Drivers in Hillsborough County whose vehicles are towed at police direction or removed from private property will soon face higher fees. County commissioners voted 7-0 on Wednesday to advance an update to the county-set towing rates.

The vote directs the county attorney’s office to return with a resolution to put the new rates in place. The changes are not yet in effect.

Towing operators dominated the meeting, arguing that fuel, labor, insurance, and equipment costs have climbed so far that current rates are unworkable. Anthony Huffman told commissioners, “Our industry is really suffering at this point.” Industry leaders said they spent more than a year reviewing towing categories and costs line by line with county staff before making their recommendations.

The county’s own review examined rates last changed in 2023 and compared them with other jurisdictions. Staff also examined specialized towing and recovery work involving large commercial vehicles, buses, boats, and major incidents.

Justin Heller, who chairs the local area for the Professional Wrecker Operators of Florida and is vice president of a local towing company, said industry operating costs have risen more than 40 percent over six years. He said a tow truck that cost about $72,000 in 2019 now runs about $140,000. Heller argued that those costs have outpaced the county’s roughly 15 percent rate increase, and he urged a bigger adjustment.

Mike McArthur, director of operations at Stepp’s Towing, said the regulatory burden adds to the pressure. Operators must be on call around the clock, every day of the week, and carry equipment police agencies require, he said. He called diesel one of the largest expenses, noting that tow trucks often idle for long stretches at crash scenes and recoveries.

The proposal also includes a conditional $25 fuel surcharge meant to offset costs when diesel prices are elevated. McArthur said it would cover only a small part of what companies spend on fuel, but that it would help the industry through a tough stretch.

Commissioners acknowledged that many county-regulated tows are non-consensual, meaning the vehicle owner has no say in whether the car is moved. County leaders said any rate change has to weigh the industry’s finances against protections for drivers. Commissioner Christine Miller, who made the motion, said her goal was to find a fair rate for the industry while keeping appropriate protections for the public.

The county-regulated rates apply mainly to trespass tows and tows ordered by law enforcement. Towing companies generally set their own prices for voluntary tows, such as a driver calling for help after a breakdown. The proposed changes will return to the board as a resolution before taking effect.

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