A certificate of destruction limits the destination
FLHSMV’s TL-35 procedure states that once a certificate of destruction is issued, it may only be used to sell the vehicle for parts or scrap. Do not describe that document as an ordinary road-use title or assume it is equivalent to a rebuildable salvage title.
Total loss and flood damage need the correct route
For uninsured vehicles declared a total loss, TL-35 addresses the documents needed before disposal for parts or scrap. Insurer total-loss settlements follow TL-36. Tell the prospective buyer about any insurer involvement, flood designation and document already issued, and ask the tax collector or insurer to resolve the correct route.
Which cars qualify for the derelict route?
Florida’s statutory definition requires a car valued below $1,000, at least 10 model years old counting its model year as year one, and primarily valuable for dismantling or scrap. The recipient must be a licensed salvage motor vehicle dealer or registered secondary metals recycler. Age or poor condition alone is insufficient.
What if the title is unavailable?
The qualified recipient must follow the derelict-certificate application and identification process. Sellers must have lawful ownership rights. A landlord, towing company or repair shop cannot use this route merely because it possesses the vehicle; the statutory seller definition imposes additional document requirements.
When must payment be by check or money order?
For a derelict purchase from a seller who is not the owner of record, section 319.30(8)(j) requires payment by check or money order to the seller, not the transporter. This exception takes precedence over our general cash-at-pickup wording.
Before arranging disposal
Identify the owner, lender interest, insurer status and purchasing entity. Describe the exact title brand or certificate wording. Do not remove identification markings or sign incomplete documents. Confirm acceptance and the correct transfer process before a collection date is set.
Official sources and next steps.
Use the current instructions for your particular title and transaction. A tax collector or FLHSMV can confirm document requirements; an estate or ownership dispute may require legal advice.
- Owner-junked, total-loss and derelict vehicles, TL-35
- Insurer total-loss settlements, TL-36
- Official derelict application, HSMV 82137
- Salvage title / destruction application, HSMV 82363
- Florida Statutes 319.30: derelict eligibility and transactions
Sources checked September 9, 2026. This guide explains seller preparation; it does not determine eligibility or act as a government filing service.