Palm Coast, FL Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Public ROW removal
- 48 hrs (within 30 ft) / 10 days
- Private-land notice
- 10 days posted, § 17-57(c)
- Inoperable vehicle rule
- Must be fully enclosed, § 17-52
- Unclaimed tow fee
- $25 or 10% of salvage value
- Reclaimed admin fee
- $150.00 to City
- Max penalty (Ch. 17)
- $5,000/day, § 17-54
Summary
Palm Coast treats an abandoned vehicle differently depending on where it sits. On public roads, Section 44-35(e) lets officers order a vehicle towed after 48 hours if it's within 30 feet of the pavement edge, or after ten days if it's farther out. On private land, Section 17-57(c) requires a posted ten-day notice before an inoperable vehicle is towed.
Officers are hereby authorized to provide for the removal of any abandoned vehicle to the nearest garage or other place of safety, cost of such removal and storage to be a lien against the motor vehicle, when the abandoned vehicle is found unattended upon a bridge or causeway or on any public road or street in the following instances:(1)Where such vehicle constitutes an obstruction of traffic;(2)Where such vehicle has been parked or stored on the public right-of-way for a period exceeding 48 hours, in other than designated parking areas, and is within 30 feet of the pavement edge;(3)Where a vehicle has been parked or stored in the public right-of-way for a period exceeding ten days, in other than designated parking areas, and is more than 30 feet from the pavement edge.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 44 | Land Development Code: Supplement 18).
Full Breakdown
Section 44-35(e) authorizes Law Enforcement Officers to remove an abandoned vehicle found unattended on a bridge, causeway, or public road to the nearest garage or safe storage location, with towing and storage costs charged as a lien against the vehicle. The section lists three triggers: the vehicle obstructs traffic; it has been parked or stored on the public right-of-way for more than 48 hours, in other than a designated parking area, within 30 feet of the pavement edge; or it has sat there more than ten days, in other than a designated parking area, more than 30 feet from the pavement edge.
Section 44-35(f) adds that an unlicensed or uninspected vehicle on a public right-of-way gets an owner notification, and after 24 hours is treated and removed as abandoned. On private property, a separate framework applies. " Section 17-57(c) sets the removal procedure: the enforcement officer posts a weatherproof notice at least eight by ten inches on the vehicle and mails notice to the owner and the property owner, giving ten days to remove it before the City has it towed. 00 administrative fee to the City. Section 44-34(a) separately caps unlicensed vehicle storage on any lot at 12 hours, with a narrow exception for a newly acquired vehicle awaiting registration.
Violations & Fines
Violations of Section 17-57's abandoned-property provisions are enforced under Section 17-54: up to $5,000.00 per day for each day the violation continues, plus the City's administrative enforcement costs. Public right-of-way parking violations tied to Section 44-35 fall under the Code's general penalty, Section 1-15, at up to $500.00 per violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can an abandoned car sit on the street before Palm Coast tows it?
Can I keep a broken-down, wheel-less car in my yard?
What notice do I get before an inoperable vehicle on my property is towed?
What does it cost to get my towed vehicle back?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Coast
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Palm Coast 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.