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Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on the type of lien you are filing and the situation. 

  • For a Mechanic Lien or “Labor, Service & Storage Lien” The vehicle may be sold at public Auction on the 61st business day.  Excluding weekends and holidays. If you have had the vehicle in your possession for over 60 days before the lien is filed, then we can usually complete the process in 30 business days.
  • For a Towing & Storage Lien – it depends on the age of the motor vehicle. We can usually complete the process after 35 days if the motor vehicle or vessel is more than 3 years of age or after 50 days if the motor vehicle or vessel is 3 years of age or less
  • In most cases, yes, you will receive a clean title to the vehicle described on the unpaid repair order or repair bill. There are circumstances where you will not be granted a title – such as the vehicle being stolen – by the DMV, but we can go over all of those issues with you.
  • Yes. The fees charged by the tax collector’s DMV office to transfer the certificate of title into your shop’s name is included.  You will receive a new title with your shop’s name as the new registered owner. 
  • Easiest answer to that question is that it depends. Not only can the amount vary by county, but there are specific statues that govern the circumstances under which storage is calculated and applied. To illustrate the complexities of the storage issue, here in Florida if you start the lien process with us within 15 days of the repairs being completed, then you can have storage accrue. If not, then only 15 days TOTAL of storage can be collected. The average storage fee is $35.00 per day x 15.00 = $525.00 plus the title fees.
  • Section 320.01(1)(a), Florida Statutes, defines motor vehicle as an automobile, motorcycle, truck, trailer, semi-trailer, truck tractor and semi-trailer combination, or any other vehicle operated on the roads of this state, used to transport persons or property, and propelled by power other than muscular power. The term does not include traction engines, road rollers,      special mobile equipment as defined in s. 316.003(48), vehicles that run only upon a track, bicycles, swamp buggies, or mopeds.
  • Section 713.78(1)(a), Florida Statutes, defines “vehicle” to mean any mobile item      whether motorized or not, which is mounted on wheels. This would include off-highway vehicles (such as utility trailers, travel trailers, semis and mobile homes.)
  • Section 713.78(1)(b), Florida Statutes, defines “vessel” to mean every description      of watercraft, barge, and air boat used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water, as defined in section 327.02(8)
  • Section 713.785, Florida Statutes, provides for the sale of a mobile home by a      mobile home transport company for unpaid recovery, towing and storage charges.
  • Section 713.785(1)(a), Florida Statutes, defines “mobile home transport company”      as a person regularly engaged in the business of transporting mobile homes.
  • Yes. We are required to submit a copy of the repair shop’s “Motor Vehicle Repair Registration Certificate” issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DOA) pursuant to the requirements of section 559.904, Florida Statutes, which was valid during the time the vehicle was taken in for repairs.   
  • EXCEPTION: An upholstery shop may legally act in accordance with s. 713.585, Florida Statutes; however, they are not required to register with the Department of Agriculture (DOA).
  • No matter what lien is currently on the car or money is owed by the customer to other institutions, our lien goes above all others. This means once we place the lien on the car all owners or lien holders have equal rights to the car from start of the paperwork to auction day. If either wants to pick up the car, they have to pay the remaining balance.

In Florida, the storage location for a non-consensual tow depends on the county’s population. In counties with 500,000 or more residents, the towed vehicle or vessel must be stored within a 10-mile radius of the removal point. In counties with fewer than 500,000 residents, the storage facility must be within a 15-mile radius. Compliance with these regulations is essential to avoid potential legal issues. Florida Lien Services, LLC helps clarify all the nuances involved in filing a successful tow lien.

In order to file a tow lien, all interested parties must receive certified registered mail and the public must be notified of the upcoming sale. Notice of Lien: A Notice of Lien must be sent via certified mail to the registered owner(s) and any lienholder(s) within seven business days from the date of the tow. Saturdays and Sundays are excluded from this timeframe. Public Sale Advertisement: The public sale must be advertised in a newspaper with general circulation in the county where the mobile home is stored. This advertisement must be published at least 10 calendar days before the sale date, including weekends. Florida Lien Services, LLC helps guide you with the technical requirements of filing tow liens properly.

If the outstanding balance remains unpaid, the vehicle or mobile home will be subject to a public sale. The sale must be advertised in a newspaper with general circulation in the county where the mobile home is stored. This advertisement must run at least 15 calendar days before the scheduled sale date, including weekends. Once the sale is completed, ownership may be transferred to the highest bidder, effectively clearing any prior claims to the title. Florida Lien Services, LLC is your trusted partner in securing payment or the title for your tow lien needs.

  • The starting price at auction will be the sum of the repair bill, storage and title fees.
  • The fees are added to the repair bill for mechanic liens. This means if the repair bill is paid for, the fees are paid for. For example, a customer picks up the car or the car is sold at the auction.
  • If the lien-holder or customer decides to pay the outstanding repair order or repair bill prior to our process being completed, yes, you still owe the balance for our services. You will not lose money, though. The customer or lien holder will have to pay for the entire repair bill balance that includes The Title Lady service and storage fees.
  • Auction day (prior to the vehicle coming to the block) is the last time an owner or lien holder can pay and pick up the car. Once the auction is over, we will begin the title transfer process.
  •  The vehicle may be sold at public auction on the 61st day. 
  • The owner of the vehicle must be notified upon completion of the repairs, if the owner does not pick up the vehicle storage may begin on the 4th business day. Your claim of lien letter should be mailed between the 4th and the 15 business day. 
  • The newspaper ad must run 15 days before the date of auction not including the date of the newspaper ad or the date of sale.
  • The repair shop must title the vehicle in their name.
  • You will need a Transfer of Title, the Certificate of Completion, the Report of Sale (both need to be filed and recorded with the Clerk of Court in your county, but the tax collector must have a copy as well), a copy of the work order, a bill of sale if the vehicle sold at auction, a copy of the certified letter, proof of publication from your newspaper and delivery confirmation and/or delivery manifest plus 3877. You must also submit a Certificate of Registration for Repair Shop: issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services pursuant to the requirements of section 559.904, Florida Statutes.
  • If all attempts to locate the owner or lien holder prove unsuccessful, the repair shop shall, within 15 business days, excluding Saturdays and Sundays, from the beginning date of assessment of storage charges, notify the local law enforcement agency using the “good faith letter”, this form is located under the tab “Special Forms”.
  • You must re-notice the sale by certified mail and re-advertise the sale in the newspaper. The same rules apply for re-notification. All interested parties must be notified and given at least a 15 day notice of the sale and the newspaper ad must run 15 days prior to the sale excluding the date of advertisement and the date of the sale. Please note that the same rules apply for 3877’s for towing and mechanic liens.

  • A tow lien is a legal claim placed on a vehicle by a towing company for unpaid towing and storage fees. In Florida, a tow lien can be applied when a vehicle is towed at the request of law enforcement at the scene of an accident or if the vehicle is abandoned, by the owner or lessor of the vehicle, or by the property owner where vehicle is kept. Florida Lien Services, LLC helps navigate the legal process of tow liens efficiently.

  • Having a complete tow ticket is crucial to meeting the necessary requirements. It must include the vehicle’s description and VIN, the location it was towed from, the address where it is stored, and any applicable storage or other fees. Failing to provide all required information may result in losing the right to claim fees for the vehicle. Florida Lien Services, LLC can assist in reviewing documentation to ensure all fees can be properly claimed.