Wrecker Operator Information

Participation in the wrecker operator system is voluntary and at the discretion of the Sheriff.

Each wrecker operator owner requesting to participate in the PCSO wrecker operator system must complete an application for inclusion on the wrecker operator rotation list. A separate application and all applicable fees must be submitted for each business location. All forms must be completed in their entirety. 

Initial Fees: The initial application fee is $200.00 for each business location. A $50.00 fee is charged for each wrecker inspection. All fees are non-refundable. 

The Initial Application must include the following:  

• Application for Inclusion on the Wrecker Operator Rotation List (PCSO Form 1657) 
• Wrecker Insurance Statement of Compliance (PCSO Form 1652)
• Wrecker Driver Information (PCSO 1651) 

• A completed criminal history check for each wrecker operator owner, drivers, and office personnel of the wrecker company – A Florida Criminal History Information Request (A completed criminal history must be conducted on each employee of the wrecker company. This form can be completed and submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) or the criminal history can be completed online at www.fdle.state.fl.us).  The FDLE will charge $24.00 for each criminal history completed.
• A copy of valid insurance for the wrecker company/trucks
• A copy of a current city/county business license 

Renewal Application: Wrecker operator owners approved for participation in the Polk County Sheriff’s Office wrecker operator system must update their information annually. All of the above-mentioned forms for initial applications must be completed for each renewal.  

Renewal Fees: The initial application fee is $100.00 for each business location. A fee of $25.00 is charged for each wrecker inspection. All fees are non-refundable.

All completed forms, required fees, and Florida Criminal History Information Requests results must be submitted to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.  Make all checks payable to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.  All fees are non-refundable.

Upon receipt of the application, PCSO shall conduct a driver license check for each driver employed by the wrecker company. Any driver(s) with an expired driver license or revoked/suspended driver license shall not be permitted to participate as a driver for the wrecker operator rotation until such time the driver(s) has a valid driver license. 

PCSO will then schedule a date/time to conduct an inspection of the wrecker operator owner’s wreckers and equipment. All wreckers inspected and approved shall display the approved inspection decal provided by PCSO. Once approved by PCSO to be on the wrecker operator rotation list, the wrecker operator owners will be assigned to sectors/beats within Polk County.

Written Correspondence:

PCSO CIC/Warrants Administrative Unit

1891 Jim Keene Blvd

Winter Haven, FL  33880

It is the responsibility of each wrecker operator owner to be familiar with the following:

• Florida Administrative Code Chapter 15B-9, Wrecker Qualifications and Allocation System
• PCSO General Order 66.3., Wrecker Operator System
• Polk County Ordinance No. 08-065, Regulating the Maximum Prices Tow Truck Operators Can Charge for Nonconsensual Towing Services
• Polk County Resolution No. 03-17, Schedule of Maximum Prices for Nonconsensual Towing Services                                                       
• Polk County Ordinance No. 13-059, Amending Regulations for the Maximum Prices Tow Truck Operators Can Charge for Nonconsensual Towing Services                                                                          
• Florida State Statutes 713.78 “Liens for recovering, towing, or storing vehicles and vessels,” and 715.04 “Vehicles or vessels parked on private property;towing.”