Bonita Springs, FL Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)

Article VII of Chapter 12 governs wrecker and immobilization operators. Section 12-212 sets the gate: a valid permit, an unoccupied vehicle, and either a law-enforcement-directed tow or a private property impound on the express instruction of the owner or authorized agent. Section 12-213 requires law enforcement instruction to be in writing, signed by the officer with an identification number, and says a posted sign, a contract with the property owner, or general advance instruction does not count as express instruction.

Permits come from the sheriff's office (section 12-205) and last one year (section 12-207(g)); the sheriff reviews an application within five business days, and a denial can be appealed to the city council within ten days of the last written denial. Insurance under section 12-208 includes garage liability of not less than $300,000.00 and garage keeper's legal liability of not less than $50,000.00 for each loss.

For private property tows, section 12-214 requires a light reflective sign stating "UNAUTHORIZED VEHICLES WILL BE TOWED AWAY AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE" in letters at least two inches high, the words "TOW-AWAY ZONE" in letters at least four inches high, and the hours and the towing company's name and phone. Signs go at each driveway, set back five feet from the right-of-way line, four to six feet above ground, and stay up at least 24 hours before any tow. The property owner must sign the tow sheet and the company needs a written contract with the property owner. Signs are not required at a single-family residence.

After the tow, section 12-211 requires storage within a ten mile radius of the pickup point (20 miles if no permitted operator is within ten), direct transport with no temporary holding area, an office staffed 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, release within one hour after an after-hours call, and payment by at least two of three payment categories. Section 12-216 bars leaving a boot on to hold a car for later towing and requires release within one hour of a request and payment. Maximum rates are in section 12-223; Class A wreckers carry a private property base rate of $125.00 and a rotation tow rate of $150.00.