Beyond Bending Tell You How
Have you ever come across an abandoned vehicle on your private property and wondered what to do about it? As a property owner in Florida, it’s important to be aware of the laws surrounding abandoned vehicles. Failure to follow these laws could result in fines and legal trouble. In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about Florida laws on abandoned vehicles on private property.
Abandoned vehicles can be a nuisance for property owners. They take up space, deteriorate over time, and can attract unwanted attention. While you may want to get rid of the vehicle immediately, it’s important to know your rights and responsibilities as a property owner. In Florida, the laws surrounding abandoned vehicles are quite specific, and it’s important to follow them to avoid any legal issues.
What is Considered an Abandoned Vehicle in Florida?
According to Florida law, an abandoned vehicle is defined as a motor vehicle that has been left unattended on public property for more than 48 hours or on private property without the owner’s consent for more than 24 hours. This includes cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, and other motorized vehicles.
It’s important to note that there are certain exceptions to this rule. For example, if a vehicle is left on private property with the owner’s consent for an extended period of time, it is not considered abandoned. Additionally, vehicles that are in the process of being repaired or restored are not considered abandoned as long as they are not left unattended for more than 72 hours.
What Are Your Rights as a Property Owner?
As a property owner, you have the right to remove an abandoned vehicle from your property after following the proper procedures. However, it’s important to note that you cannot simply tow the vehicle away without following the appropriate steps.
The first step in removing an abandoned vehicle from your property is to contact your local law enforcement agency. They will need to confirm that the vehicle meets the criteria for being considered abandoned and will provide you with a form to fill out. This form will need to be filled out in its entirety and returned to the law enforcement agency.
Once the form has been submitted, the law enforcement agency will give the owner of the vehicle a notice of intent to remove the vehicle. The owner will then have 10 days to remove the vehicle from your property. If they fail to do so, you may then have the vehicle towed away.
What Happens to the Vehicle After it’s Been Removed?
Once the abandoned vehicle has been removed from your property, it will be taken to a designated impound lot. The owner of the vehicle will then need to pay the impound lot fees before they can reclaim their vehicle. If the owner fails to reclaim the vehicle within a certain amount of time, the impound lot will then have the right to sell the vehicle to recoup their costs.
What are the Penalties for Violating Florida’s Abandoned Vehicle Laws?
If you violate Florida’s abandoned vehicle laws, you could be subject to fines and legal trouble. The penalties for violating these laws can vary depending on the circumstances. For example, if you remove an abandoned vehicle from your property without following the proper procedures, you could be charged with theft. Additionally, if you fail to fill out the proper paperwork or give the owner of the vehicle proper notice, you could be subject to fines.
It’s important to follow Florida’s abandoned vehicle laws to avoid any legal trouble. If you have any questions about these laws, it’s best to contact your local law enforcement agency for guidance.
Important Notes:
| Abandoned Vehicle Criteria | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Left unattended on public property | More than 48 hours |
| Left on private property without owner’s consent | More than 24 hours |
| Vehicle in the process of being repaired or restored | Not considered abandoned if not left unattended for more than 72 hours |
People Also Asking:
Q: Can I remove an abandoned vehicle from my property without contacting law enforcement?
A: No, you must follow the proper procedures and contact law enforcement before removing an abandoned vehicle from your property.
Q: Can I sell an abandoned vehicle that’s been left on my property?
A: No, you cannot sell an abandoned vehicle. Once the vehicle has been removed from your property, it will be taken to an impound lot where the owner will have the opportunity to reclaim it.
Q: What should I do if I think a vehicle has been abandoned on my property?
A: Contact your local law enforcement agency to report the abandoned vehicle. They will be able to guide you through the proper procedures for having it removed from your property.
