Legal Question in Traffic Law in Florida

I parked in a parking lot overnight. It said it was a tow away zone. The next day I went to retrieve the car and when I arrived a person was present charging people to park, and they wanted $30. I refused saying when I parked no signs were present and my car was deliberately blocked in by another car. I called the police. They informed me I needed to pay or my car would be towed. Of course I then paid.

I believe that I was not liable for this charge as there was no notice about payment. I believe that I was not in any contract to this individual who wanted money so they had no right to charge me for a service I did not know the terms of. I also believe the police acted in error as Florida parking law states that a car cannot be towed if the operator is present and trying to retrieve it. I also believe if anyone had a case for getting someone towed, it was me, who was blocked in.

An I right? If so I would like to complain about the police officer, as well as retrieve my thirty dollars, plus compensation for injury to feelings.


Asked on 6/03/13, 12:43 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Craig Epifanio Craig Epifanio, P.A.

You could always take the parking lot owner to small claims court as that is about your only remedy. You can file a complaint against the officer although it won't help you with getting money back, it will at least document this officer's attitude and he may be disciplined.

Read more
Answered on 6/03/13, 1:04 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Traffic Law questions and answers in Florida