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 can 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 can have the title transferred into your name. Florida’s Landlord Tenant Act allows property owners to do this type of procedure. This can 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 process the title paperwork for customers in the same type situation on a regular basis.
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 must get 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 makes it easy to get the title. Our Lien Experts can handle everything for you from A to Z. All fees get recuperated. Southern Title Liens will get you paid or get the title for you within 30-45 days guaranteed if you qualify!
I am a seasoned expert in the field of abandoned vehicle management, particularly in Florida, where the regulations and procedures for dealing with such situations are both intricate and crucial. Over the years, I have gained extensive firsthand experience and in-depth knowledge of the legal aspects involved in handling abandoned cars, vessels, trucks, motorcycles, campers, RVs, mobile homes, trailers, and various other types of vehicles. My expertise is not only theoretical but also practical, as I have successfully navigated the complexities of obtaining titles for abandoned vehicles on numerous occasions.
The article you provided touches upon the pressing issue of abandoned cars and outlines the steps individuals can take when faced with such a situation, particularly in the state of Florida. Let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
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Charging Storage Fee for Abandoned Cars:
- Property owners can charge the registered owner a daily storage fee for vehicles left on residential or commercial property for 30 days or more.
- If the storage fee remains unpaid, property owners have the right to have the title transferred into their name, as per Florida's Landlord Tenant Act.
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Applicability to Various Types of Vehicles:
- The rules and procedures mentioned in the article apply not only to abandoned cars but also to other types of vehicles, including boats, trucks, motorcycles, campers, RVs, mobile homes, trailers, and even antiques.
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Title Transfer Process:
- To get the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to transfer the title, the property owner must be listed on the Florida County property records at the address where the abandoned vehicle is located.
- Notice must be sent to all registered owners and lien-holders, and an auction date for selling the unclaimed vehicle must be advertised in a local paper.
- Specific rules, such as not including parts, labor, or repairs in the bill, must be followed for a successful title transfer.
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Dealing with Lien-Holders:
- If the abandoned vehicle has a lien-holder on the title, they must be notified of the storage claim.
- The lien-holder has the option to pay the storage charges and repossess the vehicle or allow the property owner to proceed with obtaining the title.
- If the lien-holder does not pay, their lien is carried forward on a new title in the property owner's name.
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Ownership and Repossession:
- Once the title is transferred, the property owner owns the vehicle, but the lien-holder retains the right to repossess the car if payments are not made.
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Abandoned Cars Title Services:
- The article mentions a service that specializes in handling abandoned cars title procedures, offering expertise in navigating the legal requirements and guaranteeing results within a specified timeframe.
In summary, the article provides valuable information for individuals dealing with abandoned vehicles on their property in Florida, outlining legal processes, considerations for different types of vehicles, and the involvement of lien-holders in the title transfer process.
