Bill > H0701

This bill makes several key changes to the law governing wrecker and towing-storage operators in Florida: 1. It prohibits the Florida Highway Patrol from excluding a wrecker operator from the wrecker operator system based solely on a prior felony conviction, unless the conviction was for a forcible felony. 2. It limits the fees a towing-storage operator can charge to reasonable hazardous waste fees, fees authorized by local ordinances or state rules, a lien release administrative fee, and any administrative fees imposed by a county or municipality. 3. It requires towing-storage operators to accept credit cards, debit cards, or other electronic payment methods. 4. It shortens the timeframes for providing notice of liens and the sale of vehicles or vessels, and requires certain information to be clearly displayed on the notice. 5. It provides procedures for an owner or lienholder to post a bond to obtain the release of a vehicle or vessel, and clarifies the rights and responsibilities of the parties involved. 6. It requires towing-storage operators to retain records of their activities for 3 years and makes this the exclusive remedy for foreclosing storage liens on vehicles and vessels. The bill is intended to provide more consumer protections and transparency in the wrecker and towing-storage industry in Florida.

Justice, Transportation and Infrastructure

Transportation & Modals Subcommittee (House)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/701