In Florida, a Certificate of Destruction is a document issued when a vehicle is deemed unfit for use on public roads and is destined to be destroyed.
It permanently prevents the vehicle from being registered, titled or driven legally in the State of Florida.
While clearing a Certificate of Destruction in Florida is not possible, some other states may allow a vehicle with this designation to be rebuilt and re-titled.
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Key Takeaways
- In Florida, a Certificate of Destruction permanently prevents a vehicle from being registered, titled or driven legally in the state
- Insurance companies issue Certificates of Destruction for vehicles deemed unfit for road use, even if damage appears minimal
- Clearing a Certificate of Destruction is not possible in Florida – the designation is permanent and irreversible
- Some states may allow a vehicle with a Florida Certificate of Destruction to be rebuilt and re-titled, but it can never be registered in Florida again
Related Articles to Read:
- What is a Salvage Title
- How to Get a Rebuilt Title in Florida
- How To Junk A Car In Florida
- How to Get a Rebuilt Title in Florida
What is a Certificate of Destruction in Florida?
A Certificate of Destruction is issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) when:
- An insurance company declares a vehicle a total loss and takes ownership
- The vehicle is deemed unfit for use on public roads
- The vehicle is intended to be dismantled or destroyed
Even if the vehicle appears to be in acceptable condition, the insurer may still issue a Certificate of Destruction to limit their liability in case of future accidents due to pre-existing defects.
Reasons can include suspected airbag system damage, compromised frame, unwillingness to pay for detailed inspection, or desire to quickly sell the vehicle to a junkyard.
Note: Certificate of Destruction Cars can also be exported as designated by a marking “Export Only”.
Form 82012: Application for Towing and Storage Certificate of Destruction
Clearing a Certificate of Destruction in Florida
Once a Certificate of Destruction is issued in Florida, it is permanent and cannot be reversed or cleared from the vehicle’s title.
Removing this designation is a federal crime.
Vehicles with Certificates of Destruction are typically sold at insurance auctions for parts only, not rebuilding.
Buyers should be aware that major components, like the chassis, cannot be reused without a regular title.
Rebuilding a Car with a Florida Certificate of Destruction in Other States
While a Certificate of Destruction permanently bans a vehicle from road use in Florida, some other states might allow it to be rebuilt and re-titled. The specific process varies by state.
In general, it requires:
- A licensed rebuilder to convert the Certificate of Destruction to a salvage title
- Repairing the vehicle to safe, roadworthy condition
- Passing an official safety inspection
- Applying for a rebuilt title
It’s important to remind you that although the title can be rebuilt, the vehicle can never have a “clear” title again, and its damage history must be disclosed to future buyers.
It also cannot be re-titled or registered in Florida, even if rebuilt out of state.
