The towing industry in Miami-Dade is licensed and regulated by Miami-Dade County.
Licensing and the regulatory program covers, among other things, vehicle safety standards, insurance requirements and background checks on business owners.
The program encompasses several consumer protection measures:
Require the express authorization of a property owner or agent prior to towing a vehicle
Require tow-away zone signs to be prominently posted
Provide additional protections for consumers who have been towed
Any person(s) or corporation that operates a towing business in Miami-Dade County must apply online, in person or by mail. Follow these instructions if you're applying online.
Certificate of occupancy (only applies to non-consent towers)
Articles of incorporation/fictitious name registration
Certificate of insurance (type and amounts of insurance as required by section 30-465 of the Miami-Dade County Code)
Description of management plan
Description of services (only applies to non-consent towers)
Towing and storage rates (only applies to non-consent towers)
Applicants must complete a criminal background check as part of the application process. Information regarding these requirements will be provided when the application is submitted.
Once the application and background check are complete, an enforcement officer will inspect the truck(s) to ensure that it complies with the requirements of the Miami-Dade County code. A decal will be placed on the windshield of the truck(s) when it passes inspection which authorizes its use as a towing vehicle.
If the application process is not completed within 60 days from the date that the application was filed with Miami-Dade County, the application will be considered abandoned and closed and a new application and fee will be required.
In the event of a change in ownership of a towing business, a new application and fee is required.
Changes in any material aspect of the towing business shall be provided to Miami-Dade County in writing along with proof of the change and the required fee, if replacement of the license is required, within 30 days of the change.
Annual business fee: $497
Late registration fee: $248.50
Decal fee: $114
Replacement decal fee: $97
Each additional vehicle fee: $191
The fees are non-refundable. A late fee will apply to renewal applications submitted after the expiration of the current registration. The late fee is in addition to the renewal fee.
Checks or money orders should be made payable to Miami-Dade County / CP. Visa, Mastercard and American Express are accepted when applying online and in person.
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