Free Florida Bill of Sale Template

A Florida bill of sale records the transfer of ownership of personal property from a seller to a buyer. It serves as both a receipt and proof of the transaction, including details such as:

• Names and contact information of both parties
• Description of the item sold
• Purchase price and payment terms
• Date of the transaction
• Signatures of buyer and seller

You can use a bill of sale in Florida to document sales of:

• Cars, trucks, and motorcycles
• Boats and watercraft
• Trailers
• Firearms
• Personal property like equipment, electronics, or tools

While not always mandatory, a signed bill of sale protects both parties in case of disputes or questions about ownership.

In Florida, a bill of sale is recommended — and in some cases required — for many types of property transfers. You may need one when:

• Registering a vehicle if the title is missing or if you purchased from a private seller
• Registering a boat with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
• Selling a firearm in a private sale to provide proof of lawful transfer
• Documenting trailer sales when a title is not available
• Keeping records for personal property sales for tax or insurance purposes

Important deadlines:

• Vehicle buyers must apply for a title within 30 days of purchase to avoid late fees.
• Boats must be registered within 30 days of purchase. It is a second-degree misdemeanor to operate an unregistered vessel in Florida.

Not always. Florida does not require notarization for most bills of sale, but it can add an extra layer of protection.

• Vehicles: A bill of sale is not required if a title transfer occurs, but notarization may help resolve disputes.
• Boats: Notarization isn’t required, but a properly signed bill of sale is necessary for registration.
• Firearms: Florida law doesn’t require a bill of sale or notarization, but having a signed and possibly notarized bill of sale protects both buyer and seller in private transfers.
• Trailers and motorcycles: Rules vary depending on size and type. A bill of sale is highly recommended when a title isn’t available.

• Vehicles: To register a vehicle, you’ll need the title, bill of sale, VIN verification (for out-of-state vehicles), and proof of insurance. Buyers must apply for a title within 30 days.
• Boats: All motorized boats operated on Florida waters must be registered. Titles are required for vessels 16 feet and over. A bill of sale helps with both registration and titling.
• Trailers: All trailers must be registered. Titles are required for trailers weighing 2,000 pounds or more.
• Firearms: No state permit or registration is required, but a firearm bill of sale provides legal proof that the sale was lawful. Firearms registration is not required in Florida for any sales, except that firearms regulated by the National Firearms Act (such as short-barreled rifles and shotguns) must be registered with the federal government.
• Motorcycles: Titles and registrations are required. If the title is missing, a bill of sale helps establish ownership.