Boca Raton, FL Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Sec. 10-116 defines an 'abandoned motor vehicle' as one left on public property for more than 72 hours regardless of its condition or whether it carries current tags, and an 'inoperable motor vehicle' as one lacking a valid license plate and registration or displaying tags issued to a different vehicle. Sec. 10-117 declares any such vehicle on any property, public or private, a public nuisance once it passes the 72-hour mark. Sec. 10-118 applies the same 72-hour cap to wrecked or inoperable vehicles on private property, with three carve-outs: vehicles kept inside a building or carport, vehicles held by a licensed, properly zoned automobile dealer or repair business, and up to 2 antique vehicles (35 years or older, state-registered) kept by their owner for collection purposes.

Once the enforcement authority designated by the city manager identifies a violation, Sec. 10-119 requires a written notice affixed to the vehicle and, for private property, mailed or delivered to the owner or occupant, giving interested parties the right to request a hearing before a special magistrate under Sec. 10-120 before the city acts. If the vehicle isn't removed, Sec. 10-121 lets the city tow it, and Sec. 00 may be summarily disposed of after 30 days, while those valued higher go to public sale after 30 days' notice.

Sec. 10-124 preserves the owner's right to redeem the vehicle before sale by paying towing and storage costs, and Sec. 10-125 turns any unpaid towing and storage bill into a lien on the private property where the vehicle sat.