Car Lockout in Miami, FL

Parking shapes a Miami lockout

Wynwood has been a garment district since the 1920s, and its once-abandoned warehouses now hold artists, restaurants and cafes. In an area like that, say whether the car is on the street or in a private lot, because towing from private lots is regulated. If you are unsure who runs a lot, ask before making a request: the owner or the owner's agent is one of the parties who can authorize a tow.

Tow-away signs and county rules

Miami-Dade County regulates towing from private property under Chapter 30 of the county code. Tow-away signs must be prominently posted with the storage facility's name, address and phone number, and a tow company needs express authorization from law enforcement, the property owner or the owner's agent. A towed car cannot be taken to a storage facility more than 10 miles from where it was picked up. Section 30-473(k) sets the forms of payment a tow company must accept, and cash-only policies are prohibited.

If your locked car sits under a tow-away sign, mention it in your request. If a car has vanished from a private lot, the posted sign names the storage facility, so read it before assuming theft. This is general information, not legal advice.

Heat, and what to send

Cabin heat builds in a parked car. Never leave a child or pet in a car, and if one is locked inside, call 911 right away.

• The street address or building name, the nearest cross streets, and the garage level or lot.
• The car's make, model, year and color.
• Whether the keys are inside and whether the engine is running.
• Photo ID and the vehicle registration, to show the car is yours.
• Whether a tow-away sign is posted nearby, and the storage facility it names.

If the key is lost rather than locked inside, see car key replacement. The car lockout page describes the service.