Is predatory towing illegal in Florida?

Anyone towing a vehicle in Florida without the consent of the owner must comply with the requirements of Florida Statutes Section 715.07. All these laws and rules are there to protect you from Towing Companies’ predatory practices. If you believe you were not parked illegally, and yet, were towed, contact our office.

Can you sue a towing company in Florida?

If the towing did not strictly comply with Florida law, vehicle owners are entitled to damages and they can additionally recover their costs and attorney fees.

Can a towing company keep my personal belongings in Florida?

Under Florida law, towing companies cannot require you to sign a waiver or release that removes their liability for damages caused by towing or storage. You have a right to retrieve your personal belongings from your vehicle free-of-charge while it is being held in the storage facility.

How much does it cost to recover a towed car?

Typical costs: Recovering a vehicle towed by a public agency can cost $100-$1,000 or more depending on the reason the vehicle was towed; the type, size and condition of the vehicle; how long it is stored before it is claimed; and any fees or outstanding fines.

How do I file a complaint against a towing company in Florida?

If a vehicle owner within the City of Tallahassee believes that a provision of Florida law or City Ordinance has been violated, they can file a complaint with Tallahassee Police Towing Administrator Mel Gaston via email or by calling 850-891-4766.

Can a predatory towing company recover your car?

Any of these practices can result in unfair and excessive charges for the vehicle owner. If you respond appropriately to predatory towing, you may be successful in recovering you car at no cost.

Is it against the law to tow a car in Florida?

Anyone towing a vehicle in Florida without the consent of the owner must strictly comply with the requirements of Fla. Stat. § 715.07. This law only applies to non-consensual towing from private property, not to towing requested by the police. Id.at (3). With that said, the statute imposes several requirements on tow company operators.

How to find out if your car has been towed in Florida?

Local law enforcement will be able to tell you whether your vehicle has been towed and, if so, which towing company towed the vehicle and where your vehicle is stored. Tow truck companies must provide local law enforcement a complete copy of the current rates to be charged for its services. Fla. Stat. § 715.07 (2) (a) (6).

How to take action against predatory towing practices?

Several U.S. cities, towns or states have enacted laws to counter predatory towing practices. Visiting your town clerk or contacting a local representative can let them know that predatory towing is a problem.

Any of these practices can result in unfair and excessive charges for the vehicle owner. If you respond appropriately to predatory towing, you may be successful in recovering you car at no cost.

Anyone towing a vehicle in Florida without the consent of the owner must strictly comply with the requirements of Fla. Stat. § 715.07. This law only applies to non-consensual towing from private property, not to towing requested by the police. Id.at (3). With that said, the statute imposes several requirements on tow company operators.

Local law enforcement will be able to tell you whether your vehicle has been towed and, if so, which towing company towed the vehicle and where your vehicle is stored. Tow truck companies must provide local law enforcement a complete copy of the current rates to be charged for its services. Fla. Stat. § 715.07 (2) (a) (6).

When does a tow yard have to be open in Florida?

Id. The tow yard must be open for vehicle owners to get their vehicles back on any day that the person or firm towing such vehicle or vessel is open for towing purposes, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Fla. Stat. § 715.07 (2) (a) (1).