Hillsborough County, FL Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Rates capped by
- Board of County Commissioners
- Sign required at
- each driveway/curb cut
- No sign penalty
- $1.00 max fee
- Max criminal penalty
- $1,000 or 6 months
Summary
Non-consensual private towing from real property in Hillsborough County is capped at Board-set maximum rates and requires posted tow-away signage; operators who skip the required signage can charge only $1.00 total under Sec. 50-142.
any person who shall provide non-consensual private towing services with respect to the removal of any vehicle located on real property shall be entitled to charge a total fee for all such services no greater than $1.00 if the following notice requirements have not been met:
(1) Notice on real property.
a. The owner or custodian of the real property must post notice of that maximum rates for all non-consensual private towing services have been fixed by ordinance.
b. The notice must be prominently displayed at each driveway access or curb cut allowing vehicular access to the property, within five feet of the public right-of- way line. If there are no curbs or access barriers, not less than one sign must be posted for each 25 feet of lot frontage.
c. The notice must indicate clearly, in light-reflective letters, not less than two inches high, on a contrasting background, the following:
"Unauthorized vehicles will be immobilized or towed away at the expense of the owner. Maximum rates which may be charged with respect to the immobilization, towing, or storage of any vehicle from this property have been established pursuant to Hillsborough County Ordinance."
The heading "TOW-AWAY ZONE" must also be included at the top of the sign in
Full Breakdown
Sec. 50-141 caps what private tow operators may charge for non-consensual tows and storage at rates the Board of County Commissioners sets by resolution. Sec. 50-142 requires property owners to post a permanent 'TOW-AWAY ZONE' sign meeting specific size and wording rules at each driveway or curb cut, or the towing company may charge no more than $1.00 total. Sec. 50-143 separately requires a signed removal order before towing from bars between 9 p.m. and noon. Violations of the article are punishable by a fine up to $1,000 or six months in jail under Sec. 50-144.
Violations & Fines
Failing to post the required tow-away signage caps the towing company's total fee at $1.00; any other violation of the rate or notice rules is punishable by up to a $1,000 fine or six months in jail under Sec. 50-144.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a private lot tow my car without a posted sign in Hillsborough County?
Are non-consensual towing rates regulated?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hillsborough County
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