Nassau County, FL Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)

Adopted by Ord. No. 2020-35 as the Nassau County Wrecker Ordinance, Chapter 18½ Article VII applies to nonconsensual, trespass and abandoned-vehicle tows countywide, in both incorporated and unincorporated areas, unless a municipality has its own similar ordinance. Section 18½-160 requires any wrecker operator to first be identified as a qualified wrecker operator by application to the Sheriff's Office (the division), which certifies that the operator meets the article's equipment, insurance and personnel standards and Chapter 15B-9 of the Florida Administrative Code; qualified status must be renewed every year by September 30.

It is unlawful for anyone who is not a qualified wrecker operator to tow a wrecked, disabled, stolen or abandoned vehicle for hire in the county. Section 18½-157 sets maximum flat rates by vehicle class, for example a Class A vehicle under 9,999 pounds tows for $150 plus $4 per loaded mile with $30-per-day storage, rising to $500 plus $7 per mile and $70-per-day storage for Class D vehicles over 25,000 pounds. Storage facilities must be fenced, lit, and hold at least 25 spaces with 3 indoors under § 18½-158. The Sheriff's Office investigates complaints of excessive charges or damage and can pull an operator's qualified status.