Release of Vehicle

Release of Vehicle - Motor Vehicle Repair Dispute

Florida Statute 559.917 allows a customer to obtain release of his/her motor vehicle from any lien claimed under Part II of Chapter 713 by a motor vehicle repair shop for repair work performed under a written repair estimate. The customer must post a bond, with the clerk in the circuit in which the disputed transaction occurred. The bond shall be in the amount stated on the invoice plus accrued storage charges, less any amount paid to the repair shop as indicated on the invoice. The bond shall be payable to the person claiming the lien and conditioned for the payment of any judgment which may be entered on the lien and the bond must be cash, cashier's check or surety. The customer must provide a copy of the final bill at the time of posting the bond. 

A registry fee is also required at the time of deposit of the bond. Once the bond is posted, the Clerk will issue a certificate notifying the lienor of the posting of the bond and directing the lienor to release the vehicle. Preparation fees apply. Please refer to the fee schedule (PDF).

The lienor shall have 60 days to file a lawsuit to recover the bond. If the lienor fails to file suit within 60 days, the bond is discharged and returned to the customer.

Release of Vehicle - Improper Towing & Storage

Florida Statute 713.78 allows an owner or lien holder to file a complaint in the County Court of the County where the vehicle/vessel is located to determine if the vehicle/vessel was wrongfully taken or withheld. The owner or lien holder must provide a copy of the final bill and post a bond in the amount of the final bill, payable to the towing/storage company and conditioned for payment of any judgment which may be entered on the lien. The bond must be cash, cashier's check, or surety. A registry fee is also required at the time of deposit of the bond. Once the bond is posted, the Clerk will issue a Certificate notifying the storage company of the posting of the bond and directing the storage company to release the vehicle. 

Filing fees and preparation fees apply. Please refer to the fee schedule (PDF). The Court will determine the rights of the parties and direct for payment or discharge of the bond.