can a towing company get a car title in florida

[McKate]

Yes, a towing company in Florida can obtain a car title, but it is a specific legal process reserved for when a vehicle is deemed abandoned and all efforts to collect payment from the owner have failed. This procedure is governed by Florida Statutes, specifically Chapter 713.78 for mechanic's liens on motor vehicles and Chapter 715 for abandoned property.

The process begins after the vehicle has been in the towing company's possession for a set period, typically 35 days for a vehicle towed from private property. The company must follow strict notification rules, which include sending a certified letter to the registered owner and any lienholders. This letter states the company's intent to sell the vehicle to cover the accumulating towing and storage fees. If the owner does not claim the car and pay the fees within the specified timeframe (usually 35 days from the notice date), the towing company can then petition the local circuit court for a Certificate of Title through a legal action known as a "Lien Foreclosure" or "Lien Sale."

This is not an automatic administrative process; it requires a court order. Once the court grants the certificate, the towing company can then apply for a new title in its name from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). After this, the company can either sell the vehicle at a public auction or retain it. The entire process is designed to protect the rights of the original vehicle owner while providing a legal pathway for the towing company to recover its costs.

Key Step in the Process	Required Action / Timeline	Important Note
Initial Possession	Vehicle is towed and stored.	The reason for the tow (e.g., illegal parking, repossession) must be legally valid.
Storage Period	Minimum 35 days for private property tows.	Fees accumulate daily, increasing the total lien amount.
Notification by Mail	Certified mail to owner/lienholder within 7 days of the 35-day period.	Must include a description of the vehicle, charges, and right to a hearing.
Public Notice	Advertisement in a local newspaper for 2 consecutive weeks.	This is a required step if the certified mail is returned as undeliverable.
Court Petition	Filed after notification periods expire without payment.	A judge reviews the case to ensure due process was followed.
Title Issuance	FLHSMV issues a new title after receiving the court order.	The towing company becomes the legal owner, free of previous liens.

[BrodyMarie]

They can, but it's a major headache. It's not like they just get to keep your car if you don't pay the bill. They have to jump through a bunch of legal hoops first—sending certified letters, waiting months, and even going to court. The whole point is for them to finally sell the car to get their money for the tow and storage. It's a last resort after they've tried everything to get the owner to pay up.

[DeEmilia]

From a legal standpoint, the answer is conditional. Florida law provides a mechanism for a towing company to acquire title through a lien foreclosure process. This is not an automatic right but a judicial remedy. The company must meticulously adhere to statutory notice requirements and timelines. Failure to follow the procedure precisely can invalidate the entire action and expose the company to liability for wrongful conversion of the vehicle.

[Marian]

I had a buddy who runs a tow yard, and he explained it to me once. He said it's a long, paperwork-heavy process that he avoids if possible. He'd rather the owner just come and pay. But when they completely disappear, he has to file with the court to get a title so he can legally auction the car off. It's all about recouping his costs for storing the thing for months, not making a profit.

[VioletAnn]

Think of it as a last-ditch effort to get paid. The law allows towing companies to seek a title for an abandoned car after a strict process. They have to prove they notified the right people and waited the required amount of time. It's a safeguard for car owners. If you ever find your car was towed, act fast. Paying the initial fees is always cheaper than losing your entire vehicle to this legal process.