Florida HSMV Form 82363 | Salvage Title Application – The Florida HSMV Form 82363 (officially titled “Application for Salvage Title or Certificate of Destruction”) is the required document used by insurance companies, vehicle owners, and self-insured parties in Florida to apply for a salvage certificate of title or a certificate of destruction after a motor vehicle or mobile home is declared a total loss.
What Is Florida HSMV Form 82363?
Form HSMV 82363 is the official application used when a motor vehicle or mobile home has sustained damage (or has been stolen) that qualifies it as a total loss under Florida law. Depending on the extent of the damage and the vehicle’s value, the FLHSMV will issue either:
- Salvage Certificate of Title (Rebuildable or Rebuildable Flood) – allows the vehicle to be repaired and returned to the road after inspection, or
- Certificate of Destruction – authorizes the vehicle to be dismantled or destroyed (unrebuildable).
The form is also used for owner-retained vehicles after an insurance settlement and for uninsured or self-insured vehicles.
When Should You Use Form 82363?
According to the instructions on the official form and FLHSMV Procedure TL-36, you must use Form 82363 in these situations:
- An insurance company has paid a total loss claim on a motor vehicle or mobile home (or a total theft loss) and must apply for a salvage title or certificate of destruction in the insurance company’s name.
- The owner retains possession of the vehicle after receiving a total loss settlement (“owner retained”) and applies for the salvage title or certificate of destruction in the owner’s name.
- An uninsured or self-insured owner determines that repair costs meet or exceed the statutory thresholds (90% of retail value for late-model vehicles valued at $7,500 or more, or 80% for mobile homes).
- You are applying for a duplicate Certificate of Destruction.
Florida Statute § 319.30 defines when a vehicle is considered a “total loss” and establishes the criteria for rebuildable salvage titles versus certificates of destruction.
Key Differences: Salvage Title vs. Certificate of Destruction
Salvage Title (Rebuildable or Rebuildable Flood)
- Issued when repair costs are below the statutory percentage of current retail value.
- Allows the vehicle to be repaired, inspected, and re-titled as a rebuilt vehicle.
- May carry a “Rebuildable Flood” brand if flood damage is involved.
Certificate of Destruction
- Issued when the vehicle is deemed unrebuildable (repair costs meet or exceed the statutory threshold, or the vehicle’s only residual value is as parts or scrap).
- Authorizes dismantling or destruction only.
- Cannot be used to register the vehicle for highway use.
For late-model vehicles (7 model years or newer) with a retail value of at least $7,500, the threshold is generally 90% of current retail value. For mobile homes, the threshold is typically 80% of current retail value.
How to Complete Florida HSMV Form 82363?
The form contains multiple sections. Complete only the sections that apply to your situation:
- Section 1 – Applicant Information: Enter insurance company details or owner information (including “Salvage by Owner Retained” if applicable).
- Section 2 – Vehicle Description: Provide VIN, year, make, body style, color, Florida title number, license plate, weight, and other identifying information.
- Sections 5 & 6 – Valuation & Damage Estimates: Calculate current retail value (using an official used vehicle or mobile home guide) and estimated repair costs. These sections determine whether a rebuildable salvage title or certificate of destruction is issued. Note: These sections are not required for total theft loss or “insurance declared total loss” vehicles.
- Section 14 – Odometer Declaration: Required for most vehicles (exemptions apply based on model year and weight).
- Section 15 – Applicant Attestment & Signatures: Sign and print name under penalties of perjury.
- Section 17 – VIN Verification: Physical inspection and verification of the VIN by a law enforcement officer, Florida notary, licensed dealer, or authorized FLHSMV/tax collector employee (required for most used vehicles not currently titled in Florida).
All applicable sections must be completed legibly. Incomplete forms will be rejected.
Required Documents to Submit with Form 82363
Submit the completed Form 82363 to your local tax collector office or license plate agency along with one of the following (unless applying for a duplicate Certificate of Destruction):
- Florida Certificate of Title (or Form HSMV 82994 Title Reassignment Supplement if the title is electronic and owner-retained)
- Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin
- Out-of-state title or other official proof of ownership
Additional supporting documents may be required depending on the circumstances (e.g., power of attorney, lien satisfaction, or insurance documentation).
Find your local office: FLHSMV Office Locator
Fees for Salvage Title or Certificate of Destruction
Fees are set by Florida statute and may vary slightly by county due to local service charges. Typical costs include:
- Salvage title fee (base amount is low, often around $2–$7.25 before additional service and agency fees)
- Possible paper title fee or fast title option
- Local tax collector or license plate agency service fees
Always confirm the exact amount with your local tax collector’s office before submitting, as fees can change and additional charges (such as branch fees) may apply. Sales tax is generally not due when the transfer is the result of an insurance claim settlement (check the appropriate box on the form).
Owner Retention After a Total Loss
If you choose to keep your vehicle after an insurance total loss settlement (“owner retained”), you must complete Form 82363 and mark the appropriate “Salvage by Owner Retained” section. The salvage title or certificate of destruction will be issued in your name rather than the insurance company’s name.
You will still need to meet all documentation and VIN verification requirements. Once repaired (if rebuildable), the vehicle must pass a rebuilt vehicle inspection before a clean or rebuilt title can be issued.
Important Tips for a Smooth Application
- Use the most current version of the form (Rev. 07/24 as of the latest official release).
- Download the form only from the official FLHSMV website to avoid outdated versions.
- Double-check VIN accuracy — errors will delay processing.
- Complete the odometer disclosure accurately; false statements can result in fines or criminal penalties.
- Submit the form in person or by mail to your local tax collector or license plate agency (not directly to Tallahassee in most cases).
- Keep copies of everything you submit.
Where to Get Help?
For official guidance, refer to:
- Official Form HSMV 82363 (PDF)
- FLHSMV Forms Page
- FLHSMV Procedure TL-36 (Total Loss Settlements)
- Florida Statute § 319.30
- Your local tax collector or license plate agency
Always verify current requirements with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or your county tax collector, as procedures and fees can be updated.