Abandoned cars are a big problem these days. We receive calls on a regular basis about it. Consumers are inquiring about what to do with abandoned cars left on private land, etc. Some people contact a towing company and have them towed away if the vehicles are not worth anything. But if the unclaimed cars are of any significant value, that is not the only option in Florida. Especially if you own property. Read more to learn what to do with an abandoned car. There are options.
Get the Title to Abandoned Car on Your Property
If you have an abandoned car on your property you may be able to charge the registered owner a daily storage fee. This applies to vehicles left for 30+ days on residential or commercial property. (Depending on situation). If this daily storage fee goes unpaid, you could have the title transferred into your name if you qualify. Florida’s Landlord Tenant Act allows property owners to do this type of procedure. This could be done even if the owner of the abandoned auto is not a former tenant. (Florida Statutes 715.106).
This rule also applies to any abandoned automobiles or:
- Abandoned Vessel or Boat
- Abandoned Truck
- Abandoned Motorcycle
- Abandoned Campers
- Abandoned RV
- Abandoned Mobile Home
- Abandoned Trailer
- Old Abandoned Cars or Antiques
- Abandoned New Cars
How to Get a Title For a Car That’s Abandoned
If you’ve wondered “how to get a title for a car left on my property”, I can assure you that it can be done. We have processed title paperwork for customers in the same type situation before.
The main rules to follow to get DMV to transfer the title over to you:
- Your name must me on the Florida County property records at the address where the abandoned cars got left at.
- You must send a notice to all the registered owners and lien-holders assigned to the vehicle. Everyone must get notified.
- An auction date to sell the unclaimed vehicle must be advertised in a local paper.
- Parts, labor or repairs can not be part of your bill. (Mechanics Lien)
- You can not claim towing charges (That is a Tow Lien)
- The title status can not be a Certificate of Destruction.
- A specific protocol and timeline must be followed to be successful.
- You must release the car if the claim of lien gets paid.
What if Vehicle Has a Lien on the Title Like Repo Cars?
If the abandoned auto has a lien-holder on the title, they also must be notified of your storage claim. They will have the opportunity to decide if they want to pay your storage charges and repossess it or not. If they do pay your storage bill, then you must release the vehicle to them after they pay you. But, if they decide not to pay you, then their loan lien will get carried forward on a new title that is in your name. The DMV will hold the title electronically until the lien gets released by the lien-holder. You will still own the vehicle. You can get it insured, put a new plate on it and drive it. But, you will not be able to sell it, until the lien-holder releases their loan lien.
Can Lien Holder Repossess Car If I Don’t Pay Them?
If you do not pay the lien-holder any payments after the title is put in your name. The lien-holder can repossess the car if they want to. Once you own the abandoned cars, you could contact the lien-holder again to work something out. One thing to consider though is that the lien-holder will not have a loan agreement in writing with you. It would be hard for them to win a lawsuit if you took them to court. We can not offer legal advice, just saying. Repo cars get abandoned all the time because people can’t pay the loan payment. The lien-holder will usually pay your storage bill to get the vehicle back. That is, if the storage bill is reasonable and the vehicle is still in good condition.
Abandoned Cars Title Services
Our Abandoned Cars Title Services could make it easier to get the title to an abandoned vehicle. Our Title Clerks may be able to handle everything for you if you qualify.