Florida HSMV Form 82012 – Certificate of Destruction

What Is a Certificate of Destruction?

A Certificate of Destruction is a specialized document issued in place of a regular certificate of title. Once issued, the vehicle, vessel, or mobile home cannot be titled, registered, or operated on public roads in Florida. It may only be sold for parts or scrap metal. The certificate can typically be reassigned a limited number of times before the vehicle must be dismantled or destroyed.

Form 82012 is specifically designed for situations involving towing and storage liens under Florida Statute 713.78 (and related provisions in 713.785). It is distinct from Form HSMV 82363, which is used for salvage titles or certificates of destruction related to insurance total-loss claims.

When Is Florida HSMV Form 82012 Required?

Towing or transport companies use Form 82012 when a motor vehicle, vessel, or mobile home has been lawfully towed, storage charges remain unpaid, proper notice has been given, a public sale has been conducted (or attempted), and the company elects to obtain a Certificate of Destruction rather than a regular Florida title.

Common scenarios include:

• Abandoned or unclaimed vehicles towed from public or private property
• Vehicles with unpaid towing and storage fees after the statutory waiting periods
• Situations where the company chooses destruction instead of transferring a full title

Applicants should carefully review Florida Statutes 713.78 and 713.785, along with FLHSMV Motor Vehicle Procedure Manual TL-26, before submitting the application.

Key Sections of Form HSMV 82012

The current version of the form (Rev. 06/13) contains several important sections:

• Section 1 – Owner/Applicant Identification: Tow/transport company name, FEID number, email, and address
• Section 2 – Vehicle/Vessel/Mobile Home Description: VIN or identification number, year, make, color, body style, weight, previous state of issue, and Florida title number (if any)
• Section 3 – Type of Tow: Public or private
• Section 4 – Owner/Applicant’s Certifications: Statements confirming lawful sale under towing and storage lien provisions, physical inspection of the identification number, good-faith efforts to locate owners/lienholders, and other required certifications
• Section 5 – Motor Vehicle Odometer Declaration (when applicable)
• Section 6 – Signature of Agent
• Section 7 – Law Enforcement Check: Required for out-of-state vehicles or when no current Florida title record exists (verification that the VIN has not been reported stolen via FCIC/NCIC)

The form also includes a detailed checklist of supporting documents needed for both Florida-titled and out-of-state vehicles.

Required Supporting Documents

In addition to a accurately completed Form 82012, applicants generally must provide:

• Copy of the Notice of Claim of Lien (and Notice of Sale if applicable)
• Copy of the tow ticket, trip sheet, or impound invoice meeting TL-26 requirements
• Proof of notice to the registered owner(s), lienholder(s), and (when required) insurance company
• Proof of public sale advertisement (newspaper for tows before July 1, 2024; approved third-party website posting for tows on or after July 1, 2024)
• Proof of reporting to the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), when applicable (not required for mobile homes)
• Law enforcement verification (Section 7) for out-of-state vehicles or when no Florida title record exists
• Bill of sale if the vehicle was sold at public auction
• Applicable Certificate of Destruction fee

Requirements can vary slightly by county tax collector. Always confirm the most current checklist with the office where you will file.

How to Submit Form 82012?

Submit the completed form and all supporting documents to your local Florida tax collector office or authorized license plate agency. Do not mail the form directly to FLHSMV headquarters.

Find your nearest office using the official FLHSMV locator: www.flhsmv.gov/offices/

Fees for a Certificate of Destruction are significantly lower than standard title fees. As of recent county examples, the base fee is often around $7.75 for Florida-titled vehicles and higher (approximately $17.75) when an out-of-state title is involved. Additional service or branch fees may apply depending on the county. Confirm current fees with the local tax collector before submission.

Important Updates and Legal Notes

Florida law regarding towing and storage liens has been updated in recent years (including changes effective July 1, 2024, related to public sale advertising). For tows completed on or after July 1, 2024, public sale notices must generally be posted on an approved third-party website rather than solely in a newspaper.

Always refer to the most current version of FLHSMV Procedure TL-26 and the official form. Laws and procedures can change, so verify information with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or your local tax collector.

Once a Certificate of Destruction is issued, it is generally permanent. The vehicle cannot later receive a regular title for road use.

Official Resources and Download

Download the official Florida HSMV Form 82012 here:

https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/forms/82012.pdf

Additional trusted resources:

• FLHSMV Forms Page
• FLHSMV Motor Vehicle Procedure Manual (see TL-26)
• Florida Statute 713.78
• Local Tax Collector Offices

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements may vary by county and can change. For the most accurate and up-to-date guidance, contact your local Florida tax collector office or the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.