacturer has specific obligations. Here's how the process works in Florida.

Quick Reference

Check RecallsNHTSA.gov VIN lookup

Free Repair?Free repair for vehicles under 15 years old (NHTSA rule)

Registration Restrictions?No Florida registration block for open recalls

Dealer Disclosure?FDUTPA requires disclosure of material defects including recalls

How to Check for Recalls

NHTSA.gov VIN lookup

Free recall check at nhtsa.gov/recalls with VIN. Florida DHSMV does not maintain a separate database.

Manufacturer's Free-Repair Obligation

Free repair for vehicles under 15 years old (NHTSA rule)

Federal NHTSA rule applies. Florida doesn't extend warranty for older vehicles.

Registration Restrictions

No Florida registration block for open recalls

Florida does NOT block registration. Dealers face FDUTPA liability for non-disclosure.

Disclosure at Sale

FDUTPA requires disclosure of material defects including recalls

Florida FDUTPA (Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act) requires disclosure of material defects, including known open recalls.

Reimbursement for Past Repairs

Yes — federal NHTSA rule

Federal rule: manufacturer reimburses pre-recall paid repairs.

Loaner Vehicle During Repair

Not required by state; manufacturer practice varies

Florida doesn't require loaner provision. Most manufacturers offer loaners for major recall repairs.

Florida Standout Rule

Florida has unique flood-damaged vehicle laws. If your vehicle was flooded during Hurricane Ian, Idalia, or Milton, check NMVTIS title for "flood damage" markers in addition to NHTSA recalls — flood damage often masks underlying mechanical recalls.

Florida-Specific Facts for Car Recall Process

Florida Vehicle transfer fees and requirements

In Florida, the title transfer fee is $75.25 and registration costs $14.50 - $32.50 based on vehicle weight. Vehicle sales are subject to 6% state sales tax plus discretionary county surtax (up to 1.5%). Florida does not require notarization for private-party vehicle transfers. Florida does not require emission testing for private-party vehicle sales.

Electronic title program (no paper titles for lien-free vehicles)
Title must be transferred within 30 days
Sales tax applies to purchase price or NADA value, whichever is higher
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles handles registration

Official Florida bill of sale form

The official Florida bill of sale form is HSMV 82050 (Motor Vehicle, Mobile Home, or Vessel Bill of Sale). BillOfSaleNow generates a document that meets all Florida requirements and can be used in place of the official form.

Florida sales tax on vehicle purchases

Florida has a 6% state sales tax rate. 6% state plus county discretionary surtax (0.5–1.5%). Private-party vehicle sales in Florida are subject to sales tax. Tax based on purchase price or NADA book value, whichever is higher. The title transfer fee is $75.

Florida bill of sale statistics

BillOfSaleNow has generated 8,923 bill of sale documents for Florida transactions, with 241 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.

More Florida Vehicle Guides

Each guide is written specifically for Florida laws, agencies, and procedures. Bookmark for future reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check for car recalls in Florida?

NHTSA.gov VIN lookup. Free recall check at nhtsa.gov/recalls with VIN. Florida DHSMV does not maintain a separate database.

Must the manufacturer fix the recall for free in Florida?

Free repair for vehicles under 15 years old (NHTSA rule). Federal NHTSA rule applies. Florida doesn't extend warranty for older vehicles.

Will Florida block my registration for an open recall?

No Florida registration block for open recalls. Florida does NOT block registration. Dealers face FDUTPA liability for non-disclosure.

Must a Florida dealer disclose open recalls at sale?

FDUTPA requires disclosure of material defects including recalls. Florida FDUTPA (Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act) requires disclosure of material defects, including known open recalls.

Can I get reimbursed for a recall repair I already paid for in Florida?

Yes — federal NHTSA rule. Federal rule: manufacturer reimburses pre-recall paid repairs.

Selling a Vehicle With Open Recalls?

Disclose open recalls in writing on your Florida bill of sale. Protects you from buyer disputes and complies with consumer protection laws.

Generate Bill of Sale

Source: Florida DHSMV + NHTSA. Always check NHTSA.gov for the latest recall information using your VIN.