Buying a trailer in Florida

[Quit It]

Has anyone bought a used trailer in Florida? The one I'm buying was registered, but it's been expired for about 2 years. The trailer should be under the 2000 lbs according to the seller (triple axle 26-28') so there's no title, which, according the form below seems fine.

So, in reading that form, I think all I need from him are a bill of sale and a copy of his registration. I'm having trouble figuring out if it needs to be current registration though and he doesn't want to register it just to sell it. Anyone know for sure?

Also, the initial registration fee, I'm not going to have to pay that, right?

Here's the FLDMV form http://www.flhsmv.gov/dmv/forms/BTR/83140.pdf

Thanks

 

[shaun77]

Re: Buying a trailer in Florida

Your correct, trailers are not titled in FL. Just did mine a few weeks ago and all I brought was the bill of sale. I had a trailer tag from my old one I sold a few months ago.It hadn't been registered in two years and there wasn't a problem with transfer and it not being current. Not sure about "initial reg fee". I just payed tax and tag.

 

[Quit It]

Re: Buying a trailer in Florida

Your correct, trailers are not titled in FL. Just did mine a few weeks ago and all I brought was the bill of sale. I had a trailer tag from my old one I sold a few months ago.It hadn't been registered in two years and there wasn't a problem with transfer and it not being current. Not sure about "initial reg fee". I just payed tax and tag.

Thanks, but I'm a little confused. Did you have registration (current or expired) fom the trailer you bought or just for the trailer you sold? If you didn't have the "new" trailer's registration did the DMV look it up for you?

Thanks

 

[shaun77]

Re: Buying a trailer in Florida

There was registration with the new trailer I just bought. It's been awhile, but, with the old trailer I remember having only the bill of sale then too when I bought it with the boat(used), but I can't remember how the reg worked out. I just called them and they told me how much cash to bring.

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: Buying a trailer in Florida

trailers under a certain weight can be registered as home build i can not remeber the weight now but all that is required is a weigh-bridge ticket stating the weight. the trailer should be painted or stamped with the number given to keep it legal. this is also why you need to keep the trailer locked while you are out having fun on the water.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Buying a trailer in Florida

you have a Bill of Sale, and a copy of the PO's registration. he/she needs to sign that too. then you go to your tax collector, sit in line for a while.........................and pay the registration fee. you will have to pay the initial registration fee since you are now initially registering it as yours. same goes if you already own it and move to Florida

 

[Quit It]

Re: Buying a trailer in Florida

Thanks everyone, lots of info, I'll try to respond to it all.

I don't foresee the seller as being helpful after he gets the cash so I'm going to ask him to meet me at the DMV before giving him the cash. I do not want to label it as homebuilt. I couldn't find it's own weight stamped on it, though I did find the VIN & capacity. I'd forgotten about the registration having a signature line for selling it.

I don't want to pay the initial registration fee () so I'm hoping you're wrong there.

Thanks everyone

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Buying a trailer in Florida

contact the manufacturer, they will have the weight, or they can look it up from the prior registration.

once the PO signs the registration and the Bill of Sale, you wont need him anymore

if your trailer is galvanized steel, guessing about 1900#. if aluminum, guessing about 1100#

you will have to pay the initial registration fee. just like a title fee in any other state. no getting around paying that unless you and the PO were co-owners, or your using the trailer for municipality purposes

 

[SilverSS07]

Re: Buying a trailer in Florida

I would just call the DMV on Monday and check with them about the registration being current. You're right that as long as it's under 2000 lbs a title is not required- just bill of sale and registration. Make sure the VIN on the trailer matches the registration

 

[emoney]

Re: Buying a trailer in Florida

If there's still a plate on the trailer that's not over 5 years old, you shouldn't have to pay the "big" fee. However, sounds like it's been a bit since he renewed, so I'd anticipate paying the plate fee. And yes, it's $100 not counting the registration and transfer fee.

Definitely have him meet you at the DMV as there's a lot of stolen trailers down here, which is why they've changed all the laws regarding getting a boat tile, and I'm assuming trailer registration. I think you can still reg. the trailer as "home built" but it's no where near as easy as it used to be. If sellers resists meeting you at DMV, then you know that "Houston....we have a problem". Lots of counties now have extended hours on certain days, some even open on Saturday, so there shouldn't be a reason for him not to want to meet you there. Always better to be safe than sorry.

 

[V153]

Re: Buying a trailer in Florida

Current or not any FL trailer registration certificate doubles as a bill of sale. It's built right in. Just sign on the line.

Personally I don't think the state gives a rats azz about the origin of said trailer. Just so long's they can keep collecting their annual registration fee. Read: tax.

If it's a really big trailer requiring a title & you ain't gotta title, then it becomes a problem.

 

[emoney]

Re: Buying a trailer in Florida

V153, I think that style reg. is somewhat recent, isn't it? This PO, if he hasn't renewed in a few years, may have the older style, thinner paper. I don't remember what year they changed, but it wasn't that long ago.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Buying a trailer in Florida

... I'm going to ask him to meet me at the DMV before giving him the cash...

Absolutely the best move you will ever do!

If he doesn't want to go with you...... Red Flag!

 

[Quit It]

Re: Buying a trailer in Florida

Well, I'm not sure what the problem is, but the seller broke the contract. I think it was because he had an offer for more money, but don't know for sure. I'm stuck though, boat deal is done and seller would like me to pick it up, so I'm going to buy new.

Thanks everyone for the help and advice.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Buying a trailer in Florida

what size are you looking for? there are a few throughout florida for sale. use searchtempest.com to search all craigslists within X miles of your house

 

[Quit It]

Re: Buying a trailer in Florida

I've searched, believe me. The boat is 28' and I don't have time to drive around Florida looking for a trustworthy seller and quality trailer; the seller wants me to pick up the boat.

 

[emoney]

Re: Buying a trailer in Florida

If you really don't want to purchase a new one, there are places that rent trailers although I'm not sure how much hassle that would be.

Sounds like you may have been the lucky one in this other transaction. Your idea of "meeting at the DMV" may very well have nixed the deal. Good luck, and if nothing else, you'll have a nice, new trailer that you can depend on. But, shouldn't we be seeing pictures of this boat by now?

**edit** Not sure where you're looking, but here's one by me, which is West Central - Tampa Bay North area;
http://tampa.craigslist.org/psc/boa/3262374921.html

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Buying a trailer in Florida

I found about a dozen on various craigslist adds and PM'd you

 

[Quit It]

Re: Buying a trailer in Florida

I think he had another buyer, he did mention someone calling from SC. It really was a nice trailer.

Thanks for the assistance; I've looked and finding a gem is a PITA (finding all the flaws isn't) and I'm out of time.