Gulfport, FL Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- License category
- Automobiles and Trucks, Class 4 - Services
- Towing/wrecking fee
- $40.00 per year (§ 13-34(23)(d)(5))
- Higher-class exemption
- Not charged if licensed as Class 1-3
- Renewal date
- October 1 annually, paid in advance
- Penalty for operating unlicensed
- Up to $500 fine or 60 days jail
Summary
Gulfport requires a wrecking or towing service to carry an annual city business license under Code Section 13-34, priced at $40.00 unless the company already holds one of the higher automobile dealer, agency or garage license classes. Licenses run on the city's October 1 renewal cycle.
It shall be unlawful and a violation of this chapter for any person to engage in, conduct, manage, practice, carry on or otherwise do business, within the city, any business, trade, occupation, profession or other calling, for which a license is required under this chapter, unless such person, prior to the time he first engages in, conducts, manages, practices or otherwise carries on, within the city [such business, trade, occupation, profession or other calling], and, thereafter, on the first day of October of every year, obtains from the city such license and pays in advance therefor the fee required for such license. ... (23)Automobiles and Trucks: ... (d)Class 4—Services: ... 5.Wrecking or towing service (unless licensed in classes 1, 2 or 3 above) ... ..40.00
Full Breakdown
Section 13-2 makes it unlawful to conduct any business, trade or occupation in Gulfport for which the code requires a license without first obtaining it, and requires every licensee to renew on the first day of October each year, paying the fee in advance. Section 13-34 sets the fee schedule, and the automobile and truck business category folds wrecking or towing service into its Class 4, Services group alongside vehicle rental, parking lots, storage, washing, trailer rental and transport services. 00) categories, in which case towing is covered without a separate fee.
A business operating in more than one Class 4 activity from a single location may take a combination license, paying the highest single fee plus half the fee for each additional activity. The code does not set separate non-consent towing procedures, rate caps or signage rules for private-property tows in this chapter; those tows are governed by state law, Florida Statutes Chapter 715, rather than by a distinct Gulfport ordinance.
Violations & Fines
Operating a towing or wrecking business in Gulfport without the required occupational license violates Section 13-2, punishable under Section 13-33's incorporation of the general penalty in Section 1-6: a fine up to $500.00, up to 60 days in jail, or both, with officers, directors and managing agents of a corporate violator individually liable alongside the company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a tow truck company need a city license to operate in Gulfport?
Does Gulfport regulate non-consent towing from private parking lots?
What if a towing company already has an auto dealer or garage license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Gulfport
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