How the car donation process works
Start with the 2-minute form or a quick call
Begin by filling out the short online donation form or calling Heritage for the Blind directly. You will share basic information about the vehicle, such as the year, make, model, mileage if known, condition, and where it is located in Florida. The vehicle does not need to be running in many cases, and you do not have to clean it perfectly before donating. Donors across neighborhoods like Coral Gables, Winter Park, Brandon, Boca Raton, Gainesville, and Pensacola can start the same way: give the coordinator enough details to arrange a smooth, free pickup.
A coordinator calls back to schedule free pickup
After your form or call is received, a donation coordinator typically calls back within 1 to 2 business hours. During that call, the coordinator confirms the vehicle location, answers your questions, and helps schedule a pickup window that works for you. Pickup is free, whether the vehicle is at your home, condo, apartment lot, workplace, repair shop, storage yard, or another accessible location. In many Florida metro areas, same-day or next-business-day pickup may be available, depending on tow partner scheduling and vehicle access.
The tow truck arrives and you sign the title
A licensed tow truck driver comes to the pickup location at the scheduled time. You should have the vehicle title ready, along with the keys if available and any access information for gated communities, garages, or apartment complexes. At pickup, you sign the title over as directed so the vehicle can be transferred properly. The driver will load the car, truck, SUV, van, motorcycle, or other accepted vehicle and remove it at no charge. Palm Motor Legacy keeps this step straightforward, so you are not left guessing what to sign.
Your vehicle is moved to auction or a reseller
After pickup, the vehicle is transported to an auction facility or parts reseller, depending on its condition, age, mileage, and market demand. Running vehicles may be offered for resale, while non-running, damaged, or high-mileage vehicles may be evaluated for parts or salvage value. This is handled by the donation program, so you do not need to negotiate with buyers, list the vehicle, meet strangers, or pay for towing. The goal is to turn the donated vehicle into proceeds for the nonprofit mission as efficiently as possible.
Sale proceeds support Heritage for the Blind
Once the vehicle is sold, the proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446. Heritage for the Blind supports services and resources for people who are blind or visually impaired. The organization also connects people with benefit-related resources, including SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and other assistance programs. If you or someone you know wants to check benefit eligibility, you can visit nhftb.org/finder. Your donated vehicle becomes a practical way to help move that mission forward.
Your tax receipt is mailed after the sale
After the vehicle sells, your tax documentation is mailed to you. If the vehicle sells for more than $500, you will receive IRS Form 1098-C. If it sells for $500 or less, you will receive a written acknowledgment. The full donation process typically takes about 2 to 6 weeks from the time you start, depending on pickup timing, sale timing, and mail delivery. Palm Motor Legacy recommends keeping copies of your paperwork and speaking with a tax professional if you have questions about claiming a vehicle donation deduction.
Key facts about car donation
There is no cost to donate, and towing is free from eligible Florida pickup locations.
Coordinators usually call back within 1 to 2 business hours after you submit your donation.
Same-day or next-business-day pickup is often available in major Florida metro areas.
You sign the vehicle title over at pickup, when the tow driver arrives.
IRS Form 1098-C is mailed for vehicles that sell for more than $500.
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446.