Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Consumer Protection topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Marion County declines to adopt new nonconsensual tow rates after public hearing
Summary
Following a continuation of a May 5 hearing, commissioners opted not to adopt county-set maximum rates for nonconsensual towing, saying doing so would impose an unfunded local enforcement burden; the board left rates to default to neighboring county practice and FHP complaint processes.
The Marion County Board of County Commissioners on a unanimous voice vote declined to adopt a county resolution setting maximum nonconsensual towing rates, following a continuation of a public hearing and presentations from county staff, the Florida Highway Patrol and towing-industry representatives.
Chief Assistant County Attorney Dana Oleski summarized three draft resolutions: staff-recommended rates, rates proposed by the Professional Wreckers/Professional Workers of Florida (PWOF), and a set of FHP rates that appeared on the agenda only as a historical reference to the last rates FHP used in 2024. Oleski told the board that state statute generally limits county authority over pricing but requires counties to adopt rates for nonconsensual towing, and she noted there is no statutory enforcement penalty if a county declines to adopt rates.
Florida Highway Patrol Captain Jonathan Young explained why FHP requested counties set rates: a scrivener's error in another county generated "crazy tow bills," and FHP no longer sets rates proactively; absent local action, FHP would default complaint handling and the county would adopt the rates of a contiguous county. "Up until this past January, FHP would set rates if the county didn't," Captain Young said, describing the procedural background.
Towing-industry speakers urged the board to adopt fair, industry-standard rates; representatives said they had consulted with staff and had a petition of local tow operators. Others urged adopting FHP or PWOF rates to align with neighboring counties.
Commissioner McLean moved that the county take no action and leave the current default in place (which would allow Alachua County's corrected rates to remain controlling). "My suggestion is that we leave everything as it is and don't adopt any rates today," McLean said, arguing that adopting rates locally would create an unfunded enforcement burden and new staff responsibilities. The motion passed unanimously.
What this means: With the county declining to adopt local maximum rates, towing complaints and overcharge issues will continue to be handled through Florida Highway Patrol complaint processes and by reference to the nearest county with adopted rates. County staff advised the board that if the commission later chooses to adopt rates it can return to the matter with draft language and enforcement proposals.
