Highlands County, FL Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Response time
- 30 minutes to the scene
- Class A tow cap
- $150.00 plus $4.00/mile
- Class C tow cap
- $350.00 plus $7.00/mile
- Outdoor storage cap (class A)
- $30.00 per day
- Overcharging penalty
- 90-day suspension, first offense
- Governed by
- County Administrator & Sheriff's Office
Summary
Article III of the Highlands County traffic code sets a wrecker rotation system for nonconsensual towing, requiring a business office and storage lot in the county, a 30-minute response time, and county-approved maximum fees. The county administrator maintains the rotation list, and the Sheriff's Office calls wrecker services in turn for accident and impound scenes.
It is the intention of the board to regulate and establish a rotation system and maximum fees which may be charged on the towing of vehicles from or immobilization of vehicles on private property, removal and storage of wrecked or disabled vehicles from an accident scene or for the removal and storage of vehicles, in the event the owner or operator is incapacitated, unavailable, leaves the procurement of wrecker service to the law enforcement officer at the scene, or otherwise does not consent to the removal of the vehicle. ... The wrecker service must be able to respond to and arrive at the requested scene in its assigned zone within 30 minutes after being contacted by the sheriff's office. ... Class A wreckers described in subsection 11-106(3) of this article and car carriers described in subsection 11-106(4) of this article:a.Towing/removal services .....$150.00b.Rate per mile (one-way only) .....$4.00
Full Breakdown
Sections 11-101 through 11-116 regulate wrecker services that tow or immobilize vehicles without the owner's consent, such as accident-scene removals or tows the sheriff's office orders when a driver is unavailable. weekdays, and be able to inspect stored vehicles for the sheriff's office 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 00 per occurrence for lighter wreckers), and equip each truck to the class A, B or C specifications listed in Sec. 11-106, covering minimum cable length, crane rating and safety chains. 00 daily storage rate.
Grounds for removal or suspension from the rotation list under Sec. 11-110 include chasing wrecks, soliciting at an accident scene, overcharging (a first offense draws a 90-day suspension and repayment), and felony convictions related to the business. A wrecker service denied, suspended or removed from the list can appeal to the Highlands County Code Enforcement Special Magistrate for a hearing de novo within 30 days of the county administrator's notice.
Violations & Fines
Overcharging a customer beyond the Sec. 11-112 fee schedule draws a mandatory 90-day suspension from the rotation list and repayment of the overcharge on a first offense, and outright removal on a second offense within two years. Chasing wrecks, soliciting at an accident scene, or a felony conviction tied to the towing business are independent grounds for denial, suspension or removal under Sec. 11-110, appealable to the Code Enforcement Special Magistrate within 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can a wrecker service charge for a nonconsensual tow in Highlands County?
How fast must a Highlands County wrecker service respond to a call?
Can a towing company be removed from the county's rotation list?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Highlands County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Highlands County to another location·View the Florida business licensing & operations overview
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