Selling a dead or junk car in Sunny Isles Beach

The fine, and what the city can do next

That $250 line sits on the schedule under 19-12(B). Section 14-17 goes further. It lets the city abate a violation itself and recover its "incidental expenses," which the code says include "towing/hauling; storage and removal/disposal expenses," staff time and attorney's fees. In other words, if the city clears the car, the bill comes back to you.

Abandoned on the street: 90 days, then auction

Section 208-5 covers property "abandoned or otherwise left on public streets, public property or on private property without express consent." The city impounds it and sells it "at public auction as unclaimed property after 90 days." The owner can claim it inside that window by paying the city $50. If the car carries anything that identifies you, a notice goes out by certified mail. Under Section 208-3, nothing leaves the impound area until notice, transport and storage charges are paid.

Towing from a building's garage

If your car sits in a shared garage, the code limits how it can be towed out. Section 247-2 requires the property owner and the towing company to sign a written trespass-towing agreement "at least 24 hours prior" to any tow. In residential lots other than a single-family home, the tower also needs "a verified request to remove the specific vehicle" from the owner or an authorized representative. Storing a towed car more than five miles from where it was picked up draws a $200 fine on the city's schedule.

Tempted to park it out front with a FOR SALE sign? Section 256-7 bars leaving a vehicle on public streets and lots "for the principal purpose and intent of displaying the motor vehicle thereon for sale."

Title and plate in Florida

Island residents are sent to FLHSMV's Miami office at 200 NW 2nd Ave, phone (305) 375-5448, close to 12 miles south as the crow flies.

The seller's job in Florida is short and needs no notary. On the title's front side, give the buyer's full name and home address, then mileage, price and date. Unbolt your plate, because it is yours to keep and reuse; Florida wants it returned to a service center solely when the owner leaves the state or cancels its coverage. Report the sale on HSMV 82050 before 30 days pass, and liability for the car stops being yours.

Salt water changes the paperwork. When an insurer totals a car for water damage, Florida must stamp its title as a flood vehicle before anyone can sell it. See flood damage for what that means.

Nearby

Aventura is 1.6 miles away, North Miami Beach 2.7 and Hallandale Beach 3.3. Statewide rules are on our Florida page.

Getting an offer

Get started online or call (877) 421-6008. Tell us the car, its odometer reading, whether it runs, and which person the title names. For a car parked several levels up in a condo tower, tell us the garage clearance and the space number so the driver can find it.