Understanding Florida Towing Laws

At Dade Wrecker Service LLC, we believe in transparency and professionalism in every towing job we undertake. Understanding the towing laws in Florida is crucial for both vehicle owners and towing companies to ensure compliance and fairness. Whether you’re dealing with a private property tow or a roadside recovery, knowing your rights and responsibilities can make the process smoother and less stressful.

Here’s an overview of key Florida towing laws and how they impact you.

Key Towing Laws in Florida

1. Private Property Towing

In Florida, property owners have the right to tow vehicles parked on their property without the owner’s consent, but certain rules must be followed:

Property owners must post clear, visible signage that outlines parking restrictions and towing policies.

The towing company must notify law enforcement within 30 minutes of removing the vehicle, providing details such as the vehicle’s make, model, and location.

Vehicle owners have the right to retrieve their car before it is towed if they arrive at the scene and are prepared to move the vehicle immediately.

2. Non-Consent Towing on Public Property

Law enforcement officers can authorize towing from public streets for reasons such as:

Vehicles obstructing traffic or creating a hazard.

Illegal parking in restricted zones.

Abandoned vehicles left unattended for extended periods.

3. Towing Fee Limits

Florida law regulates towing and storage fees to protect consumers from excessive charges. Towing companies must:

Clearly communicate their fee structure to vehicle owners.

Provide an itemized receipt detailing all charges.

Adhere to local government ordinances, which often cap towing and storage fees.

At Dade Wrecker Service LLC, we follow all fee regulations to ensure fair and transparent pricing for our customers.

4. Notification Requirements

If your vehicle is towed without your consent, the towing company is required to notify you within 24 hours. The notice must include:

The reason for the tow.

The location where your vehicle is stored.

Instructions on how to reclaim your vehicle and the associated costs.

Failure to provide proper notification can result in penalties for the towing company.

5. Vehicle Retrieval Rights

Florida law protects vehicle owners’ rights to retrieve their towed vehicles. Here’s what you need to know:

Owners can retrieve personal belongings from their vehicle without paying the towing fee.

Vehicles must be released promptly once towing and storage fees are paid.

Payment methods must include cash, debit cards, and at least two major credit cards.

Your Rights as a Vehicle Owner

As a vehicle owner in Florida, you have the right to:

Contest a tow if you believe it was improper or illegal.

Receive a written explanation of all charges associated with the tow.

Report any predatory towing practices to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

How Dade Wrecker Service LLC Stays Compliant

At Dade Wrecker Service LLC, we take compliance with Florida towing laws seriously. Here’s how we uphold our commitment to fair and professional service:

Licensed and Insured: We operate as a fully licensed and insured towing company in Miami, FL.

Clear Communication: We ensure our customers are informed about fees and procedures every step of the way.

Fair Practices: Our team adheres to all local and state regulations to protect the rights of vehicle owners.

Trusted Towing in Miami, FL

Whether you need emergency towing, roadside assistance, or accident recovery, you can trust Dade Wrecker Service LLC for reliable and compliant towing services in Miami and the surrounding areas.

Contact us today to learn more about Florida towing laws or to request professional towing assistance.

At Dade Wrecker Service LLC, we’re committed to providing honest, transparent, and law-abiding towing services. Let us be your trusted partner in Miami for all your towing and roadside assistance needs!