Manatee County Tax

Office Hours
Monday – Friday, 9 AM - 4:30 PM
taxcollector.com

Death Scenario Assistance

Based on the selections you made on the Death Scenario Assistance Chart, the following document provides you with information on completing your Death Scenario transaction. This information can also be found in the State of Florida's procedure, TL-18 (flhsmv.gov/pdf/proc/tl/tl-18.pdf).

1. Required Documents

Florida Certificate of Title (if available)* - leave blank

*(1) If the title is electronic, it does not have to be printed. A Title Application would need to be completed by the person(s) named in the court order and in the Non-Use and Other Certifications Section, select "other" and write "title is electronic." (2) If the title is lost or destroyed, a Title Applicaiton would need to be completed by the person(s) named in the court order and the applicable affidavit must be indicated in the non-Use and Other Certifications Section.

HSMV 82040 MV for Motor Vehicles
HSMV 82040 VS for Boats
HSMV 82040 MH for Mobile Homes (you will need to complete one application for each side)

A photocopy of the court order, letter or other document authorized by the Clerk of Court and containing the court seal

All liens must be satisfied (if applicable) - HSMV 82260 or electronical clearance

Valid, unexpired U.S. driver license/ID card - We will also accept valid U.S. or foreign passports, or Canadian driver license/ID cards

Current, valid Florida insurance (required if registering the vehicle) - the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles does not require our office to view proof of insurance for motorcycles, trailers, boats, mobile homes, or off-highway vehicles

The 5-digit Florida Insurance Company Code must be listed, and the year, make and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the vehicle must match what is listed on your valid insurance document. The proof of insurance must list at least one owner’s name that will be recorded on the Florida title. If any of this information is missing or does not match, please contact your insurance company directly for a corrected insurance card.

Note: If processing for a trailer (1,999 lbs and under), refer to the Death Scenario Assistance - Trailers (1,999 lbs and under) publication for additional information.

2. Processing Information

The individual(s) named in the court order must transfer the title(s) into their name prior to selling. This is required even if the court order indicates "To dispose of as they see fit" or similar verbiage.

Sales tax exemption will need to be indicated on the paperwork (Title Application) or inform the processing associate of sales tax exemption.

Title and registration fees are required to be collected. For an estimate of fees, please visit our Motor Vehicle Fees page.

Note: All documents are subject to verification.

3. Additional Information

You have the following options to process your transaction:

1. First Manatee South County Tag Agency: For details, visit our FAQ (taxcollector.com/contactapp/question_detail.cfm?question=1581&category=10#xy)

2. Manatee County Tax Collector's Office: Appointments are required for all transactions! Visit taxcollector.com to schedule an appointment.

3. Title By Mail: You may be eligible to complete your title transfer by mail. For details, refer to our Title by Mail publication (taxcollector.com/cip/cip-view.cfm?cip=177)

DPAC: Florida Title > Owned by Individual(s) > Title is in One Name > The Estate is {Order of Summary} OR {Family Administration} OR {Other Court Order} – Last Update: 11/16/2023