Understanding the Nitty-Gritty Details of Making an Online Car Purchase in Florida

Buying a car is one of the most expensive experiences in our lives. While buying a car, there are plenty of options to choose from. Therefore, shopping around becomes the utmost important aspect when you are selecting a car. When you shop around in Florida, there are two means of buying a car; namely from a physical dealership or making an online car purchase. Florida, being the third most populous and eighth most densely populated state in the United States of America, has many transactions that include online car purchases. Though, the process of making an online car purchase in Florida is not a complex procedure, you need to understand the nitty-gritty details of the rules prevalent in the state.

An Online Car Purchase in Florida

There is no shortage of car buying options in Florida. However, the following points will help you while you make an online car purchase in Florida:

Ensuring a Motor Vehicle Check

Any car that is titled in Florida can be inspected for potential damages under ‘Motor Vehicle Check’. The test is conducted by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Essentially, the ‘Motor Vehicle Check’ examines if the car has any outstanding payments or if the car has been a victim to flood damage. Additionally, there are several other motor history tests that can be conducted to estimate any potential damage made to the car. Therefore, prior to making an online car purchase in Florida, make sure you have carried out all the required tests.

Complete Required Title Procedures

In the case of an online car purchase, the dealer is required to apply for the title registration on behalf of the buyer. According to the rules prevalent in Florida, the dealer is given a period of thirty days to complete the title registration procedure. Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles acts as a formal authority that regulates the car purchases, provides licenses and resolves disputes and grievances. Thus, it becomes essential to complete the required title procedures within the stipulated time frame.

Consider Taxation

Different states have different rules regarding taxes on the purchase of a car. Florida has rules relating to taxation that include the imposition of sales tax. The current sales tax rate in Florida is 6 percent on the total purchase price of the car. In case you make an out-of-state purchase, you are liable to pay a sales tax that is prevalent in the state from which you are buying the car. Additionally, many counties in Florida impose a discretionary sales surtax. The sales surtax is applicable when you reside within a county of Florida that imposes it. The sales surtax is applicable to the first $5000 amount of the car purchase price and its form is DR-15DSS. It contains all the information regarding surtax rates in different areas of Florida.

The aspect of taxation is often ignored while making an online car purchase. However, considering the current sales tax rate in Florida will help you in making an accurate calculation of the amount that you will be spending on your car.

An online car purchase expands your current car shopping options and exposes you to new possibilities. Making an online car purchase in Florida is not a difficult task. However, it is best to understand the nitty-gritty details in making an online car purchase in Florida because it will help you to become an informed purchaser.