A car is junked for different reasons, such as mechanical failure, accident damage, expensive repair costs, or the car can’t be driven legally. If you plan on junking your car in the state of Florida, you need to know several things before doing so.
There are 3 ways to get rid of a junk car in Florida. You can sell your junk car to a junkyard, sell it to a junk car service online, or sell it to the state of Florida.
How To Junk a Car In Florida Without a Title or With a Title
As we stated above, there are 3 ways to get rid of a junk car in Florida, regardless of its condition and if it is running or is not operational.
There are different online services that specialize in buying junk and non-operational vehicles in Florida. All three companies work with a network of towing companies that pick up your car for free, tow it away and pay you on the spot.
You can contact any one of these towing companies for a free quote to see how much they would pay you for your car. Junk car removal services are the easiest way to get rid of a junk car in Florida if you don’t have a title.
Junk Car Removal Companies That Buy Junk Cars In Florida
- Peddle or call them at (844) 334-0582
- Wheelzy or call them at (855) 602-2139
- CarBrain or call them at (877) 877-7911
Sell Your Junk Car To A Junkyard
Here is a list of junkyards in Florida that buy junk cars.
In order to junk your car in the state of Florida, you will need to provide specific paperwork. If your vehicle was not a previous title in Florida, you need to complete a vehicle identification number (VIN) and Odometer Verification (Form HSMV 82042). You will also need a bill of sale that is notarized.
How Much You Could Get For Scrapping A Car In Florida
The below makes, models, years and values these cars were sold for may or may not be representative of the value of your unwanted car. Call a few junk car removal companies to get a free, no-obligation offer on our junk car to find out how much it is worth.
| Make | Model | Year | City | Sold For |
| Chevrolet | Cruze | 2012 | Jacksonville, FL | $ 665 |
| Honda | Accord | 1999 | Miami, FL | $ 405 |
| Toyota | 4Runner | 1988 | Tampa, FL | $ 955 |
| Chrysler | Sebring | 2007 | Orlando, FL | $ 505 |
| Jeep | Grand Cherokee | 2012 | St. Petersburg, FL | $ 965 |
| Toyota | Rav4 | 2004 | Hialeah, FL | $ 1,595 |
| Toyota | Highlander | 2008 | Port St. Lucie, FL | $ 1,625 |
| Volkswagen | Jetta | 2011 | Tallahassee, FL | $ 440 |
| Toyota | 4Runner | 1997 | Cape Coral, FL | $ 435 |
Junk Car Removal Service Locations In Florida
Get cash for your junk car when you sell it in Florida including in the following locations:
- Jacksonville, FL
- Miami, FL
- Tampa, FL
- Orlando, FL
- St. Petersburg, FL
- Hialeah, FL
- Port St. Lucie, FL
- Tallahassee, FL
- Cape Coral, FL
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
Florida Junkyards & Salvage Yards That Buy Junk Cars
Here are the names of different junkyards that are available in Florida. You can find a Florida junkyard that services your area here.
Orlando Auto Parts & Car Junkyard
Orlando, Florida
(407) 378-4746
Monday – Saturday (9 AM to 5 PM)
Sunday (10 AM to 3 PM)
Orlandoauto.parts
98 Auto Recyclers
29119 Cortez Blvd
Brooksville, FL 34602
(352) 796-2492
Monday – Friday (8 AM to 5 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)
98autorecyclers.com
Ben’s Auto Salvage
4707 Voorhees Rd
New Port Richey, FL 34653
(727) 842-2367
Tuesday – Friday (8:30 AM to 5 PM)
Saturday (8:30 AM to 2 PM)
Sunday and Monday (Closed)
Paperwork You Need to Scrap a Car in Florida
When you want to scrap a car in the state of Florida, there’s different paperwork you need to complete or submit. The required paperwork to scrap a car in Florida is as follows:
The Vehicle’s VIN
A vehicle identification number (VIN) is a set of numbers and letters that create a 17-digit combination. Every vehicle has a VIN that provides every detail about the vehicle, such as the vehicle’s paint color and manufacturing plant. The VIN is used for different things, such as checking for outstanding finances, whether the vehicle is subject to an insurance claim, and other significant factors. The junkyard will use the VIN to positively ID the vehicle.
Lien sale documents (properly executed for registration and transfer)
You must submit a Registration Information Request for Lien Sale (Form 82139) and the non-refundable processing fee to the FL DMV to receive a printed copy of the vehicle’s record using its vehicle identification number (VIN).
Upon receipt of the vehicle’s record information, and at least 31 days, but no more than 41 days prior to the vehicle’s sale date, you need to send a Notice of Pending Lien Sale for Vehicle Valued at $1,000 or Less (Form 82139) and a return envelope. The return envelope must be pre-addressed to the department by certified mail with the return receipt requested or by United States Postal Service Certificate of Mailing to:
- The registered owner
- The legal owner
- Any known interested parties
A salvage certificate (properly endorsed for transfer)
In the state of Florida, your vehicle is considered a salvage vehicle if:
- Your vehicle has a value of $1,500 or more, and your auto insurance company pays you to replace it with a vehicle of similar quality and type
- Your vehicle insurance company agrees to pay for auto repairs, but the repair costs exceed more than 100% of the cost to replace the vehicle
- You lack auto insurance to cover the damages and the cost of repairing or rebuilding your vehicle will exceed 80% of the vehicle’s replacement value.
In the state of Florida, you are required to obtain a salvage title for your vehicle, even though you are junking it. The application process you will follow to title your salvaged vehicle depends if you or the insurance company is apply for the Florida salvage vehicle title.
If your vehicle was declared a salvage as part of an insurance settlement, your vehicle insurance company is responsible for applying for the salvage vehicle title. If your auto insurance company WAS NOT involved, you can apply for a FL vehicle salvage title or certificate of destruction on your own. You need to complete a physical vehicle inspection and VIN verification of the vehicle, which can be performed by different individuals, such as a:
- Licensed dealer
- Public notary
- Police officer
- Local tax collector
- Florida DMV agent
Nonresident vehicle registration and transfer clearance requirement
When you register a vehicle in Florida with a non-Florida vehicle title, you are required to present an odometer reading and VIN verification. This verification can only be performed by a law enforcement officer, a DMV employee, or a licensed Florida auto dealer.
License plates
When you are junking your vehicle, if you leave the license plate(s) on your vehicle, you could be held liable for any incidents with the vehicle. For example, if the plates are left on your vehicle, and it is involved in any kind of illegal activity, you could end up footing the bill whether you were involved or not, which is known as “owner liability”. Keep in mind that this liability is not limited to serious vehicle damage, accidents, or crimes. Owner liability also applies to situations, such as parking tickets, towing fees, and more.
In the state of Florida, you are required to surrender your license plate if you canceled your vehicle insurance policy, sold your vehicle without transferring the license plates to a new vehicle, or you’re moving to a new state and registering your vehicle in that state.
When you junk your vehicle, you must remove your auto insurance policy because you no longer need it. At this time, your auto insurance company will notify the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles of the cancelation of your vehicle insurance policy. Be advised, that if you neglect to surrender your license plates within 30 days of your vehicle policy cancelation, your Florida driver’s license will be suspended.
Can You Sell A Junk Car Without A Title in Florida?
In general, a vehicle title is required when you sell your vehicle to a Florida junkyard. The vehicle’s title proves you are the owner of the vehicle and can legally sell it. However, there are different junkyard services in Florida that will junk your vehicle even if you do not have the vehicle’s title. When you junk a vehicle in Florida, you must also junk the vehicle’s title at your local FL DMV office.
Can I Scrap a Car Without a Vehicle Title in Florida?
You may be able to scrap a car without a vehicle title in Florida, but keep in mind you will likely receive less money than expected because the junkyard must pay the fee to transfer ownership of the vehicle. As long as your vehicle is over 10 years old and being salvaged, you can sell it to a licensed junkyard in Florida.
How Old Does a Car Have to be to Not Require a Vehicle Title in FL?
All Florida vehicles must have a vehicle title. However, there are certain types of vehicles that do not require a vehicle title. These vehicles are:
- Mopeds
- Motorized bicycles
- Trailers that do not exceed a weight limit of 2,000 pounds
The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles issues all vehicle titles for the state of Florida.
Can You Junk a Car with an Expired Registration In Florida?
Yes. You can junk a car with an expired registration in the state of Florida. Be advised that you will still owe money to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (FL DMV) if you do not tell them to revoke the vehicle’s registration. When you junk your vehicle, make sure you turn in the license plates and start the registration termination process immediately to avoid penalties and fees.
Can I Scrap My Car Without a Registration Document?
If a FL vehicle registration is required to junk your vehicle, there are a few steps you need to take. First, you will need to find a Florida junkyard that accepts junk vehicles free of charge or at a low cost to recycle them to turn them into items that are useful, such as bricks, steel, and similar materials. Let the FL DMV know you have sold your vehicle to a junkyard (if required) by obtaining a Certificate of Destruction (CoD), which is provided by the junkyard.
Can I Scrap a Car That Is Not Registered In My Name?
It’s a nice thought, but no. You are not allowed to scrap a vehicle that is not registered in your name. If that’s the case, people would take cars that don’t belong to them, junk them, and possibly make a profit. When you junk a vehicle in Florida, you must provide some type of proof of ownership documentation that states you are the vehicle’s legal owner. Proof of insurance is not acceptable proof of ownership document, and most junkyards will not accept a bill of sale.
What is a Junk Title In Florida?
A Florida junk vehicle title should not be confused with a Florida salvage vehicle title. A Florida salvage vehicle title is for vehicles that the insurance company deems unsafe to drive, and recommends be taken off the road. However, a vehicle with a salvage title has the option to be repaired or rebuilt, inspected, and receive a new vehicle title.
A Florida junk vehicle title is a vehicle that is not safe to operate on the roads and highways of Florida, and should never be registered or titled. Vehicles with a Florida junk vehicle title should only be sold as scraps or parts.
How Do I Get a Junk Vehicle Title in Florida?
Obtaining a vehicle title in Florida is the same as the process in other states. In order to receive a junk vehicle title in the state of Florida, you need to take a few steps. These steps include:
- Provide the vehicle’s VIN
- Your address for the junk vehicle title (if applicable)
- Phone number
- Email address
- Photo of your vehicle
- Photo of the vehicle’s VIN
- Certificate of Destruction
Be advised, that you may be asked to provide more or fewer documents depending on the city in Florida you reside.
Can You Sell a Car With a Salvage Vehicle Title in Florida?
Yes. You can sell your vehicle if it has a salvage title in the state of Florida. Keep in mind that it is against the law in Florida to drive a salvage vehicle because these vehicles are unsafe and considered unroadworthy. Regardless of the vehicle’s sentimental value, you won’t be able to drive the vehicle again unless you rebuild the vehicle. If you choose not to rebuild the vehicle, its condition will worsen as time progresses.
In order to sell a vehicle with a salvage title in the state of Florida, you need to:
- Apply for a demonstration only temporary tag (if applicable)
- Conduct a VIN inspection (if necessary)
- Record the odometer reading on the vehicle’s title
- Complete the FL vehicle title transfer at a FL DMV office
- Remove the license plates from the vehicle when you sell it
- Surrender the vehicle’s license plates (if applicable)
- File a Notice of Sale (Form HSMV 82050)
What You Should Do With Your Florida License Plate
You are required to surrender your vehicle’s license plates and registration to your local FL tax collector’s office, FL license plate agency, or to a FL driver’s license office in person. You can also mail your license plates to:
Direct Mail & Fast Title Services
2900 Apalachee Parkway
A330, MS 72
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Be advised that if you are surrendering your FL license plate by mail, you need to include a written statement that specifies why you are surrendering the plate, such as canceling insurance, junking the vehicle, etc.
FAQs for Getting Rid Of Your Junk Car In Florida
Do I Need To Notify The FL DMV If I Junk My Car?
Yes. You will need to notify the FL DMV when you junk your vehicle. You may also be required to provide a Damage Disclosure Statement, which you will find on the back of the vehicle’s title.
Do You Need To Notify The DMV If Your Car Is Totaled In Florida?
Yes. If your vehicle is totaled, and you plan to keep the vehicle or accept a settlement, you must provide the FL DMV with an Application for Salvage Certificate or Nonrepairable Vehicle Certificate (Form HSMV 82363)
What Happens If You Abandon A Car In Florida?
If you abandon a vehicle in the state of Florida on a city street, the vehicle will be towed. Whoever towed the vehicle will try to contact you. If you can’t be reached, after some time, the vehicle will be sold at auction, if the vehicle can be fixed. Abandoning a vehicle in Florida will result in different penalties and fees.
Is Better to Sell a Junk Car or Donate it?
There are pros and cons to selling your junk compared to donating it. Learn about what you need to do to donate your car in Florida.
How Much Does It Cost to Junk a Car In Florida?
In most junkyard situations, there is no cost to junk a vehicle in Florida. However, if you vehicle is not in operating condition, and the junkyard is required to tow your vehicle, you may have to pay the associated towing fees.
Current Scrap Metal Prices in Florida?
It is good to know what prices per pound a scrapyard or scrap metal recycle company in Florida is paying before you visit one to sell your vehicle. Below is the standard price per pound for scrap metal in Florida.
- Copper (clean) – $4.12 – $5.07
- Aluminum – $0.19 – $1.01
- Cans – $0.06 – $0.10
- Clean Brass – $2.47 – $3.30
- Lead – $0.57 – $0.91
- Stainless Steel – $0.82 – $1.24
- Steel Radiators – $1.24 – $2.88
Now that you know what to expect when junking your vehicle in the state of Florida, you can successfully junk your vehicle with confidence. Happy junking!
