Florida Horse / Livestock Bill of Sale Overview
Florida has significant horse and cattle industries and regulates livestock transactions through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Florida requires a current negative Coggins test for every equine change of ownership, and the state is one of the most stringent enforcers of EIA testing requirements. Florida law mandates a negative Coggins within 12 months for all equine transactions. The FDACS Division of Animal Industry oversees all livestock health regulations in the state.
6%
Sales tax
No
Brand inspection
Required
Health certificate
Required
Coggins test
Florida Livestock Transfer Requirements
Here's what you need to know for a smooth horse or livestock transaction in Florida:
Important: Florida Health Documentation
Florida requires a current negative Coggins test for all equine change of ownership. Ensure your Coggins test is within the required timeframe before completing the sale. For interstate transport, both a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and negative Coggins are required.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Signed Bill of Sale: Complete bill of sale with animal description, sale price, and both parties' information
- Current Negative Coggins: EIA test within 12 months performed by an accredited veterinarian
- Registration Papers: Signed transfer section on breed registration certificate (if registered)
- Health Records: Vaccination history, deworming schedule, and veterinary records
- Disclosure of Known Issues: Any known health problems, lameness, vices, or behavioral issues
What the Buyer Should Obtain
- Signed Bill of Sale: Original copy with both signatures
- Coggins Test Certificate: Copy of the current negative Coggins report
- Registration Certificate: With signed transfer (if registered animal)
- Health Certificate: If transporting across state lines, CVI within 30 days
How to Fill Out a Florida Horse Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to properly complete your Florida horse or livestock bill of sale.
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name, farm or ranch name (if applicable), Florida mailing address, phone number, and email. If the seller is a licensed dealer or breeder, include the license or business registration number.
Enter Buyer Information
Include the buyer's full legal name, farm or ranch name, Florida address, phone number, and email. The buyer's location determines which local tax rates apply to the transaction.
Describe the Animal
Provide a detailed description: species (horse, cattle, goat, etc.), breed, registered name and number (if applicable), sex, age or date of birth, color, height (in hands for horses), weight, and all identifying markings, brands, tattoos, or microchip numbers.
Document Health Status
Record the Coggins test date and result (for equines), health certificate number and date, vaccination history, and deworming schedule. Attach copies of all health documentation to the bill of sale.
State Sale Price and Terms
Enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. Note the payment method and any installment terms. State whether the sale is as-is or includes warranties (soundness, breeding, vice-free, etc.). Disclose any known health issues or behavioral concerns.
Sign and Complete Documentation
Both buyer and seller sign and date the bill of sale. Print two copies. Transfer breed registration papers by signing the transfer section. Ensure Coggins and health certificates are current. Complete any required brand inspections before transport.
Florida Brand Inspection Requirements
Florida does not currently require brand inspections for livestock sales, although the state historically had a brand inspection program. Livestock ownership in Florida is established through bills of sale, breed registration papers, and individual identification methods. Florida's cattle industry is one of the largest in the eastern United States, and ranchers commonly use ear tags, tattoos, and electronic ID for identification.
Florida Health & Veterinary Requirements
Florida has strict Coggins testing requirements due to the state's warm climate and mosquito population, which increases EIA transmission risk. A negative Coggins test within 12 months is required for all equine change of ownership, entry to events, and boarding at new facilities. Many Florida equine facilities require tests every 6 months. Interstate imports require a CVI within 30 days and negative Coggins. Florida requires entry permits for all livestock and has specific requirements for cattle regarding brucellosis and tuberculosis.
Florida Livestock Fees & Taxes
Here's a breakdown of the typical costs associated with a horse or livestock transaction in Florida:
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| Coggins Test | $20 - $45 |
| Health Certificate (CVI) | $25 - $65 |
| State Sales Tax | 6% (plus local discretionary surtax up to 1.5%) |
| Entry Permit | No fee |
| Brand Inspection | Not required |
Sample Florida Horse Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Florida-specific horse bill of sale. Your customized document will include all fields required for Florida livestock transactions.
STATE OF FLORIDA
HORSE / LIVESTOCK BILL OF SALE
Equine & Livestock Transfer Document
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Farm/Ranch: [Farm Name]
Address: [Florida Address]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Farm/Ranch: [Farm Name]
Address: [Florida Address]
ANIMAL DESCRIPTION
Species: [Species] Breed: [Breed]
Registered Name: [Name]
Reg. #: [Number] Sex: [Sex]
Coggins Date: [Date] Result: [Negative]
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Florida Horse / Livestock Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Florida horse and livestock bills of sale, health requirements, and transfer regulations.
Official Florida Resources
Use these official state resources to verify requirements, check import regulations, and access government information for your Florida livestock transaction.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Livestock regulations and agricultural services
Florida State Veterinarian
Animal health, Coggins testing, and import requirements
USDA APHIS — Veterinary Services
Federal animal health regulations and accredited veterinarians
USDA — Interstate Livestock Movement
Federal requirements for transporting livestock across state lines
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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Create Your Florida Horse / Livestock Bill of Sale
Answer a few questions and download your Florida-compliant document in minutes. Includes Coggins test and health certificate fields.
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