Selling a personalised plate in Florida
In Florida a personalised plate can pass to an unrelated buyer by name. The holder signs a paper naming the person receiving the combination, and the state issues it to that person. What that paper is, what it costs and how it can fail are set out below, with the source.
What the transfer involves
Workable — Florida needs two signed statements
The seller signs two separate statements — one surrendering the plate for your use, one giving up all rights to it. You then apply on form HSMV 83043 at a county tax collector or licence plate agency.
Before you pay, know this
- You need a vehicle titled and registered in Florida, with proof of Florida insurance. Out-of-state buyers cannot receive a Florida plate.
- The procedure rests on agency policy rather than a clear statute, and an individual agent office may be unfamiliar with it or refuse.
- Nothing compels the seller to sign after you have paid.
We recommend using an escrow service
Money and paperwork move between you and the other party, in whichever order you agree. An independent escrow service holds the funds until the transfer is actually done. TagsTrader never holds your money and is not part of the payment — arranging escrow is up to the two of you, and it is the single best protection either side has.
This is a description, not advice. We are a match-maker: we introduce a buyer and a seller who would otherwise never find each other. The transfer itself is between you, the other party and your state authority. We are not a party to your sale, we hold no funds, we cannot make your state approve anything, and we do not guarantee any outcome. Rules and fees change without notice to us. Confirm the current process with your own state authority — and, where money or tax is involved, with your own adviser — before you pay anyone anything. Our basis: FLHSMV Procedure RS-27 (rev. 02/2025); form HSMV 83043
What TagsTrader does and does not do
We are a match-maker: we introduce a buyer and a seller who would otherwise never find each other. Listing a plate is free. A buyer pays a fee to open contact with the seller, and nothing else.
We are not a party to your sale, we hold no funds, we cannot make your state approve anything, and we do not guarantee any outcome. The transfer itself is between you, the other party and your state authority. This page is a description, not advice: we publish no forms, templates or tax guidance.