Florida HSMV Form 82013 Certificate of Destruction Sample – The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) issues Form HSMV 82013 as the official sample Certificate of Destruction. This document serves as a permanent record that a motor vehicle, vessel, or mobile home has been designated unrebuildable and is authorized only for dismantling, crushing, or scrap. Unlike a standard or salvage title, a Certificate of Destruction permanently removes the vehicle from legal road use in Florida and most other jurisdictions.
What Is a Florida Certificate of Destruction?
A Certificate of Destruction is a specialized title document issued under Florida Statutes § 319.30. It certifies that the described vehicle or vessel has been (or will be) destroyed by crushing, dismantling, or cutting into several sections and that its only residual value is as parts or scrap metal.
Once the FLHSMV issues a Certificate of Destruction, the department will refuse to issue any Certificate of Title for that vehicle or vessel. The unit cannot be registered, insured for road use, or legally operated on public streets or highways. It may only be sold for parts, scrap, or used in the rebuilding of another vehicle under strict conditions.
Key notes printed on the sample Form 82013 include:
- The original is issued to the tow company or insurance company.
- A copy is transferred with the vehicle to the new owner.
- Records must be retained by the final party for three years.
- Assignments of ownership are documented on the form under penalties of perjury.
When Is Florida HSMV Form 82013 Issued?
Florida law sets specific thresholds that determine whether a total-loss vehicle receives a salvage rebuildable title or a Certificate of Destruction.
For late-model vehicles (manufacturer’s model year of 7 years or newer) with a current retail value of at least $7,500:
- If estimated repair costs equal or exceed 90% of the current retail value, the department issues a Certificate of Destruction.
For older vehicles or those valued under $7,500:
- A Certificate of Destruction is issued when the vehicle is damaged, wrecked, or burned to the extent that its only residual value is as a source of parts or scrap metal.
Similar rules apply to mobile homes (generally an 80% repair-cost threshold relative to retail value) and certain vessels. Insurance companies that pay a total loss, self-insured owners, and authorized towing or salvage operators commonly initiate the process.
Related application forms include:
- HSMV 82012 – Application for Certificate of Destruction
- HSMV 82363 – Application for Salvage Title or Certificate of Destruction
These applications are typically submitted to a local Florida tax collector’s office or license plate agency. Supporting documents such as the existing title, proof of total-loss settlement, and VIN verification are usually required.
Key Differences: Certificate of Destruction vs. Salvage Title
Understanding the distinction is critical for vehicle owners, buyers, and dealers:
| Feature | Certificate of Destruction | Salvage Rebuildable Title |
|---|---|---|
| Road use allowed | Never | Possible after inspection and rebuild |
| Purpose | Parts, scrap, or dismantling only | Potential restoration and re-titling |
| Reversibility | Generally permanent (except limited error corrections) | Can be converted to rebuilt title |
| Insurance / registration | Not available for operation | Available after compliance |
| Typical threshold | 90% (late-model ≥ $7,500) or residual parts/scrap value | Lower damage percentages that still meet total-loss criteria |
A Certificate of Destruction functions essentially as a “death certificate” for the vehicle. Once issued, the unit is permanently removed from the Florida title system for highway use.
Legal Requirements and Reporting Obligations
Florida law imposes several compliance steps:
- NMVTIS Reporting – Before transferring a vehicle under a Certificate of Destruction, the required notification must be made to the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS).
- Record Retention – Both buyer and seller must keep a copy of the Certificate of Destruction for three years.
- Title Surrender – When a vehicle is dismantled or destroyed, the last titled owner must surrender the certificate of title to the FLHSMV for cancellation.
- Penalties – Knowingly selling, transporting, or receiving a vehicle without proper title documentation or failing to report to NMVTIS can result in felony charges under Florida Statutes § 319.30.
The sample Form 82013 includes assignment sections that document transfers under penalties of perjury, along with sales-tax registration details when applicable.
How to Obtain or View the Official Sample Form?
The FLHSMV publishes Form 82013 solely as a sample. It is not a fillable application and should never be completed or submitted as an official document. The current sample is available for free download directly from the department’s website:
Download Florida HSMV Form 82013 Certificate of Destruction (Sample Only)
For the most current list of motor-vehicle forms, visit the official FLHSMV Forms page: https://www.flhsmv.gov/resources/forms/.
Actual Certificates of Destruction are issued by the FLHSMV after a properly completed application (typically HSMV 82012 or 82363) is processed by a county tax collector or license plate agency.
Important Considerations for Buyers and Sellers in the United States
Vehicles carrying a Florida Certificate of Destruction generally cannot be titled for road use in other states. Most jurisdictions treat the document as evidence that the vehicle is permanently retired. Buyers should always verify the title status through NMVTIS or a reputable vehicle-history report before purchase.
Insurance companies, salvage dealers, and towing operators handling total-loss or abandoned vehicles in Florida must follow the statutory timelines and documentation requirements outlined in Florida Statutes Chapter 319 and related FLHSMV procedures. Failure to do so can result in civil or criminal penalties.
Because Form 82013 is only a sample, any party seeking an official Certificate of Destruction must work through the proper application process with the FLHSMV or an authorized local agency. Always confirm the latest requirements on the official Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website, as statutes and procedures can be updated by the Florida Legislature or the department.
Summary
Florida HSMV Form 82013 is the official sample Certificate of Destruction used by the FLHSMV. It illustrates the document that permanently brands a vehicle, vessel, or mobile home as unrebuildable and restricted to parts or scrap use only. The form is marked “Sample only — do not fill out” and is provided for educational and reference purposes.