Palm Beach County, FL Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Signage required
- Reflective tow-away sign at every driveway
- Drop charge cap
- No more than half the posted rate
- Sign posting
- Up at least 24 hours before towing
- Max fine
- $500 per violation, per day
- Enforcing agency
- Consumer Affairs Division, (561) 712-6600
Summary
Non-consent tow companies operating in unincorporated Palm Beach County must post reflective tow-away signs at every driveway, let a vehicle owner who arrives before hookup drive off for half the posted rate, and hold a county permit policed by the Consumer Affairs Division.
A light reflective sign shall be prominently placed at each driveway access/entrance or curb cut allowing vehicular access to the real property, within ten (10) feet from the road...The sign shall clearly display in not less than two-inch high letters on a contrasting background, the words: "UNAUTHORIZED VEHICLES/VESSELS WILL BE TOWED AWAY AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE." The words "TOW-AWAY ZONE" must be included...in not less than four-inch high letters on a contrasting background.
Full Breakdown
Before towing a vehicle from private property in unincorporated Palm Beach County, a non-consent tow company must post a light-reflective sign at every driveway or curb cut, in letters at least two inches high, reading "UNAUTHORIZED VEHICLES/VESSELS WILL BE TOWED AWAY AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE," with "TOW-AWAY ZONE" in four-inch letters, kept up at least 24 hours before any tow. If the owner reaches the vehicle before it's fully hooked up, the driver must disconnect it and may charge no more than half the posted rate. Companies must hold a county operating permit and answer to the Consumer Affairs Division. Boca Raton, Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach and Jupiter run their own separate towing rules.
Violations & Fines
Violations draw administrative or court fines up to $500 per day per offense, plus suspension or revocation of the company's operating permit; refusing to sign a citation is a second-degree misdemeanor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a tow company charge me to stop a non-consent tow in Palm Beach County?
Does this ordinance apply inside West Palm Beach or Boca Raton?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Beach County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Palm Beach County to another location·View the Florida business licensing & operations overview
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