Frequently Asked Questions About Towing

1. What agency regulates towing?

a. The State regulates many aspects of towing.

b. The County only regulates the price of non-consent tows.

2. Who authorizes a towing company to tow a vehicle from private property?

An owner or lessee of real property or any person authorized by the owner or lessee may authorize the tow of a vehicle parked on the property without permission if a sign is posted. A rebate from the towing company to the property owner or agent is prohibited.

3. What must the sign say?

a. Tow Away Zone.

b. That unauthorized vehicles will be towed away at the owner's expense.

c. Name and telephone number of the company towing the vehicle.

4. Are there any exceptions to the requirement for a sign?

a. Single family residences do not require a sign.

b. If the vehicle owner is given notice personally that the area is reserved or unavailable.

5. Is the truck required to have a sign?

Yes, the sign must have the name, address and telephone number printed on the driver and passenger sides of the tow truck.

6. How long does the towing business have to release a vehicle?

One hour after the vehicle owner requests the release. The owner has the right to inspect and note damages to the vehicle before accepting its return and a release or waiver of any kind is prohibited which would release the towing company from liability for damages noted at the time of the release.

7. What is the legal maximum rate for towing vehicles?

$100 for a vehicle with a gross weight of less than 10,000 lbs. However, towing or recovery from other than private property, including tows directed by law enforcement or other municipal agencies is $105.

8. What if the tow company uses a special vehicle?

The maximum charge for a Class A tow is still $100.

9. What if the owner arrives before the vehicle is towed but during the hookup?

The maximum charge is $50.

10. What is the maximum storage rate allowed?

$24 per day for outdoor store and $30 for indoor storage, but this may not be charged until 6 hours has elapsed.

11. What is an administration charge and how much is it?

The maximum charge allowed is $30. This charge is only applicable when the towing company must actually perform research to determine ownership of and notification to the owner, lien holders, or insurance companies.

12. When can a towing company charge more?

If the tow is directed by law enforcement or municipal agencies, or if the vehicle exceeds 10,000 lbs. of gross weight.

13. If that is the case, how much can be charged?

For Class A tows, $105 for the first 15 minutes and $55 for each additional 30 minutes or a fracture thereof. However, in some cases, the price for police or municipal agencies authorized tows may be set by a contract between the police department or municipality and the tow company.

14. Who handles complaints for over charging?

If the over charge occurred in Broward County , the Broward County Consumer Affairs Division would be the appropriate agency to file a complaint. The Division can be contacted at 954-357-5350 or at www.broward.org/consumer. To file a complaint, a written complaint is required, including copies of the tow receipt and, when possible, proof of payment.