How do I dispute a tow bill and get my money back in Florida?

Use the free tool — Tow & Impound Dispute FL

Why private-property tows in Florida are regulated

If your car was towed from a parking lot, your apartment complex, or the street, Florida law — Fla. Stat. 715.07 — controls how that tow has to happen. It sets rules for signs, distance, release hours, and rates. Most tow companies count on drivers not knowing these rules.

What the law requires

Posted signs warning that unauthorized vehicles will be towed
The towing company must be located within 10 miles of the tow site
The lot must release your car within 24 hours of your request
Rates must be posted, and cannot exceed the county's maximum rate
The lot must accept cash or card — not just one or the other

If any of these were missing when your car was towed, the tow may not be compliant. This is not a legal determination — you should confirm with a professional or your county before disputing a charge.

Getting your car back today

If your car is still held, pay the bill — by card if possible — and pursue a refund afterward. Storage fees keep growing every day the car sits, so getting it back usually matters more than fighting the charge on the spot.

Disputing the bill and asking for a refund

If the tow did not follow the rules above, you can send a refund demand to the towing company and to the property owner who authorized the tow. You can also file a complaint with the county, since counties set and enforce the maximum rates under Fla. Stat. 713.78 and local towing ordinances. If the company refuses to refund you, small claims court is an option.

What this does not cover

Tows by police are governed by different statutes — Fla. Stat. 316.193 and 323.002 — not the private-property rules above
Accident tows follow those same different rules, not 715.07
The exact rate cap depends on your county's published schedule, which must be confirmed directly with the county

What to do next

The free tool reads what you describe about your tow — the signs, the distance, the hours, every charge, how you paid, and any damage — and compares it to what Florida law and your county require. It can tell you whether the tow looks compliant, how to get your car back today, and help draft a refund or demand letter. It is not legal advice, does not file complaints for you, and cannot see your actual signs or receipt — confirm anything you plan to dispute with a professional or the relevant agency.

Use the free tool

Tow & Impound Dispute FL is an informational tool based on Florida Statutes 715.07, 713.78 and county towing ordinances as of 2025–26. It is not legal advice, does not file complaints, and cannot verify rates for your county — check the county's published schedule. Law-enforcement and accident tows are governed by other statutes. It is not affiliated with any tow company, property owner or agency.