Florida used car dealer paperwork and sales tax guide
How Florida sales tax works on a used-car deal, how trade-ins and dealer fees are treated, and the title forms and notices a Florida dealer prints.
Last checked November 14, 2026
This is a plain-language summary of how a used-car deal works out in Florida: the sales tax, what happens to a trade-in, how dealer fees are treated, and the paperwork a dealer prints. DMS Apex uses these same rules to work out each Florida deal.
Florida tax and fees at a glance
| Item | Florida |
|---|---|
| State tax | 6% state rate plus the buyer's county surtax on the first $5,000 |
| Who pays it | Collected by the dealer |
| Trade-in | Reduces the tax |
| Dealer fee | Part of the taxable amount |
| Service contract | Taxed |
| Starting title fee in DMS Apex | $75.25 |
How Florida sales tax is worked out
Florida charges 6% state tax plus the buyer's county surtax. The state tax is figured on the price, the dealer fee and other required charges, less the trade-in. The county surtax applies to only the first $5,000. A service contract bought with the car is taxed in full. A buyer who lives outside Florida pays no county surtax.
Florida paperwork a dealer prints
DMS Apex prints these documents for a Florida deal, all in black and white:
- HSMV 82040 Title Application
- HSMV 82994 Title Reassignment Supplement
- HSMV 82050 Notice of Sale / Bill of Sale
- HSMV 82042 VIN and Odometer Verification
- DR-123 Out-of-State Buyer Exemption
- Buyers Guide
Step-by-step form guides
- DR-123 Out-of-State Buyer Partial Exemption: how to fill it out
- HSMV 82040 MV Title Application: how to fill it out
- HSMV 82042 VIN and Odometer Verification: how to fill it out
- HSMV 82050 Notice of Sale / Bill of Sale: how to fill it out
- HSMV 82994 Title Reassignment Supplement: how to fill it out
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Florida rules change: confirm current requirements with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or the Florida Department of Revenue.
Common questions
How much is sales tax on a used car in Florida?
6% state rate plus the buyer's county surtax on the first $5,000. A trade-in reduces the taxable amount. See the table above and confirm the current rate with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or the Florida Department of Revenue.
Does a trade-in lower the tax in Florida?
Yes. In Florida the trade-in allowance reduces the amount the tax is figured on.
Is the dealer fee taxed in Florida?
Yes. In DMS Apex the dealer fee is part of the taxable amount for Florida.
Does DMS Apex print Florida dealer forms?
Yes. It prints HSMV 82040 Title Application, HSMV 82994 Title Reassignment Supplement, HSMV 82050 Notice of Sale / Bill of Sale, HSMV 82042 VIN and Odometer Verification, DR-123 Out-of-State Buyer Exemption, Buyers Guide.
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