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Florida Towing Laws 2026: Florida Statute 715.07, Know Your Rights

Florida towing laws regulate when a vehicle can be towed, who can authorize a tow, how towing companies must operate, and what rights vehicle owners have when a vehicle is removed without the owner's consent. The primary law governing non-consensual towing from private property is Florida Statute 715.07, which establishes requirements for signage, police notice, vehicle retrieval, payment methods, storage practices, and towing procedures. These regulations apply to vehicle owners, property owners, towing companies, and, in some situations, also apply to vessels such as boats and barges. The law is designed to balance the rights of private property owners with the rights of vehicle owners while restricting unauthorized or improper towing practices.

What Is Florida Statute 715.07 Law?

Florida Statute 715.07 is the Florida law that governs the removal of vehicles and vessels parked on private property without the consent of the owner. The statute grants private property owners the right to remove unauthorized vehicles from their premises while establishing rules that towing companies must follow when performing a non-consensual tow. The law regulates signage requirements, police notification procedures, storage locations, payment methods, personal property access, and vehicle retrieval rights.

For vehicle owners, Florida Statute 715.07 provides protections that help ensure they can locate, recover, and inspect their vehicle after a tow. For private property owners, the law grants the authority to remove vehicles involved in unauthorized parking, blocked access areas, or other parking violations occurring on private property. For towing companies, the statute establishes operational requirements that must be followed before, during, and after a tow.

Another related law frequently associated with towing and impound procedures is Florida Statute 713.78, which addresses liens, vehicle storage, and the legal process that may occur when vehicles remain unclaimed. This statute helps establish how towing companies may recover towing and storage fees through lien procedures when permitted by law.

What Rights Does Florida Statute 715.07 Provide to Vehicle Owners?

The Florida Statute 715.07 provides the following rights to vehicle owners:

The right to know where a towed vehicle is located. Vehicle owners have the right to determine whether their vehicle was legally towed and where it is currently stored.
The right to retrieve a vehicle from a reasonable storage location. The vehicle must generally be stored at an approved facility that complies with applicable location requirements.
The right to access personal belongings. Vehicle owners may be permitted to retrieve personal property from the vehicle under applicable towing regulations.
The right to receive proper notice. Towing companies must follow notification procedures established by law.
The right to use approved payment methods. Vehicle owners must be provided with payment options that comply with applicable regulations.
The right to inspect the vehicle after retrieval. Owners may inspect their vehicle for potential towing-related damage.

Right to Remove Unauthorized Vehicles From Premises

Florida Statute 715.07 allows a private property owner or authorized representative to remove vehicles involved in unauthorized parking from private property. However, the towing party must comply with statutory requirements, including notifying the appropriate local law enforcement agency after the vehicle has been removed. This notification helps ensure that vehicle owners can determine whether their vehicle was legally towed and where it is being stored.

Vehicle Owners Have the Right to Know About Their Vehicle

Vehicle owners have the right to determine whether their vehicle has been legally towed and where it is currently located. After a non-consensual tow, law enforcement notification procedures help create a record of the vehicle's removal. This process assists owners who are attempting to locate a vehicle that may have been removed from private property.

Right to Retrieve the Vehicle From a Reasonable Location

Florida towing regulations require vehicles to be stored at an appropriate facility. Vehicle owners generally have the right to retrieve their vehicle from a storage location that complies with applicable statutory requirements, including location-related provisions intended to make recovery reasonably accessible.

What Drivers and Property Owners Should Do to Follow the Law?

Drivers, property owners, and towing companies can avoid disputes by understanding and complying with Florida towing regulations. Following proper procedures helps ensure that towing actions remain lawful and that vehicle owners can recover their vehicles efficiently.

Property Owners Must Set Up Tow-Away Zone Signs

Property owners who authorize towing from private property must comply with applicable signage requirements. Properly posted Tow-Away Zone signs help notify drivers that unauthorized parking may result in towing. These signs are especially important in areas where vehicles may be blocking access, occupying reserved spaces, or parking without authorization on private property.

Tow-Away Zone signs help notify drivers that unauthorized parking

Verify if Your Car Was Towed

If a vehicle is missing, the first step is to verify whether it was legally towed. Drivers can contact the property owner, building manager, residence management office, or local law enforcement agency to determine whether a towing company removed the vehicle. Notice information should be prominently displayed where required.

Pay the Towing Company on the Spot

When retrieving a vehicle, the owner may be required to pay applicable towing and storage charges before the vehicle is released. Vehicle owners should request a receipt and confirm the accepted payment methods available at the storage facility.

Check for Any Damage to Your Car

Before leaving the storage facility, vehicle owners should fully inspect their vehicle for any damage that may have occurred during the towing process. If damage is discovered, documenting the condition of the vehicle immediately can help support any claim involving the towing service's responsibility.

When Can a Towing Company Legally Tow Your Car?

A towing company can legally tow a vehicle in Florida when one or more of the following conditions exist:

The vehicle is parked on private property without authorization.
The vehicle is involved in unauthorized parking.
The vehicle is blocking access to private property.
Required signage requirements have been satisfied.
Clearly posted notice signs authorize towing enforcement.
The property owner or authorized representative requests the tow.
The tow complies with Florida Statute 715.07 requirements.
The vehicle is improperly parked in a restricted area.

What Are Your Rights When Your Car Is Towed in Florida?

When your car is towed in Florida, you have the following rights:

You have the right to know where your vehicle is stored.
You have the right to retrieve your vehicle.
You have the right to inspect the vehicle before leaving the storage facility.
You have the right to receive information regarding applicable fees.
You have the right to access authorized personal belongings.
You have the right to determine whether the tow was conducted lawfully.
You have the right to request documentation related to the towing event.

How Much Can a Towing Company Legally Charge to Tow a Car in Florida?

Florida Statute law does not establish a single statewide towing price that applies to every towing situation. The amount a towing company may charge can depend on the type of tow, local regulations, storage charges, impound yard fees, administrative costs, and other legally authorized charges. Vehicle owners should request an itemized invoice showing towing fees, storage fees, and any additional charges associated with the tow. The specific amount may also vary between consensual towing, non-consensual towing, impound situations, and vehicle repossessions.

What if the Tow Company Damages Your Car?

If a towing company damages your vehicle during the towing process, it may be responsible for the damage it caused. Liability can depend on the circumstances, the nature of the damage, and the evidence available. Vehicle owners should document the condition of the vehicle, take photographs, obtain copies of towing paperwork, and contact the towing company regarding the damage. Depending on the situation, compensation may involve repair costs, insurance claims, or other legally available remedies.

What If My Car Does Not Start After I Get It Back?

If your car does not start after being released from a towing facility, first inspect the vehicle for visible damage, battery issues, warning lights, or mechanical problems that may have existed before the tow. Document the vehicle's condition and compare it with any records available before the tow occurred. If you believe the problem resulted from the towing process, contact the towing company immediately and document all findings before arranging repairs.

Baptiste Towing & Transport provides 24/7 towing, flatbed transport, vehicle recovery, and roadside assistance across Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties.