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Council defers towing-insurance update after tow operators warn higher limits would push small firms out of market
Summary
An auditor-recommended update to decades-old towing insurance minimums drew sharp objections from local tow operators over potential cost and competitiveness impacts; the committee deferred the measure for follow-up with Risk Management and OGC.
The committee heard extended public testimony and staff explanation on an auditor-recommended update to towing insurance requirements embedded in a larger towing ordinance revision (agenda item 2026-0358).
Bill Peterson explained the current insurance minimums in city code date to the 1980s ($100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident, $50,000 property damage) and Risk Management recommended updating those dollar amounts to reflect modern exposure. Risk suggested materially higher minimums; Peterson said the proposed language would let Risk set amounts administratively so the code does not become outdated.
Towing operator Donald (Marshall) Atinson told the committee drastic increases would price many local providers out of the market and cited his company’s experience with rapidly rising insurance premiums: "In four years, my insurance went from 700,000 to 2.5 [million]… We can't be competitive if we do that," he said. He argued that Florida statutory minimums and sovereign-immunity considerations already provide protections and warned of industry consolidation.
Council members asked for data from litigation and loss history before raising minimums by multiples. Dr. Salem and others said they were uncomfortable requiring a 10x increase without evidence of a problem. Staff and OGC agreed to follow up with Risk Management, the litigation office, and towing industry stakeholders; the sponsor deferred the item and the committee did not adopt the auditor’s recommended language at this meeting.
Why it matters: The change would affect small businesses that contract with JSO and the city on towing and could alter market competition and rates. Risk and OGC argued higher limits reduce city exposure; operators warned that higher required limits could eliminate smaller firms and push costs onto consumers.
Sources: Public testimony by Donald Marshall Atinson; explanation from Bill Peterson; committee discussion and decision to defer.
