Florida General Bill of Sale Overview
Florida imposes a 6% state sales tax on tangible personal property. Counties add discretionary surtaxes from 0.5% to 2.5%, bringing the total to 6.5%–8.5% in most areas. Florida has no state income tax, meaning sales and use taxes are a primary revenue source, which makes enforcement a higher priority than in many other states.
Florida follows the UCC (Chapter 672) for sales of goods. A bill of sale is an accepted document for establishing ownership transfer. The Sunshine State\'s large transient population and active secondary market make documentation especially important to protect against fraud and disputes.
6%
State sales tax
No
Notarization required
$500
UCC writing threshold
Florida Requirements for Personal Property Sales
A Florida bill of sale should contain full legal names and addresses, a comprehensive item description (brand, model, serial number, condition), the sale price in numbers and words, the date, an as-is or warranty clause, and signatures from both parties.
Important: Document Everything
For any personal property sale over $500 in Florida, a written bill of sale is essential under the UCC Statute of Frauds. Without written documentation, the agreement may not be enforceable in court. Always create a bill of sale for items of significant value.
What to Include in Your Florida Bill of Sale
- Party Information: Full legal names and addresses of both buyer and seller
- Property Description: Detailed description including brand, model, serial number, color, and distinguishing features
- Sale Price: Amount in both numbers and words, plus the payment method
- Condition Statement: Current condition, known defects, and as-is or warranty terms
- Ownership Warranty: Seller confirms legal ownership and right to sell
- Date and Signatures: Date of sale with signatures from both buyer and seller
How to Fill Out a Florida General Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to complete your Florida general bill of sale properly and ensure it meets all state requirements for a legally sound document.
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name and current Florida mailing address. If the seller is a business, include the business name, entity type, and the name of the authorized representative. Add phone number and email for follow-up communication.
Enter Buyer Information
Include the buyer's full legal name and current address. The buyer's location in Florida may affect the applicable use tax rate for the transaction. Include contact information for both parties.
Describe the Property
Provide a thorough description of the item: brand, model, serial number, color, size, and any distinguishing features. The description should be specific enough to uniquely identify the item. Attach photographs if possible for additional documentation.
State the Sale Price
Enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. Note the payment method — cash, check, electronic transfer, or other. If the item is a gift, write "$0 — Gift." The stated price determines any use tax obligation for the buyer under Florida law.
Sign and Date
Both the buyer and seller must sign and date the bill of sale. Print two copies — one for each party. Florida does not require notarization for general personal property bills of sale. However, Florida has one of the largest notary populations in the country, making notarization convenient and affordable almost anywhere. For items worth over $500, notarization is strongly recommended.
Florida Sales Tax & Use Tax on Personal Property
Florida\'s use tax applies to purchases when sales tax has not been collected, including private party sales. The rate matches the applicable state plus county surtax rate. Individuals report use tax using Form DR-15MO. High-value transactions like jewelry or art sales are more likely to attract scrutiny from the Department of Revenue.
| Tax / Detail | Rate / Information |
|---|---|
| State Sales Tax | 6% |
| Local Taxes | Varies by jurisdiction |
| Use Tax | Same rate as sales tax — applies to private purchases |
| Notarization | No for general personal property |
| UCC Writing Requirement | Sales of $500+ must be in writing to be enforceable |
Sample Florida General Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Florida-specific general bill of sale template. Your customized document will include all fields appropriate for Florida personal property transactions.
STATE OF FLORIDA
GENERAL BILL OF SALE
Personal Property Transfer Document
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Florida Address]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Florida Address]
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
Item: [Detailed Description]
Serial No.: [If applicable]
Condition: [New / Used / As-Is]
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Florida General Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Florida general bills of sale and personal property transactions.
Official Florida Resources
Use these official resources to verify tax requirements and consumer protection laws for personal property transactions in Florida.
Other Florida Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for Florida? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
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Florida Trailer Bill of Sale
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Florida Firearm Bill of Sale
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Florida ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
Florida Horse Bill of Sale
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Florida Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
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