Selling a dead or junk car in Boynton Beach

Inoperable, by the city's definition

Section 10-50 covers any vehicle on public property, or on private property "and not within an enclosed building," that:

• has "any of its wheels or tires dismantled or deflated"
• is "missing any part or valid registration required by law for travel on public streets"
• is in a condition that makes it "incapable of normal operation under its own power"

Wrecked and partly dismantled cars are named too. The definition of motor vehicle is wide on purpose: golf carts, go-karts, campers and trailers all count.

The notice, the hearing and the tow

When an officer finds abandoned property on private land, a notice is posted, and the city also makes "a reasonable effort" to find the car's registered owner and mail it to them. Everyone named then has five days to ask for a pre-taking hearing.

The car can be removed by a towing or salvage company at the end of five days after posting, or 48 hours after the hearing, whichever comes later. The owner then owes the city "all costs of removal and destruction," less any salvage value. Unpaid, those costs, plus towing, storage, postage and fees, are billed to the owner of the car, the owner of the land, or both.

On public property, Section 10-51 hands the process to state law, Florida Statutes 705.103.

If the city takes the car

Under Section 14-8, Boynton Beach may sell an abandoned vehicle "at public outcry to the highest bidder." A local paper prints the notice weekly for two weeks, and every known owner and lienholder gets a mailed copy 10 or more days ahead. You can redeem the car before the sale by paying every cost, moving and storage included.

Parking it in the yard is not allowed either

Section 14-5 bars parking "on public right-of-way, a public or private yard, swale, or easement" next to a street. Yard parking for a party at the house is allowed for 12 hours in a 24-hour period. Any car on the right-of-way also needs its reflectors and license plate visible.

The title office in West Palm Beach

For Boynton Beach, the county title counter is up in West Palm Beach, roughly 13 miles north as the crow flies. Go to 301 North Olive Avenue and take the elevator to the 3rd Floor. Phone (561) 355-2264.

Title trouble, plates and the notary question

Can't find the title? You need a duplicate before you sell. File form HSMV 82101; the fee is $75.25, plus $10.00 for Fast Title. A title the post office lost costs nothing to replace, as long as you ask within 180 days of its issue date.

No notary is needed when you sign as seller.

The plate is yours to take off, not the buyer's. Two cases where Boynton Beach sellers must hand it in at a service center instead: a move out of state, or canceling the policy that covers it.

Getting an offer

Phone (877) 421-6008 or use the form online. Our Boynton Beach truck comes to it, whether that's a repair bay, a lot near Marina Village or your home driveway. Also see Delray Beach, Lake Worth Beach and Florida.