Selling a broken-down or junk car in Fort Pierce

What counts as a wrecked car

Section 24-19 defines a wrecked motor vehicle broadly: one that is "wrecked, dismantled, partially dismantled, incapable of operation by its own power," or missing "the wheels, engine, transmission, or other substantial part." Tires, mechanical equipment and parts are on the same nuisance list. Only something "kept out of sight in a fully enclosed building" escapes it, or a licensed business whose purpose is storing or displaying such things.

The same section limits where even a working car may park. In the front yard of a home, it must be on pavement, in a driveway, or in a parking area marked off with features like landscaping bricks or railroad ties and stabilized with gravel or similar material other than grass.

Auto businesses get their own test. Unlicensed vehicles must stay at least 15 feet from the roadway's paved edge and may not remain more than 30 days in any 90-day period. Two city inspections more than 30 but less than 90 days apart that find the same vehicle are enough to presume it stayed too long.

Towing by the city

Section 34-57 lets the city remove a vehicle from streets, city lots, parking structures, parks, beach and recreation areas, and other property in the city limits. One listed reason fits most dead cars: the vehicle "is considered inoperable or abandoned due to expired registration or other condition that prevents the vehicle from being removed by the registered owner."

Getting it back costs money. Under Section 34-58 you settle the towing, storage and administrative fees along with parking penalties and costs, or post a cash or surety bond until a hearing is decided. Section 34-59 lets the city dispose of unclaimed cars under Florida Statute 713.78. The towed or impounded guide covers the choice.

The title office is close

Fort Pierce has the county's FLHSMV service center inside its own limits, on Virginia Ave. (call (772) 462-1650). As the crow flies it is under a mile west of downtown.

Florida title and plate rules

There is no notary step. Florida's TL-11 procedure has no notary line for the seller, whose section wants the sale price and date, the mileage, and the buyer's identity and home address. The plate stays yours; Florida tags follow their owner. Within 30 days of the sale, Statute 319.22 wants the state told, on form HSMV 82050. A car with its engine or wheels gone can still be sold whole; see missing parts.

Towns nearby

Port St. Lucie is 10.4 miles off, measured straight. Sebastian is 25.9 miles, Jupiter 37.7 and Palm Bay 41.5. See Florida for state rules.

Getting an offer

Go online or call (877) 421-6008 and describe the car: model year and make, the odometer number, whether it cranks, and the title status. Pickup can happen at your house, under a carport, or at the shop where it quit.