Florida Statewide Rule
Florida Abandoned and Derelict Vehicle Statewide Rules
Key Facts
- Public Property
- Fla. Stat. 705.103
- Private Property
- Fla. Stat. 715.07
- Tow Liens
- Fla. Stat. 713.78
- Removal notice
- 5 days posted (public)
Summary
Florida Statutes Chapters 705 and 715 establish uniform procedures for declaring vehicles abandoned, providing notice, and disposing of them through licensed wreckers.
2. The notices required under subparagraph 1. may not be less than 8 inches by 10 inches and must be sufficiently weatherproof to withstand normal exposure to the elements. In addition to posting, the law enforcement officer shall make a reasonable effort to ascertain the name and address of the owner. If such is reasonably available to the officer, he or she must mail a copy of such notice to the owner on the date of posting or as soon thereafter as is practical. If the property is a motor vehicle as defined in s. 320.01(1) or a vessel as defined in s. 327.02, except a migrant vessel as defined in s. 823.11, the law enforcement agency must contact the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles in order to determine the name and address of the owner and any person who has filed a lien on the vehicle or vessel as provided in s. 319.27(2) or (3) or s. 328.15.
Full Breakdown
Under Fla. Stat. 705.103, law enforcement may impound an abandoned or derelict vehicle on public property after posting a conspicuous notice on it and giving the owner 5 days to remove it; vehicles obstructing traffic or creating hazards can be towed immediately. Section 715.07 governs vehicles left on private property without consent: owners or operators may have them removed by a licensed wrecker where compliant notice signage is posted. 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.
Violations & Penalties
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before a vehicle is considered abandoned in Florida?
Can I tow a car parked on my property in Florida?
Sources
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