Indian River County, FL Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- Fla. Stat. 705.103
- Inoperable
- No tag, flat tires
- Unlicensed
- Enclosed only
- Open Storage
- Prohibited
Summary
Under Fla. Stat. 705.103, abandoned and derelict vehicles on public or private property can be taken into custody and removed after notice. Indian River County code separately bars storing inoperable, unlicensed, or junk vehicles in open view.
Whenever a law enforcement officer ascertains that an article of lost or abandoned property is present on public property and is of such nature that it can be easily removed, the officer shall take such article into custody and shall make a reasonable attempt to ascertain the rightful owner or lienholder pursuant to the provisions of this section.
Full Breakdown
Florida law, Fla. Stat. 705.103, lets law enforcement take custody of lost or abandoned property, including derelict vehicles, and remove it, with a notice period before a declared derelict or nuisance vehicle is disposed of. Indian River County enforces this alongside its own code, which bars keeping a wrecked, junked, or inoperable vehicle in open view on residential property. A vehicle generally counts as inoperable if it lacks a current license tag, has flat tires, or cannot be driven, and such vehicles must be kept inside a garage or carport or screened from view. Inoperable and abandoned vehicles rank among the county's most common code complaints.
Violations & Fines
Illegal storage brings county code enforcement with a cure period and daily fines under Florida's code-enforcement law, plus towing and impound of an abandoned vehicle at the owner's expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a vehicle considered inoperable?
Can the county remove an abandoned car?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Indian River County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Indian River County to another location·View the Florida parking rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.