Selling a junk car in Miami Gardens

Two definitions, both wide

Section 34-732 also calls a vehicle inoperable when it cannot lawfully be driven on Florida streets, is in disrepair, or has a part needed to run that is "missing, dismantled, inoperative or not attached to the vehicle as designed."

The nuisance chapter adds a junk-vehicle definition in Section 16-49. It covers old and dilapidated cars, trailers and boats that are "in a state of disrepair, wrecked or partially dismantled," have no motor or engine, or have substantial body or mechanical damage.

Where it may not be kept

Section 16-52 makes it unlawful to keep "derelict, abandoned, inoperable, or junked motor vehicles" on any lot, parcel or tract, developed or vacant, in any zoning district. The only exception is a legally permitted junkyard.

Hiding it does not help. The same section reaches junk that would be seen from a street or neighboring land "but for" a wall, fence, hedge or plants, or a vehicle cover or a tent of plastic or fabric. Under Section 16-49, only a roofed, four-walled structure such as a garage or a utility shed, keeps property from being treated as junk. Anything outside that is "open-air storage."

Streets, swales and parks

Section 16-61 bans parking a vehicle as a junk vehicle or abandoned property on "any road, street or public right-of-way, including the sidewalk and swale." Police, parking enforcement and code compliance officers can cite and remove violators at the owner's cost. The fine is $500 per vehicle the first time and $1,000 per vehicle for any repeat.

Selling from the curb is restricted too: the section forbids parking a car mainly to show it for sale on public streets and lots, or on private lots the public drives through. Park property has its own rule in Section 18-80: vehicles go only in designated areas.

Florida title rules for this car

The FLHSMV service center covering Miami Gardens is in Miami on NW 2nd Ave, number 200; call (305) 375-5448. It lies about 12 miles south as the crow flies. Holding a paper title, though, the sale itself needs no visit and no notary; only the seller's lines on the title's front need filling in.

If the title is long gone, check whether the car fits Florida's derelict path, which wants an old car (the tenth model year or beyond) priced under $1,000. Form HSMV 82137 then lets a salvage dealer or metals recycler buy it for dismantling or scrap, and it is never titled again. Selling with no title has the wider picture.

Driving to a sale on a dead registration has its own price. Florida law treats driving on a registration up to six months stale as a noncriminal nonmoving violation. Beyond six months, the first-offense penalty of s. 318.14 applies. Another reason the truck comes to the car.

When the deal is done, keep the plate. HSMV 82050, sent within 30 days, puts the sale on the state's record.

Nearby

North Miami Beach lies 5.0 miles from Miami Gardens, Miami Lakes 5.4, Miramar 6.1 and Hialeah 6.6. See Florida for statewide rules.

Getting an offer

Reach us online or by phone at (877) 421-6008. Miami Gardens sellers can start on our quick offer form. A car with a seized or blown motor is fine; see blown engine.