Palm Bay, FL Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Signage
- Required before non-consent tow
- Police report
- Immediate, on every tow
- Return fee cap
- 50% of normal charge
- Release time
- Within 1 hour of request
Summary
Palm Bay requires wreckers towing a vehicle from private property without the owner's consent to report tow details to police immediately and follow strict release and fee rules.
The wrecker and towing service owner or employee shall furnish to the Police Department, the following information immediately upon towing or otherwise removing a vehicle from private property: (a) Make, year, color, license number, VIN number and decal number towed. (b) The address from which such vehicle was towed, the name of the person who ordered the removal of such vehicle and the time the vehicle was removed.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-41: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 2026-13, passed 5-21-26).
Full Breakdown
Before a wrecker and towing service can remove a vehicle without the owner's consent, the property must be posted with a compliant tow-away sign under § 74.52. The towing company must then report the vehicle's make, license, VIN, and removal details to the Police Department immediately under § 74.52(A)(3). If the owner returns before the vehicle is actually hauled away, the company can collect no more than 50% of the normal fee under § 74.55, and any towed vehicle must be released within one hour of a request under § 74.56.
Violations & Fines
Violating § 74.52 carries a fine of up to $150 or 10 days in jail; failing the reporting duties in §§ 74.54-74.58 is punishable under § 10.99, per untowed vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Palm Bay towing company tow my car from a parking lot without asking me?
What if I get to my car right as the tow truck arrives?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Bay
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Palm Bay to another location·View the Florida business licensing & operations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Towing Companies in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Brevard County handle towing companies.