Question about reselling a used scooter in FL

[coolerkid]

I impulse bought a 2nd scooter (used) in FL because it was a really good deal. Now I'm seeing how much it costs to register it and pay taxes. When I bought my last scooter it was new and I didn't see all these costs broken out. Now it doesn't feel like such a great deal anymore and I'm considering selling it. Can I resell this scooter without paying the taxes on it myself, or do I have to pay the taxes first before I sell it?
Thanks!

[wheelbender6]

Hmmm. I lived in Florida a few years, but never sold a bike or care there.

[rks]

That question should be asked at your local DMV office.

[Roscoe]

Here if you want to ride it on the streets it has to be tagged and insured, but you can sell one as is and let the buyer know what the deal is. Transferring the title ... 10 or 15 days to get it into the new owner's name and you have to have insurance to transfer it. I've seen a lot of good motorcycles and scooter that fall into the same deal. All kinds of 70s and 80s Japanese bikes were around a few years ago but hadn't been tagged for years, to get them street legal was cost prohibitive. One option here is a black sticker tag, you promise not put it on the street but it keeps the cost of updating the current tag from piling up year after year. There may be options for you. call your DMV and see what they say. At one time we could present a parts bill or mechanic's bill and show it hadn't been on the streets for the down time and they would adjust the fee but that got changed somewhere through the years ... pay to Caesar what is Caesar's.

[Ozo]

Assuming you have the title from the last seller. The taxes are added when a new title is issued. If it is a 50cc scooter no insurance is required. Registration fees will continue to be added but I think there is a maximum.

[coolerkid]

Originally Posted by Ozo

Assuming you have the title from the last seller. The taxes are added when a new title is issued. If it is a 50cc scooter no insurance is required. Registration fees will continue to be added but I think there is a maximum.

So if I don't register it, and just leave it in my garage. Will I still have to pay taxes on it? Or will the person who buys it from me have to pay them?

Thanks

[Ozo]

Originally Posted by coolerkid

So if I don't register it, and just leave it in my garage. Will I still have to pay taxes on it? Or will the person who buys it from me have to pay them?

Thanks

I am pretty sure they will not send you a bill for tax or registration but you really should take rks' advise above and contact the local office. You can get an appointment if you want to go in.

[Irish]

Originally Posted by rks

That question should be asked at your local DMV office.

I agree & make sure the person that you talk to knows what they're talking about! When I moved to Florida a few dealers told me to make sure my license was stamped "Motorcycle" otherwise you would have to take the whole course over! Irish

[Ozo]

Originally Posted by Irish

I agree & make sure the person that you talk to knows what they're talking about! When I moved to Florida a few dealers told me to make sure my license was stamped "Motorcycle" otherwise you would have to take the whole course over! Irish

+1 The DMV office has registration/title specialists that you will be assigned when you check in (get an appointment) as it is a complex area. The majority of agents are not qualified to answer your questions accurately.

My neighbor thinks she can offer expert advise, ha, simply by calling the local cop shop. She was advised by them that I did not need to register my scooter if it was less than 50cc which is absolutely not true. This proves that if you look hard enough and long enough you will find the answer you are looking for. It may not be true but you will find it. See your local DMV agent.

[minibike]

You only have to pay tax if you register it in your name. If you resell it before registering, you pass that bill on to the next person. Insurance is not required on motorcycles in Florida.

[Ozo]

Originally Posted by minibike

You only have to pay tax if you register it in your name. If you resell it before registering, you pass that bill on to the next person. Insurance is not required on motorcycles in Florida.

I bought a scooter online and shortly after delivery was notified that I had to pay tax on it (Florida). I had registered it already and taxes were taken by the DMV at that time. Still, I received a letter from an official (not the normal tax collector) demanding proof that I had paid it. Seems there is no communication between departments here and there are redundant departments too. I think they invent them so relatives can have a nice sit down job. Point is, get a receipt for the tax payment when you register a new scoot.