Q1W |
When does a wrecker service provider have to be licensed by the PTC? |
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A1W |
If a wrecker service performs service for any governmental agency in Hillsborough County, they must possess a Certificate from the PTC. This primarily pertains to those desiring to be on a particular law enforcement "rotation" list but, it also includes services performed for other government agencies such as public schools, government offices, parks or fair grounds. Contact the Office of the PTC for specifics. (813)272-5814 |
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Q2W |
Does the PTC regulate those wrecker companies that tow cars from parking lots at apartments, night spots or restaurants? |
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A2W |
Only if the towing was performed at the request of a government agency. Others are considered private non-consensual tows and are outside of the PTC's regulatory jurisdiction. Ordinances of Hillsborough County or a particular city ordinance would apply, along with Florida Statutes. |
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Q3W |
Who controls the amount a wrecker company can charge? |
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A3W |
For government agency requested tows, the PTC has set maximum rates the companies are allowed to charge. Those rates are available on this web site. For other tows, outside of the PTC regulatory jurisdiction, the respective county or city ordinances would apply. |
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Q4W |
Who should I call for those tows outside of the PTC's regulatory jurisdicion? |
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A4W |
Depending upon where you were towed, you would contact the Sheriff's office or city police. |
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Q5W |
Can I pay by check or credit card? |
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A5W |
The PTC rules do not address this particular question but, most wrecker companies require payment in cash or some other secure form of payment. Call the company in advance to inquire. |
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Q6W |
Who can pick up the towed vehicle from the wrecker service? |
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A6W |
Florida Statutes address this issue and require that only a registered owner, a person authorized by the owner by a notarized letter from the owner or a lien holder can pick up a vehicle. |
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Q7W |
When can I pick up my car? |
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A7W |
You can pick up your car 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, after 6:00 p.m. or before 8:00 a.m. the wrecker service has one hour to respond. Additionally, the wrecker service can charge an additional $25 for releasing or inspecting a vehicle outside of mandatory working hours which are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday (certain holidays excepted). |
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Q8W |
What kind of rates can a PTC regulated towing service charge? |
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A8W |
A set of maximum towing rates is located elsewhere on this web site but, in general, the companies can charge a hook-up and towing charge, a mileage charge and per-day storage charge if the vehicle is not picked up in the first 24 hours. For more serious accidents, there may be additional labor or unique situation charges depending upon the circumstances. After 3 days, the wrecker service may also charge an administrative charge for the filing of lien notices. |
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Q9W |
What happens if I decide not to claim my wrecked car? |
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A9W |
Florida Statutes address most issues related to this subject but, in general terms, if a vehicle is towed and stored and has not been claimed by the registered owner or lien holder within 35 days, the wrecker service may sell the vehicle at public auction free of any prior liens. Additionally, the registered owner will be prohibited from registering another vehicle with the State until the expenses of the wrecker service for towing the vehicle have been satisfied. |
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Q10W |
What am I allowed to recover or remove from my car after it has been towed? |
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A10W |
Only those personal items that are not attached to the vehicle. This includes your license plate but does not include radios, speakers, wheels or other attached items. |
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Q11W |
What is the enabling legislation for the PTC? |
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A11W |
The latest is Chapter 2001-299, Laws of Florida. |
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Q12W |
Where can I find this law? |
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A12W |
You won’t find it listed in the Florida Statutes because it is part of the Laws of Florida and is a local law. You can find a copy of it on this web site under enabling legislation. |
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Q13W |
Are there other licenses required to operate in Hillsborough County as a for-hire transportation service? |
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A13W |
Yes. Your vehicle must be inspected and receive a permit and the driver must be issued a Public Vehicle Driver’s License (PVDL) which is issued by the PTC. |
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Q14W |
Is there a criminal background check for drivers? |
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A14W |
Yes. There are certain criminal offenses that might prevent someone from being authorized a PVDL. You cannot be on probation. Most convictions for felonies, drug related crimes, sex offenses and drinking and driving will make an individual ineligible. You can discuss your history with the staff before you submit an application if you have questions. |
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Q15W |
As a driver, am I required to be drug tested? |
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A15W |
Every Certificate holder (licensed operator) is required to maintain a drug-free workplace. It is their responsibility to require the drug testing of drivers. |
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Q16W |
What do you need to do to receive a Certificate for a wrecker service that is eligible to serve government agencies such as the Sheriff’s Office or TPD? |
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A16W |
Step 1. Read Chapter 2001-299, Laws of Florida, and the Rules for Wrecker Service of the Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission. Both of these documents describe the process for becoming licensed to operate a public vehicle in Hillsborough County. |
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Step 2. Fill out an application provided by the PTC for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. The application requires a good deal of information about the applicant including a criminal background check, fingerprinting, a credit report on the individual or the corporation, information about the business’s financial status, the individual’s driving history, an explanation about how the service will operate and a justification as to why the service is needed considering the adequacy of the existing service providers. The credit bureau report may be obtained through Merit Credit at (800) 371-3348. The application also requires you to request a specific number of vehicle permits. |
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Step 3. Pay a non-refundable filing fee of $500 when you submit the completed application. We are not allowed to accept a partially completed application. |
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Step 4. Have your facilities and vehicles inspected by the PTC to ensure they meet the requirements described in the Rules and in Florida Statutes. |
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Step 5. The application is reviewed by the PTC Director and he will make a recommendation and will present the application to the Commission at the next scheduled monthly Commission meeting. If approved by the Commission, the applicant must then pay the annual fee for the number of permits approved. The permit cost is $290 for the first wrecker permit and $75 for each permit after that. These amounts will be pro-rated depending upon what quarter of the fiscal year the application was approved. |
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Step 6. Following approval and prior to beginning service, the company must provide an insurance certificate to the PTC and have each driver properly licensed by the PTC to operate a vehicle for hire. |
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The process takes approximately 30 days to complete. |
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Once approved, the Certificate information will be provided to local law enforcement agencies. They may or may not be taking on additional wrecker services to add to their rotation lists. |
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Operating prior to approval, without the proper licensing, is illegal and the violator is subject to arrest. |
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There is no legal way to operate temporarily pending Commission approval. |
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The Rules contain information about insurance levels required, specific vehicle requirements, rates allowed to be charged, individual operator requirements and much, much more. |
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