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The bottom line: Yes, you can sell a junk car in Florida without a title in many cases. Whether you have a title or not, online junk car buyers like Peddle, Wheelzy, CarBrain, and CashForCars complete most sales within 24 to 48 hours and include free towing.
If you don’t have a title, Florida has two paths. Cars that are at least 10 model years old can be sold for scrap using Form 82137 without a title, as long as the sale price is under $1,000. If your car doesn’t qualify or you want access to more buyers and better offers, a duplicate title costs $75.25 and can be obtained the same day in person at your county tax collector’s office.
One important thing most sellers don’t know: most Florida vehicle titles are electronic, not paper. Even if you “have” your title, you may need to print it first. You can get a Fast Title printed in person at your county tax collector’s office for a $10 fee on the same day.
After the sale, Florida law requires you to file Form HSMV 82050 (Notice of Sale) within 30 days. You also need to surrender your license plates before canceling your insurance. Skipping the plates can result in a driver’s license suspension.
To get the most money for your Florida junk car, compare offers from multiple services with Sell Car Advisor before accepting.
Key Takeaways
- The no-title route has two strict limits: your car must be at least 10 model years old AND the sale price must be under $1,000. If either condition isn’t met, you need a title or a duplicate.
- Getting a duplicate title ($75.25) is worth considering if your car would sell for well over $1,000. It opens up more buyers and typically results in better offers.
can sometimes purchase vehicles without a title in lost-title and deceased-owner situations. Call them directly before assuming a DMV trip is required.
- Many Florida cities limit inoperable vehicles on private property to 10 days or less. Boynton Beach, Jacksonville, and Pasco County all have strict rules with fines and towing at your expense.
- Quotes for the exact same car can vary by $200 to $500 between buyers. Getting at least three quotes before accepting is the easiest way to make sure you’re not leaving money behind.
- Surrender your license plates before canceling your insurance, not after. Florida will suspend your driver’s license if you cancel insurance while plates are still registered in your name.
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Your Selling Options: Top Buyers and Comparison
You have two main routes to sell a junk car in Florida. Each offers different trade-offs between convenience, price, and time investment.
Junk car buyers handle everything remotely. You fill out an online form, get an instant quote, and schedule pickup. They tow the car for free and hand you cash or a check when they arrive.
The entire process typically takes 24 to 48 hours from quote to payment. You’ll get a fair price, though not necessarily the absolute maximum.
Private sales through Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace might bring $100 to $300 more, but only if you find a buyer.
The reality? Most people shopping privately want running vehicles. You’ll spend weeks answering questions from lowball buyers, dealing with no-shows, and meeting strangers.
Florida’s online selling scene also has a lot of scam activity, with fake payment schemes and bait-and-switch tactics common. For most Florida residents with truly junk vehicles, online car buyers offer the best balance of price and convenience.
You’ll get 80% to 90% of what a private sale might bring, but complete the transaction in a fraction of the time without the headaches.
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Peddle operates throughout Florida, from Jacksonville to the Keys. They’ve built a reputation for accepting older vehicles that other buyers reject.
Peddle buys cars in all 50 states and serves major Florida cities including Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Tallahassee. Their quotes stay valid for 7 days, giving you time to compare with other buyers.
The company provides free towing and handles the paperwork at pickup. Most pickups happen within 24 to 48 hours of accepting an offer. In some cases, they can also purchase vehicles with a lost title, so it’s worth calling them directly if that’s your situation.
Wheelzy serves cities throughout Florida, including Orlando, Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Port Saint Lucie, and Jacksonville.
The company specializes in true junk cars, those that won’t start or have been sitting for years. They offer free towing and often complete pickups the same day in many Florida locations.
CarBrain has been buying damaged and problem cars since 2007. They serve cities throughout Florida including Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and St. Augustine.
They promise pickup within 24 to 48 hours after you accept, with free towing included. CarBrain specializes in vehicles with major damage, so they’re a solid option when other buyers pass. Note that CarBrain requires a valid title or a DMV-issued duplicate to complete a purchase.
CashForCars operates with over 200 locations nationwide and serves major Florida cities including Miami, Orlando, Tampa, West Palm Beach, Tallahassee, and Ocala.
They buy cars in all conditions and also accept motorcycles, RVs, and boats. Same-day pickup is possible in many areas near their Florida locations. Payment is by check at pickup.
All four companies follow a similar process: you provide your vehicle details, receive an instant quote, schedule free pickup, and receive payment when they take the car.
To maximize your payout, compare offers from multiple services with Sell Car Advisor. Prices can vary by hundreds of dollars for the same vehicle depending on each company’s current inventory needs and scrap metal prices.
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What Qualifies as a Junk Car in Florida?
Florida doesn’t have a strict legal definition of “junk car” for private sales, but the term generally applies to vehicles that cost more to repair than they’re worth. If a mechanic quotes you $2,000 for transmission work on a car worth $1,500, you’ve got a junk car.
Common reasons Florida residents junk their cars:
| Reason | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Mechanical failure | Engine problems, transmission issues, or electrical failures that cost more to fix than the car is worth |
| Accident damage | Frame damage, deployed airbags, or collision repairs that an insurer has declared a total loss |
| Age and mileage | Vehicles with 200,000+ miles that face constant breakdowns and rising repair costs |
| Florida-specific damage | Rust from coastal salt air, hurricane flood damage, or AC systems that failed in the heat |
| Storage violations | Many Florida cities limit how long you can keep an inoperable vehicle on private property, often just 10 days |
Your car might look fine in the driveway, but if it can’t pass inspection, won’t start reliably, or needs repairs costing more than 50% of its value, it’s time to consider junking it.
The decision to junk versus repair comes down to math. A 2019 Honda Civic needing a $3,000 engine replacement might be worth fixing if the car’s value is $8,000. But a 2005 Ford Focus worth $1,200 needing the same repair? That’s a clear candidate for junking.
Selling Without a Title in Florida
Lost your title? Florida gives you two practical options, and the right one depends on your car’s age and value.
Option 1: Use Form 82137 (no title needed). Florida law allows you to sell a car for scrap without a title if two conditions are both met: your vehicle must be at least 10 model years old (so in 2026, that means a 2016 model or older), and the sale price must be under $1,000. The model year resets each November, so a 2017 model becomes eligible in November 2026.
For this route, both you and the buyer complete Form 82137 (Application for Derelict Motor Vehicle Certificate and Request to Cancel Title). You’ll need a valid Florida driver’s license or state ID and your right thumbprint in the buyer’s presence. The buyer typically brings the form and helps you complete it at pickup.
Option 2: Get a duplicate title first. If your car is newer than 10 model years, would sell for more than $1,000, or you want access to more buyers, getting a duplicate title is the better move. More buyers, fewer restrictions, and typically better offers. See the step-by-step process in the section below.
Some buyers can handle no-title purchases directly. Peddle can sometimes purchase vehicles with a lost title in cases involving deceased owners or documented lost titles. It’s worth calling them first at (833) 391-2352 before assuming a DMV trip is required. Not every situation qualifies, but it can save you time.
Learn more: How to Sell a Car Without a Title
How to Get a Duplicate Title in Florida
Getting a duplicate title using Form HSMV 82101 opens up more buyers and better offers. Most sellers find it worth the small investment and short wait.
Step 1: Complete Form HSMV 82101
Download the Application for Duplicate or Lost in Transit/Reassignment for a Motor Vehicle from the FLHSMV website, or pick one up at your local tax collector’s office. You’ll need your current vehicle registration or VIN number, your driver’s license or Florida ID number, and the last known title number if you have it.
Step 2: Pay the Fee
The duplicate title fee is $75.25 for most standard vehicles. If you need the title the same day, visit your county tax collector’s office in person and request fast title service for an extra $10.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
- In person: Visit any county tax collector’s office. Request fast title service to get the printed title the same day for an additional $10 fee.
- By mail: Send the completed form and fee to your county tax collector’s office. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
Important notes: The duplicate title will be mailed to the address on your driver’s license unless you update your address with the FLHSMV. If there’s a lien on your vehicle, the duplicate title goes to the lienholder. You’ll need to pay off the loan first before receiving a clean title.
Once you have the duplicate, you can sell to any buyer without restrictions and will typically receive better offers.
The Standard Process: Selling With a Title
When you have your title in hand, selling a junk car in Florida follows a straightforward process. Here’s how it works step by step.
Step 1: Get Multiple Quotes
Contact at least three to five junk car buyers. Provide identical information to each: year, make, model, mileage, and honest details about condition.
Quotes can vary by $200 to $500 for the same vehicle, so comparison shopping is worth it. Most companies provide instant online quotes or call you within an hour.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
You’ll need three things to complete any junk car sale in Florida:
- Your vehicle title (see the electronic title note below)
- Valid government-issued photo ID (Florida driver’s license or state ID)
- Vehicle VIN number (found on the dashboard near the windshield or on your registration)
Electronic title note: Most Florida vehicle titles are stored electronically in the state database, not as paper documents. To sell to a junk car buyer or private party, you need a printed copy. Visit your county tax collector’s office in person and request a Fast Title for a $10 fee. You’ll get the printed title the same day. If you can’t make it in person, you can request a paper title through the state’s online portal for about $4.50, but allow 3 to 4 weeks for delivery by mail.
Step 3: Accept an Offer and Schedule Pickup
Once you choose your buyer, accept the offer and schedule a convenient pickup time. Most companies can pick up within 24 to 48 hours. Some offer same-day service in major metro areas like Miami, Tampa, and Orlando.
Step 4: Complete the Title Transfer
When the tow truck arrives, sign the title in the “Transfer of Title by Seller” section. Include the buyer’s name and address, the selling price, and the date.
If your vehicle is less than 10 years old, you must also record the odometer reading. Sign exactly as your name appears on the title.
Step 5: File Notice of Sale
Florida law requires sellers to file Form HSMV 82050 (Notice of Sale) with a motor vehicle service center. This step protects you from liability if the buyer gets in an accident or receives tickets before transferring the title into their name.
You can file by mail, in person at any tax collector’s office, or online through the FLHSMV website. Do this within 30 days of the sale. Filing immediately after the sale is the safest approach.
Step 6: Surrender License Plates
Remove your license plates and return them to the tax collector’s office, or transfer them to another vehicle you own. Do this before canceling your insurance. If you cancel insurance while plates are still registered in your name, Florida will suspend your driver’s license.
Step 7: Cancel Insurance
Contact your insurance company and cancel coverage on the junked vehicle only after the plates have been surrendered. This stops unnecessary premium charges and avoids any coverage or license suspension issues.
Learn more: How to Sell a Car Privately
Florida Junk Car Storage Rules
No statewide law exists. Florida doesn’t have a single state law about storing junk cars on private property. The state gives counties and cities the power to create their own rules, so regulations depend entirely on where you live.
What counts as inoperable? Most Florida ordinances define an inoperable or junk vehicle as one that:
- Has missing parts required for operation
- Is dismantled or partially dismantled
- Cannot move under its own power
- Cannot be legally driven on the street
- Has been declared a total loss by insurance
Time limits vary widely by location. Here’s what different Florida cities allow:
| City / County | Rule |
|---|---|
| Boynton Beach | Inoperable vehicles may stay on private property for up to 10 days only |
| Pasco County | Outdoor storage of inoperable vehicles is completely prohibited |
| Jacksonville (Duval County) | Wrecked, inoperable, or partially dismantled vehicles are prohibited on private property |
| Pembroke Pines | Similar prohibitions with strict enforcement |
After the allowed timeframe expires, the vehicle is typically declared a “public nuisance.” Code enforcement can issue fines or have your car towed at your expense.
Standard exceptions apply in most areas:
- Enclosed storage: Vehicles completely enclosed within a building where they’re not visible from the street are usually allowed
- Licensed businesses: Auto repair shops, dealerships, or salvage yards operating legally in properly zoned areas can store vehicles
- Antique or collector vehicles: Usually limited to 2 vehicles unless properly stored, and they must be registered with Florida as antique vehicles under Florida Statutes Section 320.086
Penalties can be severe. Violating local junk vehicle ordinances can result in fines up to $1,000, daily fines for ongoing violations, vehicle removal at your expense, and liens placed on your property if you don’t pay.
How to check your local rules. Contact your local code enforcement office. Most counties have this information online or by phone:
- Miami-Dade County: Call 311 or email [email protected]
- Jacksonville (Duval County): Call 904-630-CITY
- Orange County (Orlando): Contact county code enforcement
- Your local county: Search “[your county] Florida code enforcement junk vehicles”
The safest strategy? Don’t store a junk car long-term on your property. If you need to keep it temporarily while arranging a sale, keep it under 10 days if possible, store it in an enclosed garage if you have one, and get quotes from junk car buyers right away.
Most junk car buyers can pick up your vehicle within 24 to 48 hours, so you won’t need to worry about violating storage ordinances if you act quickly.
FAQ
How much can I get for my junk car in Florida?
Most junk cars in Florida sell for $300 to $1,500. Smaller sedans tend to land lower, while trucks and SUVs bring more because of their higher scrap weight and more valuable parts.
Condition also matters. A car that still runs, even poorly, will typically bring more than one that’s been sitting for years. Getting quotes from multiple buyers is the best way to see where your car lands.
Do I need a title to sell my junk car in Florida?
Usually yes, but there are exceptions. If your car is at least 10 model years old and the sale price is under $1,000, you can sell for scrap using Form 82137 without a title. You’ll need a valid Florida driver’s license or state ID and your right thumbprint.
If you’ve lost your title and don’t qualify for Form 82137, you can request a duplicate using Form HSMV 82101 for $75.25. You can also call Peddle directly at (833) 391-2352, as they can sometimes handle lost-title purchases without a DMV visit.
How long does it take to sell a junk car in Florida?
With online junk car buyers, the process typically takes 24 to 48 hours from getting a quote to receiving payment. You can get instant quotes online, accept an offer, and schedule pickup for the next day.
Private sales take much longer, often two to eight weeks, because you need to find a buyer willing to purchase a non-running vehicle.
What if my car doesn’t run?
That’s not a problem for junk car buyers. Companies like Peddle, Wheelzy, and CarBrain specialize in non-running vehicles.
They include free towing as part of their service. Even cars that haven’t moved in years or have major mechanical failures still have value for parts and scrap metal.
Are there fees for towing in Florida?
Legitimate junk car buyers never charge for towing. Free pickup is standard with companies like Peddle, CarBrain, Wheelzy, and CashForCars.
If a buyer tries to charge you a towing fee, that’s a red flag. You’re already selling your car at a discount, and towing should always be included at no cost.
What forms do I need from FLHSMV?
You’ll need Form HSMV 82050 (Notice of Sale) after every junk car sale in Florida. This protects you from liability after ownership transfers. If you lost your title, Form HSMV 82101 is for requesting a duplicate.
For cars 10 or more model years old being sold for scrap without a title, the buyer will bring Form 82137 (Application for Derelict Motor Vehicle Certificate). You sign it and provide your thumbprint at pickup.
Can I sell a junk car with an outstanding loan?
Not directly. If you still owe money on the car, the lender holds the title. You’ll need to pay off the loan first to get the title released.
Some junk car buyers can help work through this process, particularly if the car’s value covers most or all of the remaining loan balance. Contact your lender to get the exact payoff amount before getting quotes.
Learn more: How to Sell a Financed Car
What if I lost my license plates?
Report lost plates to your local tax collector’s office. They can cancel the registration without the physical plates, though you may face a small fee.
It’s always better to keep track of your plates when junking a car. Surrendering them properly before canceling insurance is what keeps your driver’s license in good standing.
How do I know if a junk car buyer is legitimate?
Check for licensing and proper registration with the state. Read reviews on Google, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau. Look for companies with strong ratings and a large number of reviews.
Legitimate buyers always include free towing, provide a written offer before pickup, and pay you before or at the time they take the car.
Article Update History
This article was last updated to reflect Florida's current title requirements, including the electronic title system and Fast Title process.
Originally posted and shared with our readers.
Sources
"Motor Vehicles, Tags & Titles" Accessed Mar 18, 2026.