Florida Statute 559.917 allows a customer to obtain release of his/her motor
vehicle from any lien claimed under Part II of Chapter 713 by a motor vehicle
repair shop for repair work performed under a written repair estimate. The
customer must post a bond, with the clerk in the circuit in which the disputed
transaction occurred. The bond shall be in the amount stated on the
invoice plus accrued storage charges, less any amount paid to the repair shop as
indicated on the invoice. The bond shall be payable to the person claiming
the lien and conditioned for the payment of any judgment which may be entered on
the lien and the bond must be cash, cashier's check or surety. The
customer must provide a copy of the final bill at the time of posting the bond.
A registry fee is also required at the time of deposit of the bond. Once
the bond is posted, the Clerk will issue a Certificate notifying the lienor of
the posting of the bond and directing the lienor to release the vehicle.
Preparation fees apply. Please reply to the fee schedule.
The lienor shall have 60 days to file a lawsuit to recover the bond. If the
lienor fails to file suit within 60 days, the bond is discharged and returned to
the customer.
Florida Statute 713.78 allows an owner or lien holder to file a complaint in the
County Court of the County where the vehicle/vessel is located to determine if
the vehicle/vessel was wrongfully taken or withheld. The owner or lien
holder must provide a copy of the final bill and post a bond in the amount of
the final bill, payable to the towing/storage company and conditioned for
payment of any judgment which may be entered on the lien. The bond must be
cash, cashier's check, or surety. A registry fee is also required at the
time of deposit of the bond. Once the bond is posted, the Clerk will issue
a Certificate notifying the storage company of the posting of the bond and
directing the storage company to release the vehicle. Filing fees and
preparation fees apply. Please refer to the fee schedule. The Court
will determine the rights of the parties and direct for payment or discharge of
the bond.