How the car donation process works
You start the donation and schedule free Florida pickup
Begin by donating through Palm Motor Legacy and sharing basic vehicle details, including the year, make, model, mileage, condition, and location. Free towing is available across Florida, including communities like Hialeah, Coral Gables, Clearwater, Lakeland, Gainesville, Cape Coral, Pembroke Pines, and West Palm Beach. You do not need to know whether the vehicle will be auctioned or salvaged before you donate. Once pickup is arranged, a licensed towing provider collects the vehicle at a convenient time, whether it is parked at your home, office, storage lot, repair shop, or a family member’s property.
The vehicle is assessed after pickup
After pickup, the donated vehicle is reviewed for practical resale value. The assessment considers whether it runs, its mileage, age, visible condition, title status, market demand, and whether repair costs would make sense. This step helps determine the best path for the vehicle. A reliable sedan from Orlando may be a strong auction candidate, while an older non-running SUV in rural Florida may create more value through a licensed salvage or parts buyer. The goal is not to keep the car; it is to convert it into proceeds for Heritage for the Blind.
Running, resalable vehicles usually go to auction
When a donated vehicle is running and in resalable condition, it typically goes to a public or dealer auction. Auctions allow qualified buyers to bid based on the vehicle’s real market value, condition, and demand in the region. This is often the best route for cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and motorcycles that still have practical resale potential. Once the vehicle sells, the gross sale proceeds become revenue for Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446, helping fund services for people who are blind or visually impaired across the United States.
Non-running or high-mileage vehicles may be sold for salvage or parts
If a vehicle does not run, has very high mileage, has major mechanical problems, or would cost more to repair than it is worth, it is typically sold to a licensed salvage or parts buyer. This can include vehicles with engine trouble, transmission failure, body damage, or years of wear from Florida roads and coastal weather. Even if your car cannot be driven, it can still produce value. Salvage and parts buyers pay for usable components, recyclable materials, or the vehicle’s remaining market value, and those proceeds still support Heritage for the Blind.
Proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind
After the vehicle is sold, the sale proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind, a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446. Those proceeds are the charity’s revenue from your donation and help fund services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Heritage also helps connect eligible individuals with benefit resources, and donors or families looking for assistance can visit nhftb.org/finder to check potential eligibility for programs such as SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and other support options.
You receive the tax paperwork after the sale
For vehicles that sell for more than $500, your tax deduction is generally equal to the gross sale price, and Heritage for the Blind provides IRS Form 1098-C. This form reports the sale amount and supports your charitable deduction when you file. For vehicles selling for $500 or less, different IRS rules may apply, so it is wise to consult a tax professional about your specific situation. Palm Motor Legacy keeps the process straightforward so Florida donors understand what happened to the vehicle and what documentation to expect.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is available for Florida donors, including many neighborhoods, suburbs, and rural communities statewide.
Vehicles are assessed after pickup to determine the best sale path based on condition and market value.
Running vehicles in resalable condition typically go to public or dealer auction.
Non-running, damaged, or high-mileage vehicles typically go to licensed salvage or parts buyers.
Sale proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3), EIN 58-2164446.
Vehicles selling for over $500 qualify for IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price.