Florida HSMV Form 81027 Assignment of Judgment – If you have an unsatisfied judgment against a mobile home or recreational vehicle (RV) dealer or broker in Florida, the Florida HSMV Form 81027 – Assignment of Judgment is a required document when seeking recovery from the Mobile Home and Recreational Vehicle Protection Trust Fund. This official form allows you to assign your rights in the judgment to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) so the state can pursue collection on your behalf after paying your claim.
This SEO-optimized guide covers everything U.S. residents (especially Florida claimants) need to know about Form HSMV-81027, including its legal basis, purpose, how to complete it, supporting requirements, and where to submit it. Always use the most current official version from FLHSMV.
What Is Florida HSMV Form 81027?
Florida HSMV Form 81027 is the official “Assignment of Judgment” form issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. It is used exclusively in connection with claims against the Mobile Home and Recreational Vehicle Protection Trust Fund under Florida Statutes section 320.781.
By completing and signing this form, the judgment creditor (claimant) transfers all rights, title, and interest in an unsatisfied court judgment to the State of Florida, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, specifically for the benefit of the Mobile Home and Recreational Vehicle Protection Trust Fund located at 2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS-60, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0600.
The current revision of the form is HSMV-81027 (Rev. 02/10). You can download the official PDF directly from the FLHSMV website:
Download Florida HSMV Form 81027 – Assignment of Judgment (PDF)
Legal Authority: Florida Statutes Section 320.781
The form is required by Florida Statutes § 320.781(7). This statute creates the Mobile Home and Recreational Vehicle Protection Trust Fund, administered by FLHSMV.
Key points from the statute include:
- The trust fund compensates persons who have unsatisfied final judgments (or certain unsatisfied claims) against licensed mobile home or recreational vehicle dealers or brokers for damages, restitution, or expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees) arising from written contracts related to the sale, exchange, or improvement of a mobile home or RV, or for violations of Chapters 319 or 320, Florida Statutes.
- Maximum recovery is limited to $25,000 per mobile home or recreational vehicle (including damages, restitution, surety bond payments, and expenses).
- Before payment from the fund, the claimant must execute an assignment of all rights and title to the unsatisfied judgment and judgment lien (or the claim) to the department.
- The assignment is without recourse, and the claimant agrees not to release or discharge the judgment and to remit any subsequent payments received to the assignee.
The form language tracks the statutory requirements almost verbatim, making it the standardized instrument for compliance.
When Do You Need to Use Form 81027?
You must submit Form HSMV-81027 when applying for compensation from the Mobile Home and Recreational Vehicle Protection Trust Fund if your claim is based on an unsatisfied final judgment. It is typically filed together with the claim application (commonly Form HSMV-84019 or successor claim form) and supporting documentation.
Typical scenarios include:
- You obtained a final money judgment against a mobile home or RV dealer/broker (or jointly against the dealer and its surety) that remains unsatisfied after good-faith collection efforts.
- The court determined the surety was not liable because prior valid claims exhausted the bond.
- You are assigning the judgment so FLHSMV can attempt recovery from the judgment debtor after paying your claim from the trust fund.
The form is not used for general judgment assignments outside this specific trust-fund context, nor for motor-vehicle title judgment liens (which use different forms such as HSMV 82161).
How to Complete Florida HSMV Form 81027?
The form is relatively short but must be completed accurately and notarized. Follow these steps using the official PDF:
- Identify yourself as the assignor — Enter your full legal name and Florida address in the opening blank: “For value received as required by section 320.781(7), Florida Statutes, I [Name], of [Address], Florida…”
- Describe the judgment — Fill in the details of the lawsuit: the party you sued, the case style (plaintiff v. defendant), the court name and location, the principal judgment amount in words and figures, the interest rate and starting date, and the costs awarded.
- Attach a transcript of the judgment — A certified or official transcript/copy of the judgment must be attached.
- Review the standard clauses — The form states the assignment is without recourse, that you will not release the judgment, that any future payments received will be forwarded to the assignee, and that you appoint the Department as your attorney-in-fact to collect and satisfy the judgment at the Department’s expense.
- Date and sign — Sign in the presence of a Florida notary public.
- Notarization — The notary completes the acknowledgment section, indicating whether you are personally known or produced identification, and affixes the notary seal and commission expiration date.
Incomplete or improperly notarized forms will delay or prevent claim processing.
Required Supporting Documents and Claim Process
Form 81027 is only one piece of a complete claim package under § 320.781. Typical required items (confirm current requirements with FLHSMV) include:
- Completed claim application (e.g., HSMV-84019 or current equivalent).
- Certified copy of the final judgment and evidence it has been recorded.
- Proof of good-faith collection efforts.
- Evidence regarding the surety bond status if applicable.
- The executed and notarized Assignment of Judgment (HSMV-81027).
- Any other information the department requests.
Submit the complete package to the Claims Administrator, Division of Motorist Services, at the address shown on current claim forms (historically 2900 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, FL). The department has 90 days after receipt to issue a determination. Payment, if approved, occurs within 45 days after the determination becomes final.
For the latest claim instructions and forms, visit the official FLHSMV Forms page.
Important Limitations and Tips for Claimants
- The trust fund does not cover tort claims beyond those expressly allowed, nor punitive, exemplary, double, or treble damages.
- Recovery is capped at $25,000 per unit.
- The assignment is without recourse—you cannot later reclaim the judgment rights from the state.
- Keep a complete copy of everything you submit for your records.
- Because requirements and forms can be updated, always download the latest version of Form 81027 and any claim application directly from flhsmv.gov rather than third-party sites.
- If your situation involves bankruptcy of the dealer or other special circumstances, additional documentation may be required; consult the statute or an attorney experienced in Florida consumer and motor-vehicle law.
Where to Get Help and Official Resources?
Primary official sources:
- Official Form HSMV-81027 PDF
- FLHSMV Forms Directory (search for 81027)
- Florida Statutes § 320.781 (current text)
- FLHSMV main website: www.flhsmv.gov
For personalized assistance, contact the FLHSMV Division of Motorist Services or consult a licensed Florida attorney. Local tax collector offices and license plate agencies handle many title and registration matters but generally do not process trust-fund claims.
Conclusion
Florida HSMV Form 81027 – Assignment of Judgment is a critical statutory tool that enables eligible consumers to recover limited compensation from the Mobile Home and Recreational Vehicle Protection Trust Fund when a dealer or broker judgment goes unpaid. By properly assigning the judgment, claimants allow the state to step into their shoes for collection purposes while receiving payment (subject to the $25,000 cap) from the trust fund.
Always use the official, current form, complete it carefully, have it notarized, and submit it with a complete claim package. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, rely exclusively on resources published by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.