FL S0774

Counties are required, and municipalities authorized, to establish maximum rates for cleanup and disposal of hazardous and nonhazardous materials incidental to towing wrecked or disabled vehicles, with rates published on government websites alongside a complaint resolution process

The Division of Florida Highway Patrol is now required (rather than merely authorized) to establish maximum towing, storage, and hazardous material cleanup rates in areas where no local rates exist, and is prohibited from excluding wrecker operators from the system based solely on prior felony convictions unless the conviction involves a forcible felony or specified theft offenses

Vehicle or vessel owners, insurers, and lienholders may obtain release of a towed vehicle before sale by posting a cash or surety bond with the county clerk of court without first initiating judicial proceedings; if the bonding party fails to file suit within 45 days, the bond funds or surety value are released to the towing-storage operator

Towing-storage operators must maintain and post a rate sheet listing all fees, produce an itemized invoice within 1 business day of a completed tow, accept at least two forms of payment (e.g., cash, card, or electronic payment), retain records for 3 years, and release vehicles or personal property within 1 hour of a valid document presentation during business hours

Unclaimed vehicles may be sold 35 days after storage for older models (more than 3 model years old) or 57 days for newer models (3 model years or less), with public notice of sale published at least 20 days before the sale on an approved third-party website that electronically reports sale information to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for a maximum $1 service charge