FlipFlorida's size means auctions everywhere, but also a specific risk: flood and hurricane-damaged vehicles. State surplus vehicles and equipment are sold through Tampa Machinery Auction and Public Surplus, counties run their own programs, and IAA and Copart have yards near every major metro. Start with the statewide sources below, then open a city page for verified local links.
City guides
Miami-Dade County: 6 verified local sourcesTampa
Hillsborough County: 7 verified local sourcesOrlando
Orange County: 5 verified local sourcesJacksonville
Duval County (consolidated City of Jacksonville): 5 verified local sources
Statewide sources
Government surplus
- Florida DMS: surplus state vehicles and equipment auctions: Official page. About 1,300 state vehicles and pieces of equipment are sold to the public each year through Tampa Machinery Auction and Public Surplus.
- GovDeals: Florida listings: Every Florida agency selling on GovDeals in one search, filterable by city and seller.
Related: Government surplus in our directory · How to Buy Government Surplus on GovDeals
Vehicle and salvage auctions
- Tampa Machinery Auction: Auction company the State of Florida uses to sell surplus vehicles and equipment.
Related: Vehicle and salvage auctions in our directory · How to Buy Cars at Public and Salvage Auctions
Estate sales and local auction houses
- AuctionZip: Florida auctions: Statewide calendar of auctioneers' upcoming estate, farm, equipment and consignment sales in Florida.
Related: Estate sales and local auction houses in our directory · How to Price and Resell on eBay
Florida rules worth knowing
General information only, not legal or tax advice. Check with the agency before you rely on it.
- Sales tax and reselling. Florida's state sales tax is 6%, plus a county discretionary surtax in most counties. If you buy to resell regularly, you generally need to register with the Florida Department of Revenue. Registered dealers get an Annual Resale Certificate they can give to qualifying sellers. Government auctions may still charge tax unless you provide the paperwork they ask for.
- Vehicles: titles and taxes. Make sure you get a properly assigned title (or the documents the auction specifies). Sales tax on vehicles is collected when you title and register through your county tax collector. Title and register through the state motor vehicle agency. Salvage-branded vehicles need extra steps before they can be driven on the road again.
- Storage auctions. Facilities must follow the state's notice and advertising rules before a lien sale, and tenants can often pay and pull a unit right up to the sale.
- Buying across state lines. The selling state's tax and pickup rules usually apply at the time of sale.
Haul it, store it, ship it
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- Pirate Ship: Free shipping-label software with discounted USPS and UPS rates. No subscription.
- uShip: Marketplace for shipping furniture, equipment and vehicles.
- Montway Auto Transport: Door-to-door car shipping quotes.
- Neighbor: Rent garages and spare space from locals, often cheaper than a storage unit. You can also list your own space.
- SpareFoot: Compare and reserve self-storage units near you.
Frequently asked questions
- How does Florida sell surplus state vehicles?
- Through Tampa Machinery Auction and Public Surplus, according to the Department of Management Services.
- How do I avoid flood cars at Florida auctions?
- Run a VIN history report, check for a flood or salvage brand on the title, and inspect for silt, corrosion and musty smells. Be extra careful after hurricane season.
- Where are salvage auctions in Florida?
- IAA and Copart have yards near Miami, Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville, among many others.