How to Get a Donated Car in Florida

Obtaining a donated vehicle provides a crucial lifeline for individuals and families facing transportation challenges. These programs offer mobility to those who lack the means to acquire a vehicle, helping them access employment, medical care, and educational opportunities. This guide navigates residents through finding, applying for, and legally acquiring a donated car in Florida.

Finding Donated Car Programs

Individuals seeking a donated vehicle in Florida should explore various organizations that operate such programs. These often include local and national non-profit organizations, charitable groups, religious institutions, and community service agencies. Well-known charities like Habitat for Humanity, American Cancer Society, Special Olympics Florida, and Volunteers of America Florida participate in vehicle donation initiatives. Public broadcasting stations, such as South Florida PBS, and foundations like Make-A-Wish and the Purple Heart Foundation, also facilitate vehicle donations.

Locating these programs involves using online search engines with keywords like “car donation Florida” or “vehicle assistance programs FL.” Local social service agencies, community centers, and faith-based organizations can also provide valuable referrals. Programs can be highly localized or specialized, focusing on specific populations or regions within Florida. Researching reputable organizations that align with your needs is recommended.

Understanding Eligibility Requirements

Qualifying for a donated vehicle involves meeting specific program criteria. Requirements include demonstrating a genuine need for transportation, such as for employment, medical appointments, or school attendance. Applicants must meet income thresholds, meaning their household income is below a specified percentage of the federal poverty line.

Florida residency is a requirement for most state-specific programs. Programs prioritize individuals based on circumstances like single parents, veterans, individuals with disabilities, those experiencing homelessness or domestic violence, or those transitioning from welfare to work. Eligibility criteria vary significantly among organizations, so review each program’s requirements to determine if you qualify.

Applying for a Donated Vehicle

After identifying a suitable program and reviewing eligibility, the next step is the application process. This begins with initial contact, often by phone or online form. Applicants must obtain and complete the program’s application form.

Gathering all required documentation is essential. This documentation includes proof of income, Florida residency verification, identification, and evidence of transportation need. Some programs request personal references or conduct interviews. After submission, a waiting period follows while the organization reviews applications and makes selections; the process varies by charity.

Transferring Ownership and Registering the Vehicle

Upon being awarded a donated vehicle, several legal and administrative steps are necessary to transfer ownership and register it in Florida. The vehicle’s title must be transferred into the new owner’s name at a Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) office or a county tax collector’s office. Required documentation for this transfer includes the signed-over title from the organization, proof of identity (such as a driver’s license or ID card), and proof of Florida auto insurance. The Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration (Form HSMV 82040) must also be completed.

An initial registration fee of $225 is typically required when registering a newly acquired vehicle for the first time in Florida. Sales tax, which is 6% of the purchase price plus any applicable county surtax, is usually levied on vehicle purchases. However, vehicles sold or donated by certain qualified religious institutions or non-profit organizations whose primary purpose is to provide special educational, cultural, recreational, and social benefits to minors may be exempt from sales tax. To claim this exemption, the purchaser must note “Exempt under Section 212.08, Florida Statutes” on Form HSMV 82040 and provide the organization’s Consumer’s Certificate of Exemption number.

New license plates must be obtained, and the registration decal should be affixed to the upper right-hand corner of the license plate. The previous owner is responsible for removing their license plates before the vehicle is picked up, and these plates must be surrendered to the state unless transferred to another vehicle. Additionally, the previous owner or the organization that donated the vehicle must submit a Notice of Sale to the FLHSMV to release liability, which can be done in person or by mail. This ensures that the record reflects the change in ownership and releases the former owner from future liability.