Junk Car FAQs: Florida

Got a car gathering dust in Florida? Not sure if you can scrap it without a title, or what happens if there’s still a lien on it? You’ve come to the right spot! This FAQ walks you through Florida’s junk car requirements—covering the paperwork you’ll need, how liens affect the process, and even what to do with your plates and registration. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to getting rid of your car with ease.

How Do I Junk My Car?

Junk your old wreck by contacting Wheelsaway today! We’ll get you a price for your car with pickup included for free. All you have to do is tell us when and where you want the vehicle picked up.

What’s The Process For Junking My Car?

Junking your car is super easy. In fact, we can do the whole thing for you! All you need to do is give us a couple of details, online or over the phone, and we’ll find you a great offer put forward by a professional Floridian junkyard operator. Accept, and you’re ready to schedule pickup (that’s free too, by the way).

What Are Florida Car Registration Fees?

Car Registration Fees are a kind of vehicle tax collected by the state. They must be paid every time a vehicle’s registration expires or becomes invalid, like if you move to another state. While the Initial Registration Fee is $225, the subsequent, standard Automobile Registration Fee is just $14.50.

However, these fees vary wildly depending on the exact type of vehicle you drive. Registering a school bus? That’ll be $41.

Also, don’t confuse these Registration Fees with Title Fees. If you need a title for your car, it’ll cost you $77.25 (new) or $85.25 (used).

How Much Can I Get for Junking My Car?

In 2024, the average value of a junk car was $100-$500. As of January 2025, it’s $145-$682.

Can I Get Cash for Junk Cars Without a Title or Keys?

You can, but it depends on the junkyard you’re selling to. Every yard will have its own rules and guidelines. Some can be as simple as just providing a signed bill of sale (receipt) whereas other yards may have more strict rules. Buyers of cars without a title or keys will be more interested in the sale of salvageable parts.

Can You Scrap a Car Without a Title in Florida?

Yes, but you’ll need to complete form HSMV 82101 to get a duplicate of the title. Then, you’ll have to sign the ‘transfer of title by seller’ section and give it to the buyer (the scrap/salvage buyer).

For more information read our full guide to junking without a title in Florida here.

What Are the Steps for Registering a Car in Florida if I’m Out of State?

To register a car in Florida from another state, you’ll need to:

• Obtain proof of ownership, like the out-of-state title or original registration
• Get proof of insurance
• Complete a VIN verification
• Fill out an application for registration
• Pay the registration fee

How Do I Salvage a Car in Florida?

Salvaging your car is easy with WheelsAway. A couple of basic details about your vehicle is all we need to determine if your car if it’s good enough for salvage. If there’s life left in your car, we’ll arrange for it to be salvaged instead of junked, but the process works the same – free pickup and instant cash or check payment.

Who Buys Junk Cars with Liens Near Me?

Some junkyards will buy cars with liens, but the lien will still need to be satisfied at the point of sale. This means you’ll have to pay off the lienholder, which can usually be done using the money from the sale – if the lienholder agrees.

How Can I Scrap a Car for the Most Money?

By using WheelsAway, of course! Get offers from us and get the biggest bucks for your car, with free statewide pickup included too! Whether it’s junk or salvage, WheelsAway is the place.

How Do I Complete the Surrender Florida License Plate Form?

Completing a HSMV 82050 Notice of Sale of Motor Vehicle, Vessel, Mobile Home form is required when selling your vehicle (even as junk) to disconnect it from yourself and prevent any future charges landing in your mailbox.

This is a single-sheet form which asks for basic information about yourself and the vehicle you’re selling (like its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and mileage), and must be returned to your local tax collector’s office or license plate agent.

Can I Junk a Car with Expired Registration in Florida?

Yes! Your car doesn’t need to be registered for it to be hauled off to the junkyard. However, you will need to verify your ownership of the car. So, a vehicle title is more important than registration tags here!

Is It Possible to Junk a Vehicle That Has a Title Loan?

You would need to repay the loan in order to claim your title back. Therefore, you can’t junk a vehicle with a title loan. However, you can often use the money made from the junking to pay off your loan – if all parties agree to it!

Can You Register a Car with a Salvage Title in Florida?

No. You will have to repair the vehicle so that it can pass an inspection, then register it with a ‘rebuilt’ title instead.

Can I Junk a Car with a Lien on It?

Not exactly. Selling a car with a lien in Florida on it isn’t allowed, whether that’s for it to be junked or driven. However, if the lienholder agrees, you can junk the vehicle and use the money to pay off the lien.

What Is a Junk Vehicle Affidavit and How Do I Use It?

A Junk Vehicle Affidavit is a legal document that authorizes a vehicle to be transported to a salvage yard. It is used in absence of the vehicle’s title, salvage title or Certificate of Destruction.

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