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Florida drop fee: do they have to release your car?

If you reach the tow truck before it leaves the property, the driver must stop and return the car for a fee of no more than half the posted tow rate. You get a signed receipt.

Checked Nov 14, 2026 against the Florida statute and regulator pages.

What to do now

  1. Stay calm and tell the operator you want the car released.
  2. Ask what the drop fee is and pay it if it is within your state limit. Some states require them to take a card.
  3. Get a receipt with the company name, truck number and amount.
  4. If they refuse when your state requires release, call police non-emergency and note the time.

Florida rules that matter here

Drop fee release

If you reach the tow truck before it leaves the property, the driver must stop and return the car for a fee of no more than half the posted tow rate. You get a signed receipt.1

Payment

The storage operator must accept at least two of these three kinds of payment: cash or cashier's check or money order, a bank, debit, or credit card, or a mobile or electronic payment.2

Tow-away signs

Signs must be at each driveway entrance within 10 feet of the road, say tow-away zone in letters at least 4 inches high, give the tow company name and phone, and be up at least 24 hours before towing. Single-family homes are exempt.1

Related

Florida cities: Jacksonville

Think the tow or the bill was wrong?

Ask the lot for an itemized receipt, compare it to the legal limits in Florida, and request a hearing before the deadline. Our step-by-step guide and calculator are free.

Questions

Do tow trucks have to release your car if you show up?

In many states the operator must release the car for a drop fee if you arrive before it leaves the property. In others it is up to the company or city ordinance. Check your state below.

Sources

Last checked Nov 14, 2026. Fees and rules change: confirm with the lot or agency before you go. Spot an error? Tell us.

  1. Vehicles or vessels parked on private property, towing (Fla. Stat. § 715.07), Florida Legislature. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  2. Liens for recovering, towing, or storing vehicles and vessels (Fla. Stat. § 713.78), Florida Legislature. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  3. Maximum Non-Consent Towing Rates, Pinellas County Consumer Protection. Checked Nov 14, 2026.