North Port, FL Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Storage limit
- 15 miles (30 if none closer)
- Sign lettering
- 2-inch min, 'tow-away zone' 4-inch
- Release time
- within 30 minutes of request
- Rate schedule
- must be filed with police
- Kickbacks
- prohibited to property owners
Summary
North Port requires any towing company that charges before releasing a vehicle to file its current rate schedule with the police department and post an identical schedule at the storage site.
Any person or firm that tows or removes vehicles and proposes to require an owner, operator or person in control of a vehicle to pay the costs of towing and storage prior to redemption of the vehicle must file and keep on record with the police department a complete copy of the current rates to be charged for such services and post at the storage site an identical rate schedule and any written contracts with property owners, lessors or persons in control of property which authorize such person or firm to remove vehicles as provided in this section.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of the City: Supplement 65 | Unified Land Development Code: Supplement 22).
Full Breakdown
Before towing a vehicle from private property without the owner's consent, North Port requires a posted notice at every driveway access in letters at least two inches high, with the words 'tow-away zone' in letters at least four inches, displayed 24 hours before removal. Towed vehicles must be stored within 15 miles of the removal site (30 miles if no closer tow yard exists) and released within 30 minutes of a request. Any towing firm that charges before release must file its current rate schedule with the police department and post an identical schedule at the storage lot; kickbacks to property owners for towing referrals are prohibited.
Violations & Fines
Towing without a posted sign, exceeding the 15/30-mile storage limit, refusing prompt release, or paying kickbacks to property owners violates § 42-59 and is enforceable by the North Port Police Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a towing company hold my car before releasing it?
Does North Port require a sign before my car can be towed from a private lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in North Port
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