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Private sale — Florida

Florida Side by Side bill of sale for private sale

Complete your Florida side by side bill of sale for a private sale transaction. Enter buyer and seller details, vehicle information, and generate a signed PDF in minutes.

FloridaSide by SidePrivate sale
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Reviewed against state DMV requirementsLast reviewed: March 20266 min readEditorial policy

What to know about private sale sales in Florida

You are responsible for disclosing known defects, providing an accurate odometer statement, and delivering a clean title. Once the bill of sale is signed and funds received, remove the vehicle from your insurance and notify your DMV of the transfer.

What to include in your bill of sale

  • Full legal names and addresses for both buyer and seller.
  • Side by Side make, model, year, VIN, and current mileage.
  • Agreed sale price, payment method, and transaction date.
  • Any private sale-specific disclosures required in Florida.

Seller guidance

You are responsible for disclosing known defects, providing an accurate odometer statement, and delivering a clean title. Once the bill of sale is signed and funds received, remove the vehicle from your insurance and notify your DMV of the transfer.

Buyer guidance

Run a title search or VIN history report (NMVTIS, CARFAX) before handing over funds. Confirm the seller is the titled owner and the title is free of liens. Take possession of the signed title on the day of sale.

Florida-Specific Note

FL Stat. § 319.22(2) — seller must file Form HSMV 82050 (Notice of Sale) within 30 days of sale to limit liability for buyer's post-sale conduct (toll violations, accidents, parking tickets). Failure to file leaves the seller potentially liable. FL does not require notarization for private vehicle sales.

Legal considerations

FL Stat. § 319.22(2) — seller must file Form HSMV 82050 (Notice of Sale) within 30 days of sale to limit liability for buyer's post-sale conduct (toll violations, accidents, parking tickets). Failure to file leaves the seller potentially liable. FL does not require notarization for private vehicle sales.

Florida Side by Side transfer fees and requirements

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

Florida sales tax on side by side purchases

Florida has a 6% state sales tax rate. 6% state plus county discretionary surtax (0.5–1.5%). Private-party side by side 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.

Side by Side market data and safety information

The most common side by side makes in private-party sales are Polaris, Can-Am, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki. Average private-party side by side prices range from $5,000–$30,000. Side by sides average 2.6 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Steering, Fuel System, Fire Hazard.

Safety checkpoints for buying a used side by side

Before completing a side by side bill of sale in Florida, verify these safety items:

  • Verify ROPS (cage) is intact and meets manufacturer specifications
  • Check all seat belts and door/net latching mechanisms
  • Inspect CV axles and boots — the highest-wear item on side-by-sides
  • Test power steering operation and differential lock engagement

Side by Side insurance and depreciation in Florida

Insurance averages $200–$600/year. Multi-passenger models cost more. Required for on-road use. Side-by-sides depreciate 30–40% in 3 years. Sport models (RZR, Maverick) depreciate faster than utility models (Ranger). Peak season for private side by side sales is spring for recreation, fall for hunting season, with an average of 25 days on market.

Side by Side registration and titling

Side by Sides are classified as "Off-highway vehicle (OHV) — some states allow street-legal conversion" for registration purposes. Side-by-sides range from 1,000–2,000 lbs. Multi-seat crew models weigh more. Federal odometer disclosure does not apply to side by sides.

Florida requirements for private sale side by side sales

For side by side private sale transactions in Florida, the buyer must pay 6% state sales tax plus discretionary county surtax (up to 1.5%) and a $75.25 title transfer fee. Notarization is not required. Odometer disclosure is required.

  • 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

Safety tips for private sale side by side transactions

When completing a private sale side by side sale in Florida, always verify the vehicle against NHTSA recall databases. The most common side by side recall categories are Steering, Fuel System, Fire Hazard. Check recalls at NHTSA.gov/recalls before signing the bill of sale.

Checklist for private sale side by side sale in Florida

  1. Verify the seller name matches the title exactly
  2. Confirm no open liens via your state DMV or NMVTIS
  3. Complete federal odometer disclosure (vehicles <10 years old)
  4. Sign and date the bill of sale with both parties present
  5. Transfer title and notify DMV within your state deadline
  6. File HSMV 82050 within 30 days at flhsmv.gov
  7. Remove FL license plate (plates stay with seller, not vehicle)
  8. Cancel auto insurance only AFTER plate is surrendered to DMV

Need the printable workflow?

Use the main Florida side by side bill of sale flow when you are ready to generate the completed document.

Open Florida Side by Side bill of sale

The Private Vehicle Sale Market

17.5M private sales/yr

About 17.5 million private-party vehicle transactions happen in the U.S. each year — roughly 47% of the used market.

Source: Cox Automotive 2024

Frequently asked questions

When should I use the private sale page?

Use this page when your side by side sale in Florida fits a private sale scenario. It walks you through the specific disclosures and details that apply to this type of transaction.

Why does the private sale scenario have its own page?

Different sale scenarios — such as private party, dealer, or gifted transfers — have different documentation requirements. This page focuses on what buyers and sellers need for a private sale transaction specifically.

What should be included in this bill of sale?

Include the buyer and seller details, vehicle identifiers, sale price, date, signatures, and any notes specific to the private sale transaction.

What are the Florida fees for a private sale side by side transfer?

Florida charges a $75.25 title transfer fee. Registration costs $14.50 - $32.50 based on vehicle weight. Sales tax: 6% state sales tax plus discretionary county surtax (up to 1.5%). Notarization is not required for most transfers.

What side by side makes are most commonly sold in Florida?

The most popular side by side makes in private-party sales are Polaris, Can-Am, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki. Average private-party prices range from $5,000–$30,000.

Do I pay sales tax on a private sale side by side sale in Florida?

Florida has a 6% state sales tax rate. Tax based on purchase price or NADA book value, whichever is higher

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