Towing Issues: Towing violation municode Hallandale Beach, FL., shell gas station, pembroke pines police

Question
My son car broke down at a Shell Gas Station off of 1-75 9A on Sunday morning. This Shell did not have any tow away signs up of any kind, so we informed the attendants we would be back for the car. His car was towed by AAAA Crosstown Towing we found after calling the Pembroke Pines Police. We called AAAA on Monday to pick up the car - we where told they would send someone to look at the vehicle regarding repair. Since we live over 110 miles away we needed to know what arrangements we needed to make(towing or driving) After calling a few times we realized it would be Tuesday before we would be able to pick up the car. On Tuesday we asked a mechanic next to AAAA towing to check the car since AAAA hadn't. He wasn’t able to get to the car because they had it packed into the yard. Thus incurring another day of expense, after many more calls we where told a bunch of stories regarding what AAAA's bill would be. From $629.00 to $800.00 +. Finally they quoted a price well over what a local dispatcher quoted out of the book for towing(178.00 more# Then they had us get a Cashier Check as they only accept cash #No Debit Cards) and a notarized letter with the towing company and drivers name picking up the car to overnight to AAAA. Incurring another days charge.  When I called to see if the car was ready, they asked what car - and said no one was at the yard until after lunch around 1:30. When I called again I was told they needed to see if the Cashiers check would clear the bank. It is now 2:00 it will take 2+ hours to drive 110 miles to tow the car. They are purposely holding up the pick up of our tow. At this time we are still waiting to see what other stories we will be told. This company is so unprofessional and incompetent that a report to the BBB is in order. We also own our own business and we treat our customers with the respect a consumer deserves. We think they are guilty of gouging consumers in Fl. With their prolonged response to calls and payment method they are basically bilking the public. Having gone over the municodes for Hallandale AAAA could only tow 5 miles from where the car was. They are 23 miles away. The tow company has to be available up to 11:00 at night or have someone hows name is on the door available in an hour to release the car. This company told us they close their operation at 5:00 and that was it. The municode also states tow signs must be posted and clearly state tow away... So having filed with BBB and finding they have a F rating and also filing a Fl. Consumer Complaint should we file in small claims court? Any reputable on line forms available?

Answer
Sorry for the delay in answering, but I have read, read and reread your question here.

It does sound as if the tow company was taking advantage of the distance involved and your not being there.
But I was not there so I really do not know.

Now as to what to do, you have started the process with complaints and all that, and you are able to go though the small claims court if you desire to. Just have to remember that you have to have all your documentation and records correct and prove to the judge that you were wronged.

Now the State of Florida has some regulations on towing and you might get some help there in determining if you were ripped off, or bilked.
Talk to the City and see if there are things which they can help you with, as they do have laws as you said and they might of been violated.

Wish I could answer with more information but this is one where its hard to really provide answers since some of this is going to end up legal battles.