Illegal, Wrongful & Nonconsensual Vehicle Towing

Florida law strictly regulates nonconsensual vehicle towing. Under Florida Statute § 715.07, towing companies must comply with specific notice, fee, storage, and release requirements when removing a vehicle without the owner’s consent.

Failure to comply with these statutory requirements may render the tow improper and subject the towing company to liability.

Common violations include:

• Towing without proper signage or authorization
• Charging fees in excess of locally authorized rates
• Refusing to release a vehicle upon payment of the required statutory amount
• Failing to reduce the charge when a vehicle owner returns before removal is completed
• Storing a vehicle at an improper or distant facility
• Causing damage during the towing or storage process
• Selling a vehicle without properly asserting a lien or proper notice

If a vehicle is missing, the owner should contact local law enforcement to determine whether it was towed and by whom.

Where a tow does not comply with statutory requirements, the vehicle owner may be entitled to recover towing and storage fees, damages to the vehicle, and other statutory remedies.

Mr. Truppman represents vehicle owners in select wrongful towing matters, particularly where statutory violations or property damage are involved.