FL H0431

Customers or lienholders may obtain release of a motor vehicle from a repair shop's lien by filing a cash or surety bond with the circuit court; the lienor has 60 days to file suit to recover the bond or it is discharged

Notice of lien must be sent by certified mail within 7 business days after storage charges begin, including the last 8 digits of the VIN on the envelope, itemized charges, and a statement that the vehicle will be available for inspection within 3 business days of written request

Administrative fees charged by repair shops, towing companies, or storage operators are capped at $250; vehicles cannot be sold earlier than 60 days after repair completion or 35-50 days after storage begins depending on vehicle age

Motor vehicle repair shops, towing-storage operators, and automotive service facilities must use a Department-approved third-party service to transmit all required lien and sale notices; third-party services must provide a $1 million bond and annual security audits

Lienors must accept electronic or paper titles as evidence of a person's interest in a vehicle and must release personal property found in but not affixed to the vehicle; the act takes effect January 1, 2020