How pickup works in Florida
Pickups in Florida are coordinated from our headquarters in Dawsonville, Georgia and arranged with towing partners across the region. Towing is free for accepted vehicles. We do not have an office, staff, or a drop-off lot in Florida, and we will not pretend to. Cities closer to North Georgia are usually simpler to schedule; farther cities can take a little longer, and we give you a real date when the tow is booked.
Florida title basics
Signing the title. FLHSMV says the seller completes the "Transfer of Title by Seller" section on the front of the title with the buyer's name and address, the odometer reading, the price, and the date. If the title is held electronically, the parties go to a motor vehicle service center to complete the transfer. A vehicle with an unpaid lien can't be transferred privately until the lien is satisfied (FLHSMV: selling a vehicle).
Your plate stays with you. In Florida, plates stay with the seller, not the vehicle. Remove it before pickup; you can transfer it to another vehicle (same FLHSMV page).
Notice of Sale. Florida's Form HSMV 82050, Notice of Sale and/or Bill of Sale, is filed with your county tax collector (FLHSMV Form HSMV 82050); FLHSMV procedures set a 30-day window. It is how Florida records that the vehicle has left your ownership.
Lost title. Apply for a duplicate with Form HSMV 82101 before the donation (FLHSMV Form HSMV 82101). Title services are offered through county tax collectors and license plate agents (FLHSMV: locations).
Mileage. The federal odometer rule applies in every state: in 2026, model-year 2011 and newer vehicles need a mileage disclosure when they change hands; 2010-and-older models are exempt (49 CFR 580.17).
Gainesville, Florida or Gainesville, Georgia?
This page covers Gainesville, Florida. If you're in Gainesville, Georgia, in Hall County on Lake Lanier, see our Gainesville, Georgia page; it's about 23 miles from our headquarters. Lowndes, Thomas, and Decatur counties in South Georgia border Florida (U.S. Census county adjacency file); for those areas see our South Georgia page.
Questions we hear from Florida donors
Do I need to file a Notice of Sale in Florida?
Yes. File Form HSMV 82050, Notice of Sale and/or Bill of Sale, with your county tax collector. Florida requires it, and it records that the vehicle has left your ownership.
Do Florida plates go with the car?
No. Florida plates stay with the seller. Remove the plate before pickup; you can transfer it to another vehicle.
My Florida title is electronic. How do I sign it over?
FLHSMV says electronic titles are reassigned at a motor vehicle service center. Tell us up front and we will explain the steps for your case.
Is this page for Gainesville, Florida?
Yes. For Gainesville, Georgia, in Hall County, see our Gainesville, Georgia page.
Do you really pick up in Florida from Georgia?
Yes. Pickups are coordinated from Dawsonville, Georgia and arranged with towing partners. Towing is free for accepted vehicles; farther locations can take longer to schedule.
Distances and drive times are approximate route estimates from Dawsonville, not pickup windows. Title rules summarized here are general information from the official sources linked on this page, not legal or tax advice; your instructions are confirmed for your specific vehicle. Content reviewed 2026-10-02.
Cars Helping Kids is not affiliated with Cars Helping Kids, Inc. of Denver, Colorado.