How To Get a Rebuilt Title in Florida
Chris is Head of Content for FindTheBestCarPrice and is based out of Philadelphia, PA. As a seasoned automotive industry analyst and car enthusiast, he ensures the highest level of quality across all our content and curates our picks for the best deals each month.
Chris studied information systems and marketing at Drexel University and writes about a wide range of topics ranging from car buying tips to troubleshooting common mechanical issues.
When he’s not thinking about cars, he likes to stay in with his dog and make an “attempt” to finish a crossword puzzle (he’s not quite at the Saturday/Sunday level…yet). As a former cheesemonger, Chris still has a “sharp” passion for all things cheese, and his fridge is always loaded with it!
Chris also has a passion for things that go fast, and drones are no exception. He spends some of his time writing for Dronesourced.
Florida issues "Rebuilt Titles" for vehicles that have been significantly damaged in accidents but have since been repaired and deemed safe for the road.
To secure a rebuilt title in Florida, the vehicle must be restored to a good condition, followed by submitting the necessary documentation to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
This process ensures that vehicles with extensive damage are thoroughly inspected and meet safety standards before they're allowed back on the road.
This guide will cover the detailed steps and requirements for obtaining a rebuilt title in Florida, providing you with the knowledge to navigate the process efficiently.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Rebuilt Title in Florida?
- How To Procure a Salvage Title in Florida
- How To Get a Rebuilt Title in Florida
- Physical Inspections and VIN Verifications When Applying for a Rebuilt Title
- Exemptions From VIN Verification Requirements When Applying for a Rebuilt Title in Florida
- Salvage Title vs. Rebuilt Title in Florida
- Insuring a Vehicle With a Rebuilt Title in Florida
- Insurance Coverage Challenges for a Vehicle With a Rebuilt Title in Florida
- Best Car Deals by Category
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Rebuilt Title in Florida?
Florida issues "Rebuilt Titles" to vehicles that have endured extensive damage (commonly called salvage cars) but have undergone meticulous restoration to meet roadworthy standards.
These reconstructed vehicles are the only ones permitted for legal road usage and insurance coverage in Florida.
A clear brand indicating that the vehicle has been reconstructed, assembled from parts, or falls under categories such as kit cars, glider kits, replicas, or flood vehicles, is imprinted on the certificate of title.
One such sticker indicating the rebuilt status is also affixed to a visible location on the vehicle.
Selling a repaired total loss vehicle is strictly prohibited without obtaining a salvage title. In Florida, the vehicle title serves as proof of ownership and is essential for any significant vehicle transactions, such as selling or insuring it.
Under Florida's rebuilt vehicle legislation, a salvage title is granted to vehicles with estimated repair costs reaching 80 percent of their pre-damage market value, exceeding 70 or 75 percent thresholds commonly observed in other states.
Consequently, a vehicle with a rebuilt title in Florida may have undergone more damage than its counterparts in other jurisdictions.
How To Procure a Salvage Title in Florida
Before getting the rebuilt title, you must first procure the salvage title. Obtaining a salvage title for your damaged vehicle varies depending on the party applying for the salvage certificate.
If your car has been deemed salvaged through an insurance settlement, the responsibility of applying for the salvage title lies with the auto insurance company.
However, if a car insurance company's involvement is absent, you can personally apply for a Florida salvage title.
To start the process, a licensed dealer, public notary, police officer, local tax collector, or FLHSMV agent will physically inspect the Vehicle.
You must also submit the following documents/information and present them at your local tax collector's office:
- A completed Application for Salvage Title/Certificate of Destruction (Form HSMV 82363)
- Odometer reading, if required, for the vehicle.
- Verification and signature from the individual who performed the VIN verification, if applicable, and conducted the physical inspection of the car.
- An estimation of the total repair cost for your vehicle.
- Proof of lien satisfaction, if applicable.
- A document serving as proof of vehicle ownership.
- Payment for the relevant title and registration fees may vary based on your specific Florida county of residence. It is advisable to contact your local tax collector's office for precise fee information.
How To Get a Rebuilt Title in Florida
Once you have obtained the salvage title and completed the car rebuilding process, the subsequent step involves acquiring the rebuilt title in Florida.
To streamline this procedure, it is crucial to follow the appropriate steps. Here is a breakdown of what you should do:
1. Provide the Necessary Documentation
When applying for a rebuilt title in Florida, ensure you have all the essential documents ready to present at the FLHSMV office.
- Completed Application for Certificate of Title (Form HSMV 82040): Fill out this form with the necessary information.
- Completed Statement of Builder (Form HSMV 84490), providing details about the repairs and reconstruction performed on the vehicle.
- Completed Statement of Builder additional sheets, if necessary (Form HSMV 84491)
- Present the original title of the vehicle.
- Provide a bill of sale or other documents proving your vehicle ownership.
- Include receipts or bills of sale for any significant components used in the repair or reconstruction of the vehicle.
- Provide photographs of the vehicle showing its condition before the repairs were made.
- Pay a $40 inspection fee and Florida sales tax.
2. Undergo the Verification Process
Once the documents are submitted, they will be scrutinized by the FLHSMV to verify their authenticity and compare them with the information provided in your title renewal form.
Your application will not be accepted if any relevant information is missing, like no documentation for some replaced parts.
3. Submit the Documents
After the car is inspected, the compliance examiner will give you your documents in a sealed envelope.
Take this sealed envelope to your local tax collector's office to apply for a rebuilt title. Florida has a base fee of $77.25 for the title application.
The tax collector's office will carefully review your application, and if it gets approved, they will send you the title through mail within a few weeks.
It's crucial to remember that if the seal on the envelope is broken or tampered with, your application may be rejected.
You can expect your rebuilt title in Florida within a few weeks.
Physical Inspections and VIN Verifications When Applying for a Rebuilt Title
A physical inspection and Vehicle Identification Number verification of the vehicle is required as part of the application process.
This ensures that the vehicle's identification matches its records and aids in confirming its roadworthiness.
The inspection and verification can be conducted by licensed dealers, public notaries, police officers, local tax collectors, or DHSMV agents.
Exemptions From VIN Verification Requirements When Applying for a Rebuilt Title in Florida
Certain cases exempt vehicles from VIN verification when obtaining a rebuilt title in Florida.
Exemptions include brand-new vehicles, mobile homes, travel trailers, camping trailers, fifth-wheel recreational vehicles, and trailers/semi-trailers weighing less than 2,000 lbs.
Additionally, presenting the current Certificate of Title or completing the Vehicle Identification Number and Odometer Verification (Form HSMV 82042) can waive the need for VIN verification.
Salvage Title vs. Rebuilt Title in Florida
The primary difference between a rebuilt and a salvage title in Florida is that rebuilt vehicles were previously salvaged but have undergone refurbishment.
These vehicles undergo a thorough inspection by the DMV to ensure they are in good condition before being issued a rebuilt title.
Insuring a Vehicle With a Rebuilt Title in Florida
Once a car with a salvage title is repaired, inspected, and issued a rebuilt title, you can obtain insurance for it.
However, some insurance companies may hesitate to provide full coverage for a rebuilt salvage car, and liability insurance is typically easier to obtain.
Insurance Coverage Challenges for a Vehicle With a Rebuilt Title in Florida
Securing insurance coverage for a vehicle with a rebuilt title in Florida can present specific challenges.
Insurance companies may perceive such vehicles as carrying higher risks due to their previous salvage status and repairs.
It is advisable to consult with insurance providers to understand their policies and any specific requirements or limitations associated with insuring a vehicle with a rebuilt title.
