Florida towing license lookup: how to check and get a license
Florida towing license lookup: who issues towing company licenses (local (city/county)), how to check one online, the license types, and 624 motor vehicle towing businesses by county.
Do towing companies need a license in Florida?
| Who licenses them | local (city/county) |
|---|---|
| License types | Miami-Dade County Towing License (example of county licensing) |
| When a license is required | State sets private-property towing rules; counties/cities may regulate rates and license towers |
Florida does not issue a state tow-company license; s. 715.07 requires posted tow-away signs before private-property towing and lets counties and cities add rules and rate limits, and s. 323.002 lets them run wrecker rotation systems. Miami-Dade, for example, licenses tow businesses and sets maximum rates (https://www.miamidade.gov/global/license.page?Mduid_license=lic1495741572333567); check your county's consumer protection office elsewhere.
How do you look up a towing company's license in Florida?
- Ask the towing company for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the official local (city/county) license search run by local (city/county).
- Search by license number first. A name search can return several people or companies with similar names.
- Check that the status is active or current, that the license type covers your job, and that the name matches the company on your contract.
- If something doesn't match, ask the towing company about it before you sign or pay a deposit, or contact local (city/county).
What towing licenses does Florida issue?
- Miami-Dade County Towing License (example of county licensing)
How do you get a towing license in Florida?
Licenses are issued by the local (city/county). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official local (city/county) source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many towing companies are there in Florida?
The Census Bureau counted 624 motor vehicle towing businesses with employees in Florida in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Miami-Dade County | 76 |
|---|---|
| Hillsborough County | 57 |
| Broward County | 55 |
| Orange County | 51 |
| Palm Beach County | 37 |
| Duval County | 29 |
| Polk County | 25 |
| Pinellas County | 25 |
What do Florida homes mean for towing work?
The median home in Florida was built in 1988, 33% of households rent and 61% of homes are single-family houses. 5% of homes heat with utility gas and 91% with electricity.
How do you choose a towing company in Florida?
- Ask for the total price before the tow: hook-up fee, per-mile rate and any storage fees.
- Check that the company is licensed where you are; many cities license tow companies.
- Ask whether they'll take the car to the shop of your choice, not only their own lot.
- For a newer, AWD or low car, ask for a flatbed.
- Get a written receipt that shows the company's name, license number and charges.
Towing Companies in other states
Sources: Florida licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.