Marion County delays vote on towing-rate ordinance after heavy pushback from local tow operators

Marion County commissioners on Tuesday halted work on an ordinance that would let the county set maximum nonconsensual towing and storage rates, directing staff to consult with local tow companies and continue the hearing to June 2.

Chief Assistant County Attorney Dana Oleski told the board the ordinance would add a new Section 18-8 to the Marion County Code and allow the board to adopt maximum rates by resolution, require publication of those rates, and set a complaint-and-investigation path through the county's code enforcement process. "If a county doesn't establish a maximum tow rate, it defaults to the rate that FHP has set," Oleski said, noting that recent changes at the state level (House Bill 179) and administrative updates left counties responsible for adopting rates.

Oleski explained the draft resolution would set a $120 base tow for a Class A vehicle in unincorporated Marion County, a $5-per-trip mileage fee on hookup, an $85 hourly rate, and storage fees of $25 (inside) and $20 (outside). She compared those figures with Alachua County's rates — $150 to $160 for similar tows — and with the sheriff's and municipal schedules.

Tow operators and industry groups urged the board to pause the process. "I would ask that you oppose the ordinance before you," Beth Rivas of Rivas Towing told commissioners, saying the industry had received the draft only days earlier and asking for a workshop. Representatives of several firms and trade groups said the proposed maximums were too low given today's fuel, insurance and equipment costs and urged either adopting higher maxima or completing a stakeholder-driven rate study.

Mike Seaman of the Professional Wrecker Operators association said the proposed $120 base is "a low-ball" figure compared with nearby counties and that many of the additional fees and charges that drive final invoices were not fully specified in the draft. Vijay Maharaj of Kalleys Towing calculated inflation since the early 1990s and said operators face mounting expenses and driver shortages.

Florida Highway Patrol Captain Jonathan Young, who attended the hearing, described the agency's tempo at crash scenes and said troopers summon tow companies "when we're ready for them," and that FHP generally supports counties adopting clear local rates for nonconsensual tows.

Commissioners pressed staff about options to keep rates current, including language tying adjustments to CPI. After extensive public comment and board discussion, the commission voted unanimously to continue the public hearing to a date certain: June 2 at 10 a.m., and to direct county staff and industry representatives to meet and present a revised proposal in the interim.

The board's continuation means Alachua County's recently adopted rates will remain the applicable default for nonconsensual tows in Marion County until the board acts, staff said.