Sometimes, but a private neighborhood road is not an automatic tow-away zone. In Florida, an HOA needs a lawful basis to control the parking, authority to arrange the tow, and compliance with the applicable towing requirements. A sign at the entrance does not settle every one of those questions.
This discussion concerns Florida homeowners’ associations under Chapter 720. Condominium parking arrangements and public streets can require a different analysis.
First, establish whose road it is
A gate, neighborhood monument, or HOA-maintained landscape does not prove that the association owns the street. The road might be public, association-owned, developer-owned, or subject to easements that protect access and parking rights.
Look at the recorded plat, deeds, easements, and governing documents. Then identify the actual parking restriction and who adopted it. If the association is acting for another property owner, its authorization matters too. A board cannot create unlimited property rights simply by calling a street private.
Florida towing law adds requirements
Section 715.07 allows a property owner, lessee, or authorized person to arrange removal of a vehicle parked without permission, subject to statutory conditions. Those conditions address matters including tow-away notices, sign placement and content, reporting the completed tow to law enforcement, storage, and vehicle retrieval.
For example, when the statute’s posted-notice requirement applies, the required signs generally must have been continuously maintained for at least 24 hours before towing. The towing company must notify the appropriate police department or sheriff within 30 minutes after completing the removal.
There are exceptions and additional details. Personal notice can matter, and local towing ordinances may add requirements. Do not assume that every missing sign automatically invalidates a tow, or that one entrance sign automatically makes every tow lawful.
A protected parking right still matters
Current section 720.3075(3)(d) limits HOA restrictions on personal vehicles, including pickups, and certain work vehicles. The protection does not authorize parking everywhere, but the association cannot justify enforcement solely through a restriction that applicable law prohibits.
Also distinguish towing from fining. The notice and hearing procedure for an HOA fine is not a substitute for the towing statute. Conversely, it is not accurate to say that every tow requires a fining-committee hearing first.
If your vehicle is towed
- Confirm where it was taken through the posted towing information or appropriate local law-enforcement agency.
- Photograph the parking location and signs, including their visibility, wording, and placement.
- Keep the invoice, receipt, notices, photographs, and any explanation of who authorized removal.
- Request the specific parking provision and review the local towing ordinance.
- Address retrieval promptly while preserving evidence and seeking advice about disputed charges. Do not assume that arguing with the board stops storage charges.
The useful question is not just “Was the street private?” It is whether this association could lawfully remove this vehicle from this location using this procedure.
Florida law checked October 22, 2026. This is general educational information, not individual legal advice. A disputed tow or threatened repeat tow deserves review of the actual documents and local rules.