News in 2020

Updated TL-25 and TL-26

for Towing on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 by Michele Lee

Wait for it…Be on the look-out for an Updated TL-25 and TL-26!

Hey Florida tow companies, mechanic and repair shops, and title companies, release by the DHSMV is anticipated any week now. At ADD, we’ve been working hard on your behalf to get our forms and DirectPost-Office programming updated to conform to changes made by the legislature in 2019 that went into effect in January.

While we’ve had ongoing meetings and conversations with the department and feel confident that our paperwork meets the new requirements based on our discussions with them, we’re all in the same boat as we wait for the new TL-25 and TL-26 to be released by the state.

We also know that this has created confusion with both industry and county Tax Collector offices. While the department’s interpretation of the new statute won’t be completely revealed until they issue the new TL’s, here’s what we know is outlined in the new statute. These are the changes we have confirmed with the state and these are the changes we have based our forms and processes on at this point. 

Based on the language in the legislation that passed and became law effective January 1, 2020, here are a few items that seem to be explicit in the statute:

  • The administrative fee is capped at $250;
  • The return address must be listed as the physical mailing address of the towing company or mechanic and repair shop;
  • In no event shall any Florida lien notice be sent less than 30 days before the sale; and
  • The last 8 digits of the VIN will be printed in the delivery address box and the outside of the envelope.

There are many changes that all of our valued customers need to be aware of. When the department releases the new TL documents, we will notify our customers and provide a copy for review through your account. We will continue to work with the Florida Tax Collectors to better understand changes and to advocate for our customers when there are questions about the revisions in our paperwork. Understanding and following the TL is part of doing business in Florida. When these new documents are released, please take the time to read and understand the requirements. And please know that, as always, your friendly and knowledgeable customer service representatives are here to help!