What steps should I take to remove an abandoned vehicle from my property?

Full question:

Abandoned vehicle on my property; how do I legally remove?

• Category: Abandoned Property
• Subcategory: Vehicles
• Date: 04/07/2025
• State: Florida

Answer:

In Florida, if you find an abandoned vehicle on your property, you must report its description and location to a law enforcement officer if you cannot locate the owner or lienholder. You can have the vehicle removed by a towing company that is regularly engaged in towing without liability for removal costs, provided you follow specific legal requirements.

According to Fla. Stat. § 715.07, the owner or lessee of the property, or someone authorized by them, can have any vehicle parked without permission towed. Here are the key steps:

• Post a notice at each access point to your property, indicating that unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner's expense. The notice must be clear and meet specific size and visibility requirements.
• Notify the local police department or sheriff's office within thirty minutes after the vehicle is towed. Provide details such as the vehicle's make, model, color, and license plate number.
• Ensure the towing company stores the vehicle within a specified distance from the removal site and that they are open for redemption during certain hours.

If the vehicle remains unclaimed, you may have the right to sell it after a certain period, following the procedures outlined in Fla. Stat. § 713.78. For further assistance, consider consulting with a legal professional.