Getting your car towed in Florida can be stressful, confusing, and expensive—especially if you don’t know your legal rights. Whether your vehicle was towed after an accident, due to illegal parking, or following a breakdown, Florida towing laws are strict and specific. Understanding what happens after your car is towed, how much towing costs in Florida, and what rights you have as a vehicle owner can save you time, money, and frustration.
This guide explains everything Florida drivers need to know.
Why Cars Get Towed in Florida
Vehicles are commonly towed in Florida for several reasons, including:
- Car accidents or collisions
- Illegal parking or parking violations
- Vehicle breakdowns on highways
- Abandoned vehicles
- Police-ordered or impound tows
In many cases, law enforcement or property owners authorize the tow, not the driver. This often leads to confusion about responsibility and costs.
What Happens Immediately After Your Car Is Towed
Once your car is towed in Florida, it is taken to a licensed towing company’s storage yard or impound lot. Florida law requires towing companies to:
- Safely transport the vehicle
- Log the tow details
- Store the vehicle securely
- Notify local law enforcement
You should be able to locate your car by contacting the local police department or sheriff’s office, especially if the tow was accident-related or police-ordered.
Florida Towing Laws You Should Know (2025)
Florida towing regulations are governed under Florida Statutes Chapter 715. Key laws include:
- Tow trucks must be properly licensed and insured
- Pricing must be disclosed clearly
- Storage yards must be accessible during posted hours
- You have the right to retrieve personal belongings from your car
- Unauthorized towing is illegal
If signage is missing or unclear, the tow may be considered unlawful.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Towed Car Back in Florida?
One of the most searched questions is: “How much does towing cost in Florida?”
Typical towing and impound costs include:
- Base towing fee: $75–$150
- Per-mile towing charges
- Daily storage fees: $20–$50 per day
- Gate or after-hours release fees
Costs can rise quickly if the vehicle isn’t claimed promptly. Acting fast can significantly reduce the total bill.
Who Pays the Towing Fees?
In most situations, the vehicle owner is responsible for towing and storage fees—even if you weren’t driving at the time. However:
- Insurance may cover accident towing
- Roadside assistance plans may pay for breakdown towing
- Property-related tows may be disputed if signage laws were violated
Always check your insurance policy before paying out of pocket.
Your Rights After Your Car Is Towed in Florida
Florida drivers have important rights, including:
- The right to know where your vehicle is stored
- The right to receive an itemized bill
- The right to retrieve personal items
- The right to dispute illegal towing
If you believe your car was towed unfairly, you can file a complaint with local authorities or pursue legal remedies.
What to Do If Your Car Was Towed After an Accident
After an accident tow:
- Confirm where the vehicle was taken
- Contact your insurance provider immediately
- Avoid unnecessary storage delays
- Request transparent pricing
- Arrange vehicle transport or release quickly
Reliable emergency towing services like TowTruckCheap focus on transparency, fair pricing, and fast response—especially during high-stress accident situations.
How to Avoid High Towing & Storage Fees
To minimize towing costs in Florida:
- Act quickly after the tow
- Retrieve your car during normal business hours
- Ask about daily storage fees upfront
- Choose towing services with upfront pricing
Final Thoughts
Knowing what happens after your car is towed in Florida empowers you to act fast, protect your rights, and avoid unnecessary expenses. Florida towing laws exist to protect drivers—but only if you understand them.
If you ever find yourself stranded, involved in an accident, or dealing with a sudden tow, choosing a licensed, transparent towing provider can make all the difference.
📞 Need immediate towing assistance?
Professional providers such as TowTruckCheap help drivers avoid hidden charges while offering 24/7 assistance across South Florida.
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