Jacksonville Beach, FL Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)

Wrecker service for the city runs through Division 2 of Chapter 31 on impounding vehicles. Under Sec. 31-53, the chief of police, subject to approval by the city manager, is authorized to establish standards and rules for a rotating wrecker call list that provides safe and dependable wrecker service to the city. All wrecker and towing firms, companies or corporations licensed to conduct that business with the city can apply for a listing by the police department.

Section 31-54 sets the equipment and insurance requirements. Every wrecker carries amber flashing lights and all necessary working tools, including bolt cutters, crowbars, shovel, broom, axe and fire extinguisher. Liability insurance must be at least $1,000,000.00 combined single limit, covering general liability, personal injury and property damage. Certificates of insurance must give the city at least thirty (30) days' notice of cancellation, non-renewal or adverse change, new certificates are due at least fifteen (15) days before coverage renewals, and they are mailed to the Chief of Police, Jacksonville Beach Police Department, 101 South Penman Road. Subsection (c) leaves the fees wrecker companies can charge for towing and storage to the city council, adopted by resolution. Section 31-54.1 adds a location test: a firm whose place of business is not inside the City of Jacksonville Beach is not considered by the Police Department.

Towing authority comes from Sec. 31-46. The chief of police or any police officer can impound a vehicle parked in violation of a city parking ordinance, a stolen vehicle, a vehicle subject to state seizure and forfeiture or held as criminal evidence, or a vehicle whose location or condition poses a danger to public safety. When the owner is present, Sec. 31-47 requires a written notice before removal stating that the owner can reclaim the vehicle without prepaying towing and storage charges and can request a hearing. Under Sec. 31-49 that request is timely within forty (40) days of receiving the notice, and Sec. 31-50 sets the hearing not more than five (5) days after the request, before a hearing examiner provided by the city clerk, whose decision is final. Towing and storage charges become a lien under Sec. 31-51.