Florida Statutes Chapters 705 and 715 establish uniform procedures for declaring vehicles abandoned, providing notice, and disposing of them through licensed wreckers.
Under Fla. Stat. 705.103, law enforcement may take custody of abandoned or derelict vehicles after 48 hours on public property. Section 715.05 governs vehicles left on private property without consent: owners or operators may have them removed by a licensed wrecker after posted notice. Section 713.78 sets statutory liens for towing and storage. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles administers title transfer for abandoned vehicles statewide, and these procedures apply uniformly across all municipalities.
Improper removal exposes property owners and tow operators to treble damages under Fla. Stat. 715.07. Failure of registered owners to reclaim impounded vehicles results in lien sale and loss of title.
See how Vero Beach's abandoned vehicles rules stack up against other locations.
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