Title Fraud
In Florida, the term “title fraud” refers to:
- altering a motor vehicle title to misrepresent the actual condition of a vehicle; or
- providing false information to obtain a vehicle title, including forgery.
Sometimes, the fraud occurs because the owner of a vehicle keeps their title in the vehicle, making it easier for a thief to forge their name to change ownership. In other cases, the fraudster will use the title from a very old or damaged vehicle to register a newer stolen vehicle.
When purchasing a vehicle, the buyer should check any paper title for signs of tampering, such as erasure marks or misspellings. The buyer can use the FLHSMV Motor Vehicle Information Check for electronic titles. The vehicle identification number (VIN) on the vehicle should match the VIN on the title. The buyer should verify the seller’s information on their driver’s license to make sure it matches the name on the title.
To report title fraud, buyers can use Form HSMV 80122, titled “Suspected or Reported Title and Registration Fraud.” That form can be emailed to dmv-enforcement@flhsmv.gov. The form covers odometer complaints.
Criminal charges for title fraud might fall under Florida Statute §319.33, which prohibits:
- Knowingly possessing, selling, or offering to sell such fraudulent documents;
- Conspiring to commit any of these actions;
- Knowingly obtaining or attempting to obtain goods, services, credit, or money using an invalid, duplicate, fictitious, forged, counterfeit, stolen, or unlawfully obtained certificate of title, registration, bill of sale, or other ownership document for a motor vehicle or mobile home;
- Altering or forging a certificate of title or any assignment or cancellation of a lien on a motor vehicle or mobile home; or
- Knowingly retain or use such altered or forged documents.
Florida Statute §817.535 prohibits the unlawful filing of false documents or records against real or personal property. The statute explains that filing or directing the filing of any instrument (including judgments, deeds, leases, liens, etc.) containing a materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement that affects an owner’s property interest, with intent to defraud or harass, is a third-degree felony.
Florida Statute §817.034 of the Florida Communications Fraud Act prohibits engaging in a scheme to defraud and obtaining property through such a scheme, with penalties varying based on the value of the property obtained.
Attorney for Title Fraud Crimes in Florida
If you are accused of Title Fraud, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Sammis Law Firm. We represent clients in the greater Tampa Bay area. We have offices in Tampa (Hillsborough County), Clearwater (Pinellas County), and New Port Richey (Pasco County). We represent clients throughout the surrounding counties, including Hernando County, Manatee County, Sarasota County, Polk County, Orange County, and Osceola County, FL.
We represent both the buyer and the seller of a vehicle, depending on the circumstances.
We understand the tactics used by law enforcement officers in conducting Motor Vehicle Fraud Investigations. The most commonly prosecuted crimes for title fraud include:
- Section 319.30(5) Sell, exchange, or give certificate of title or plate
- Section 319.33(1)(a) Alter or forge certificate of title to motor vehicle
- Section 319.33(1)(c) Procure or pass title to stolen vehicle
- Section 319.35(1)(a) Tamper or adjust odometer
- Section 319.33(1)(e) Fraud-False Statement in Title Transfer: U66
- Section 319.33(4) Possess or sell unlawfully obtained title
Contact us for a free consultation to discuss the allegation made against you and the best way to avoid an arrest or prosecution.
Call 813-250-0500.
This article was last updated on Monday, July 7, 2025.