Florida HOA Laws

Towing Issues in HOAs and COAs – How CAMs Can Prevent Conflicts

Written by Heidi Hensell

October 9, 2025

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Parking enforcement can spark friction in Homeowners Associations (HOAs) and Condominium Associations (COAs). When vehicles park improperly or violate rules, towing may be necessary—but it often results in community conflict. As a Community Association Manager (CAM), it’s vital to understand towing policies and handle disputes with transparency and fairness.

Common Towing Challenges in HOAs & COAs

Unauthorized Vehicles: Guests or residents parked in restricted zones, fire lanes, or assigned spots.
Abandoned or Inoperable Vehicles: Cars left idle for extended periods that violate community appearance standards.
Inadequate Signage or Procedure: Towing without proper notice or without following legal guidelines.
Resident Complaints: Tensions arise when vehicles are towed wrongly, damaged, or caused inconvenience.

How to Prevent Towing Disputes

- Clear Rules & Communication
  Ensure your parking and towing policies are detailed in governing documents and resident handbooks. Prominent signage stating towing rules and contact information is essential.
- Use Licensed, Experienced Towing Vendors
  Only partner with towing companies licensed by the state and familiar with HOA laws—this helps mitigate risks and liability.
- Adhere to Proper Notice Procedures
  Florida law allows towing from private property, but it requires clear, prominent signage and strict compliance with notice requirements.
- Establish a Fair Towing Appeal Process
  Offer residents a method to dispute towing incidents—this promotes fairness, transparency, and goodwill.

Steps to Resolve Towing Issues When They Arise

Investigate thoroughly—take into account residents’ perspectives and any evidence (photos, video).
Coordinate with the towing company to confirm the validity of the tow.
Communicate transparently—explain the policy, why the action occurred, and next steps.
Educate residents through reminders on proper parking practices to prevent similar issues.
Ensure Clear Access by not obstructing extinguishers with decorations or furniture.
Display Usage Instructions nearby—making it easier for anyone to act if needed.

Legal Considerations for Florida Communities

Florida statutes enable property owners—including HOAs and COAs—to tow unauthorized vehicles, provided there’s visible signage and adherence to notice and distance requirements. Towing companies must notify local police and identify storage sites promptly. Laws differ by jurisdiction, and recent changes—such as protections for pickup trucks—may impact towing policies in Florida.

Final Thoughts

Towing may be necessary to enforce parking rules, but it must be done ethically and legally. CAMs can prevent conflicts by maintaining clear policies, working with trusted vendors, and promoting community awareness. With fairness and communication, towing enforcement becomes a tool—not a source of contention.