Private Property Towing Rights in Texas and Florida

In Texas, towing companies and vehicle storage facilities are licensed by TDLR, private lots need compliant signs posted for 24 hours before towing, and you can request a justice court hearing on whether the tow was justified. In Florida, a tow from private property must be reported to police within 30 minutes, storage must be nearby, and you can stop a tow in progress by paying up to half the posted rate.

Key facts

Texas says a person may not perform towing operations or operate a towing company without the appropriate license.
Texas lets a parking facility owner tow an unauthorized vehicle only under listed conditions, such as compliant signs posted for the preceding 24 hours.
Texas requires a vehicle storage facility to report a towed vehicle to local police or the sheriff within two hours of receiving it.
Texas vehicle owners are entitled to a hearing on whether probable cause existed for a tow or boot.
Texas tow hearings are held in a justice court in the county the vehicle was towed from.
Florida requires a towing company to notify police or the sheriff within 30 minutes after towing from private property.
Florida requires a tow in progress to stop and the vehicle returned if the owner pays a fee of no more than half the posted towing rate.

Who regulates towing?

In Texas, TDLR licenses tow trucks, operators and vehicle storage facilities; towing without a license is prohibited (Occupations Code 2308.151). In Florida, Florida Statutes 715.07 sets rules for towing from private property.

When can a car be towed from private property?

In Texas, a parking facility owner can tow under listed conditions, such as compliant signs posted for the preceding 24 hours (2308.252). In Florida, unless the property is part of a single-family residence or you received personal notice, warning signs must be posted.

How do you find your car?

Call local police. Texas storage facilities must report towed vehicles to police within two hours (2308.2565). Florida towers must notify police or the sheriff within 30 minutes.

Can you challenge a tow?

In Texas, yes: you're entitled to a hearing on whether there was probable cause (2308.452), in a justice court in the county the car was towed from (2308.453). In Florida, if you catch the tow in progress, the driver must stop and return the car for no more than half the posted rate.

How to choose a provider

Call police to find a towed vehicle.
Photograph the signs where you parked.
Get a detailed, signed receipt.
In Texas, check the tow company and storage lot on TDLR.
In Texas, ask about a tow hearing if you think the tow was improper.
In Florida, if you see the tow in progress, ask for release at the reduced rate.

Towing and roadside services guides by state and city

Questions people ask

Who licenses tow companies in Texas?

TDLR.

Can I contest a tow in Texas?

Yes. You're entitled to a justice court hearing on whether the tow was justified.

How do I find my towed car?

Call local police. Texas storage lots must report within two hours; Florida towers within 30 minutes.

Can a Florida tow truck keep going if I show up?

No. It must stop and release the car if you pay no more than half the posted rate.

Do Texas lots need signs?

Yes, compliant signs posted for the preceding 24 hours, among other conditions.

Can a Texas lot boot my car?

Yes, with compliant signs, and the boot operator must post a notice on the vehicle.

Sources

This guide was written by our editorial team from the public sources listed above. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm licensing and terms directly with any provider.

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