We’re investigating improper towing across Florida

Sue Your Dealer is investigating incidents across Florida where vehicles have been towed from HOA, condominium, or apartment communities without proper authorization or signage. Many residents report tow trucks patrolling the property and removing vehicles on their own initiative—often for minor or administrative issues like expired registration, missing decals, or visitor parking misunderstandings.

If your vehicle was already towed under these circumstances, you may be entitled to reimbursement of towing fees, storage costs, and additional statutory damages.

What Florida law requires

Under Florida Statute § 715.07, towing from private property is strictly regulated. Tow companies and property owners must comply with specific conditions before removing a vehicle.

1. Required towing signage

Florida law requires that signs be prominently posted at every entrance to the property stating that unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense. Each sign must include:

• The words “Tow-Away Zone” clearly visible.
• The name and current telephone number of the towing company responsible.
• Placement at each property entrance, facing outward, and at least 2 feet by 3 feet in size with 2-inch letters.

If these signs were missing, obscured, or improperly sized, the towing company may have acted unlawfully under § 715.07(2)(a)1.

2. Express authorization for each tow

Even when proper signage exists, the law also requires express authorization for each individual tow. The property owner, HOA, or authorized representative must give permission for the removal of a specific vehicle, either in writing or in person, at the time of towing.

Routine patrol towing, where tow companies drive through neighborhoods and tow vehicles without a call or written request, is prohibited.

Without this authorization, both the property owner and the towing company may be jointly liable for damages.

Who is affected

We want to hear from residents who:

• Had a vehicle towed from an HOA, condominium, or apartment complex;
• Were told the tow was for expired registration, decals, or minor violations;
• Observed tow trucks routinely patrolling the community without complaints being made; and/or
• No “Tow-Away Zone” signage at the property entrances.

What to do if your vehicle was towed

If your car was towed, keep all documentation including tow receipts, storage invoices, photos of signage (or lack thereof), and any communication from the HOA or apartment manager. These details can help determine if the tow was unlawful under Florida law.

You may be eligible for reimbursement of towing fees, statutory penalties, and attorney’s fees.

Free case evaluation

Our firm is reviewing potential claims involving improper or predatory towing by HOAs, apartment complexes, and towing companies throughout Florida.

Submit your case for a free evaluation to find out whether your rights were violated.

This post is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Legal rights depend on specific facts and evidence.