Martin County, FL Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Sec. 115.13, Martin County Code
- Rate authority
- Set by County Commission resolution
- Rate sheet
- Required, given before service starts
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor, up to $500 fine/60 days
Summary
Martin County sets maximum non-consent towing and storage rates by resolution, and wrecker operators cannot charge above them or add unlisted fees.
The County Commission shall, by resolution, establish maximum rates for providing recovery, towing, removal and storage services for vehicles at the request of the Sheriff's office or other law enforcement officer, or a property owner or authorized representative, without the prior consent of the vehicle owner or other authorized person in control of the vehicle. From time to time, the maximum rates established by the County Commission may be altered, revised, increased or decreased by resolution.115.13.B.Persons who provide services pursuant to this section shall not charge in excess of the maximum allowable rates established by the commission. No person providing services pursuant to this section shall charge any type of fee other than the fees for which the County Commission has established specific rates.115.13.C.Each operator shall maintain a rate sheet specifying all rates and charges, which shall be given by the wrecker driver to the requesting vehicle owner or his authorized representative prior to commencing the service.115.13.D.Violation of this section is a misdemeanor pursuant to F.S. § 125.69, and is punishable under said section by imprisonment for up to 60 days, or a fine of up to $500.00, or both such imprisonment and fine. (Ord. No. 610, pt. 1(§ 24½-14), 4-23-2002; Ord. No. 740, pt. 4, 1-23-2007)
Secs. 115.14—115.19. - Reserved.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 62 | Land Development Regulations: Supplement 62).
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 115.13, the County Commission sets maximum rates by resolution for non-consent recovery, towing, removal, and storage requested by the Sheriff's Office, another law enforcement officer, or a property owner without the vehicle owner's prior consent. Operators cannot charge more than those maximums or bill any fee the Commission hasn't specifically priced. Every operator must keep a written rate sheet and hand it to the vehicle owner or their representative before starting the tow.
Violations & Fines
Charging above the Commission's set rates or billing an unlisted fee is a misdemeanor under F.S. § 125.69, punishable by up to 60 days in jail, a fine of up to $500, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Martin County tow company charge whatever it wants for a non-consent tow?
Does the tow operator have to show rates upfront?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Martin County
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