Predatory towing, sanctioned by Premier Association Management for a kickback I guess. I have lived here almost 20yrs, this company actively rides around the neighborhood all day long looking for cars to tow. It's literally 2.2 miles away from my neighborhood . They towed my mom's car for being parked on the side of the road in under 10min while she was unloading groceries $125 to get back, predatory towing riding around the neighborhood in circles between 4-7pm when people are unloading, getting off work, moving cars etc. I have had my boyfriends car about to be towed when the emergency lights where on as he was helping me with luggage and unloading the baby. We came out and it was being lifted, the guy let it off for $75 which I'm 1000% sure he just pocketed the money. Same thing happened with a friend who was waiting in the door way car STILL RUNNING AND THEY ATTEMPTED TO TOW. We paid the guy $50 and he let it down. Again this is all sanctioned by the HOA PREMIER ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT, I guess the yearly raise in fees isn't enough they still insist on letting these people harass and damage cars in the neighborhood and fleece them for money. My car was recently towed illegally and I will be filing a report for PREMIER ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT and ATHENS TOWING. Towing laws have changed and clearly they are not aware, the HOA is supposed to give you notice if an owner is in some type of violationand can be towed. Athens towing only accepts one form of payment a violation of Florida law HB 179-- Companies must accept various forms of payment. Florida's House Bill 1203, effective July 1, 2024, restricts HOAs from towing or penalizing residents for parking personal vehicles, including pickup trucks, in their own driveways Key 2024–2026 Florida HOA Towing Updates & Laws: Driveway Protection: HOAs cannot tow personal vehicles (including pickup trucks) parked in a homeowner's driveway or designated parking area. Authorization Required: Routine "patrol towing" (where towing companies roam and take cars) is illegal; tow companies must have direct, signed authorization from the HOA for each specific vehicle removed. Signage & Notice: Signs must be posted at entry points, reflecting 2-inch high lettering with towing
And I have video proof it was infact predatory towing. The tow truck driver was literally just circling the neighborhood. And some pretty other pathetic moves that distinctly prove IT WAS INDEED PREDATORY TOWING!
I will be filing a complaint with the BBB, and the city, and the state. Enough is enough. If you read some of the reviews below you will see the many laws they are still actively and knowingly breaking. Charging fees to let cars down, circling neighborhoods, still accepting cash only
Towed my car from a business I was shopping at !!! Seriously messed up I would never use this service then charged me to release my car - how dare you know where I was shopping and eating !! I parked with many spots of public spaces open I just so happened to be in the business I was intended to use but started next door for a bite apparently it can only shops in one place - the guy was rude and how on the hell did he know where I was doing business at!! Jaly’s I will go to business ever again you can thank this shady tow service
This people are going to get exactly what they are asking for. They are frauds and their state license needs to be revoked immediately. My vehicle got towed and I’m not disputing the reason why it got towed. I’m disputing the excessive fees!
We called them and they stated it was going to be $175.00 to get the vehicle back. Called them back the next day after securing proper storage for my vehicle so it won’t get towed again. They now stated it would cost $480.00 to get my vehicle back because my vehicle got towed at 1:27pm on 1/12/26 and I called them on 1/13/26 at 4:30pm Stating I’m past 24 hours. These liars stated they called the DMV & put a lien on my vehicle and sent me certified letters. Remind you my vehicle was towed on 1/12/26. I checked the DMV it shows NO record of a lien on my vehicle. We told them we are on the way to the location to pick up the vehicle and if they can bring a receipt and proof of the Lien being filed.
When I asked for PROOF that they sent me letters via certified mail as required by law if they are going to place a lien on any vehicle in FL. This man stated getting dramatic telling me they don’t have to show me nothing, they don’t have to send anything certified. He can just leave and someone else can come after waiting an 1hour for him to show up when he said he was 10-15 mins away.
I called the police to get a report filed. The police shows up talks to the guy and this guy pulls out his phone and shows him something that ChatGPT said on why he can charge me so much. This is what the officer said to me what he was showing them instead of showing the officer proof of the Lien. They said they can’t do anything because it’s a civil matter, but the police agreed they have NEVER heard a Tow company charging $480 if the vehicle was towed the day before.
They created a whole fake receipt one says $511. After me picking up the vehicle on 1/13/26, they have updated the receipt and now it states I picked up my vehicle on 1/14/26 at 7:50am which is not true. I’m so happy I called the police from the location.
I am just telling you this. You should reach out to resolve this with me, or I will see you in court! I already reported you to the state and I’m not done!
I was in a jam after locking my keys in the car. Thank you Athen’s Towing and Recovery for getting me back into my vehicle! Quick response time and exceptional customer service. If you’re looking for a reliable and trustworthy tow-company, I highly recommend Athen’s Towing and Recovery.
Niko, is absolutely the best! I had my car stolen from Palm Bay, FL, and after 2 days I was notified by the police that my car was found in Sanford, FL, 80 miles away. So I got a ride up there to get my car only to find there was no key with the car. After having a key made by the dealer, which did not work, Niko referred me to one of his friends who owned a mobile locksmith, Bobby of Fast Keys Automotive. I'm not sure which one of these two guys is the best, but I felt I had my guardian angels up there being so far from home. So after Bobby makes me a key and we try it, it was knocking like crazy! Anyway Niko tells me don't worry about it, we'll get it checked out or we'll get you something. I'm sure I have something here in the lot that would be good for you. So before I get to that point he tells me another friend of his Gary from Otto's Towing who is a mechanic will come and let me know if there's anything that could be done with my car or that's the end of it. Anyway all these guys were so awesome, so caring, and made me feel so at ease even though I was in such a horrible situation, and this was in the middle of the night. He said don't worry about it, just leave your car here in the front lot, and it will be fine. So turns out when the mechanic came, my engine definitely was blown. So Niko offered a car to me and had the mechanic check it out for me. So I am forever grateful to these three guys. And the mobile locksmith, Bobby, actually gave me almost half my money back because he felt bad for me! I wish that they all lived down here near me. Thank you guys for what was a horrible situation and you made it totally bearable. And, I have three new friends that I feel I really can count on. Athens Towing is awesome!
Willy went above and beyond. I was worried about the tow because it was locked in park and it's four wheel drive but he took care of everything and came faster than the estimate. Gracias Willy!!
Fast and Great service. I called and spoke to Nick. He informed me that he would be at the pick up location with in 10 minutes, and he was. Thank you Nick!!
Athen’s towing, by far, is the best towing company I have ever dealt with.
I am so thankful I called them.
My nephew broke down late in the evening on the highway on Thanksgiving weekend. I started calling towing companies and every call seemed to be a strained conversation with no good results. Then I landed on the jackpot! From the moment Miranda picked up the phone her cheerful voice was kind and very helpful. She not only quoted me a price for the towing, but she also recommended a garage close to his location without hesitation.
Even when it turned out we did not need the tow anymore, when I called Miranda again she stayed in her kind and cheerful manner and told me she was glad my nephew was ok. She said that the tow truck had already left but she would cancel the tow AND she would give me a full refund. I was blown away by her "little town" kindness.
Miranda's cheerful voice and her kind demeanor lasted the entirety of our exchanges. I could not be more impressed with her or her interest in my nephew being ok and getting the help he needed.
We live in an age where customer service is lacking, or even nonexistent, having Miranda on the other end of the phone in a difficult situation was a breath of fresh air!
The service was expedient and quite friendly. There were absolutely no issues. The car was transported in perfect condition. I highly recommend to anybody that reads this. This may sound like a bot, but I'm doing voice rn
These clowns think they can charge 150$ FOR A JUMP START , not only is that predatory but it's also downright price gouging. If you have a dead battery, go anywhere else, call anyone else, wait for someone with common courtesy or just sleep in your car because you can get a whole new battery for that price.
Very disappointed with this towing company. The staff was extremely rude and unprofessional. When I called for information, the person on the phone spoke to me with complete disrespect, even saying, “I don’t need to talk to you. I told you before.” I was shocked by the tone and attitude—it’s hard to believe anyone would speak to a customer that way. There was no courtesy or basic professionalism. I would not recommend this company based on how I was treated.
This company is predatory and unprofessional. They towed my car from directly in front of my own home, then changed the price from $115 to $125 when I showed up to pick it up. The employee I dealt with was polite, but the owner runs this business in a shady and careless way—avoid them at all costs.
These people are a bunch of crooks, don’t ever deal with them . I went to visit my daughter in Kays landing for the first time they just moved in and I arrived there at 12 midnight. I asked my son in law about parking in front of the house he said it was ok as there was other cars in the street . So he got up in the morning and was going to work and he left at 630 am . These crooks came into the development and towed my car after that and didn’t knock on the door or leave a notice that my car had been towed . After calling a tow company in the area looking for my car he said they usually post a sign outside the development and I found a sign with these shady people on it . It also said hours of towing are between 12 midnight and 6am . So I called the number on the sign and the guy was rude and told me to get my car it would cost $125 and if I didn’t show up in two hours it would be another’s $50 . I asked him why he didn’t knock on the door or leave a notice letting me know they had my car . He said they don’t do that . They have shady business practices and I for one urge you not to do any business with this business!
This company is horrible. They towed my husband’s car, damaged it and will not respond to us. When you show up there of course there is never any management to take care of any issue. Zero stars! The worst!
These guys are awesome! Our vehicle stranded at walmart! We called & they were right on it in very good time! Everything professional, & tow driver was friendly & very helpful!! Highly Recommend!!
The staff has been nothing but rude and downright dismissive in communications. They kept my car, got ownership of it AND PLACED LIEN AGAINST MY DRIVERS LICENSE TO PAY FOR THE TOW. I guess the car and everything i owned in it at the time wasnt enough. I tried numerous times to reach a conclusion, no way, pay the money is all i got
Spoke with nick and talked out our issue , lost $125 but it is what it is. We had a misunderstanding about my decal. I have a business ended up doing business with him and now he will be towing locally for my patients with trouble, hopefully keeping these guys busy to not tow our cars ;) . At the end of the day not easy being the bad guy to give the bad news sometimes communication with a smile goes a long way… just when you get your affairs in order and don’t park in handicap if your not. Have an amazing day and look forward to doing business with you , on my way to pick up the car. There are no hidden fee . 125 same day 50 extra after 6. You get a sticker the day before that warns you they don’t just pick up your car! They warn you.
ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE. These guys are rude, unprofessional, and seem to care about nothing but squeezing as much money out of you as possible. They towed my car in the middle of the night and I was never even notified that my car was gone until I figured it out by myself. Despite the car being there for only a few hours, they charged an extra $50 on top of the already outrageous fee.
What’s worse is, I have no idea what they did to my car while it was in their hands — which leaves me feeling extremely uneasy. The person who came to unlock my car was beyond rude, had zero manners, and all he cared about was demanding cash upfront. It’s shocking how openly unfriendly and unprofessional they were.
I genuinely feel bad for anyone else who might have to deal with this in the future. It’s honestly hard to believe that, in 2025, we still have companies operating like this — acting like shady street hustlers trying to make a quick buck under the table.
Honestly, this place seriously needs to be investigated. Maybe then they’ll finally understand how to treat people properly.
No upfront pricing. Car accident happened and they were prompt to come and tow the car. However, we called for how much the car was going to be to pick up the car. On Friday, the fee was priced at $375 to pick up on Monday. On Monday to pick it up ended up being over $700! They claim an administrative fee. How much administration to you need to put a car in a fenced yard?! I feel very taken, especially when I asked for it prior to the weekend.
They sounded honest on the phone, but they blatantly lied to us, when we arrived at the yard to pick up!
IF YOU WANT TO WITNESS THE EPITOME OF UNPROFESSIONALISM AND LACK OF CUSTOMER SERVICE, THIS TOWING COMPANY SETS THE STANDARD.
You’d get better service in the most underdeveloped parts of the world than from this company.
My car was towed due to an expired registration tag. After paying a $125 fee in cash, I got my car back at 6 PM, planning to visit the DMV the next morning.
Shockingly, at 1 AM, they towed my car again! By 8 AM, when I was ready to go to the DMV, the car was gone, forcing me to cancel an important meeting and take a Lyft to go and get my car for the second time in less than 12 hours.
Their rude, unapologetic staff show no semblance of customer service. Not even in my worst circumstances would I deal with them again if I had the choice. I’ll make sure our HOA thinks twice before dealing with them again.
10/12/2024. Saturday. 1:30 a.m. initially called them at 1:30 a.m. Believe it or not. Tow truck driver was dead asleep and stated he would show up within 1 hour or less. He never bothered to ask me my name or my cell phone number. I did state to him my exact location of where my breakdown was. He never showed up. As a result. I called back and I left one voicemail message. Followed by deliberately blowing up their phone about 15 times in the middle of the night and no one answered.
Of course. I did call a different towing company and they showed up within 45 minutes. With a slightly cheaper rate to pay for the tow and a much more professional and polite attitude. Believe it or not.
On Wednesday 10/10/2024. During Hurricane Milton. I received Athens Towing Service from the Sheriff's Office and Florida's Road Ranger. However, I never received a receipt from Athens and received the runaround. When I requested a receipt by email. As well by a text message. I, never received it and It was then explained to me. To come in, in person. In order to receive a paper receipt.
Fortunately I have a bank statement showing proof of purchase via this way instead of their way. Needless to say I will not be doing business with them ever again. Because of their Old School Sanford way. In Sanford, FL
Towed my friends’ car from my home. Called them up to understand the next steps, guy picks up the phone and says “cash only $175 and pick up your car”, cuts the phone. Completely unprofessional and just looking to make money off of people. Did not allow me to inspect the car when picking it up- was trying to rush us “ I have to go home , you do your inspection on your own time”. Unprofessional and simply rude. I do not recommend anyone to use their service.
Athens was Very Professional & Courteous. When I discovered my right front tire was flat I tried to change it but had the wrong lug wrench - the tow driver offered to let me borrow his - very nice. As it turned out my tow coverage had a driver come out & change it out for me no charge. Athens put my car in front where my tow coverage guy could fix it. The owner is a nice lady & her Son Nico was Super Cool. Easy experience. Thanks Athens!
Since living in a Sanford HOA community, Athens has towed 3 vehicles from my home due to them being in the road after midnight. Since the new law in FL has passed regarding HOAs and parking, I've received two of those awful stickers on my vehicles. This morning, I've had ENOUGH! I CAN PARK IN AND RUIN MY GRASS IF I SO CHOOSE AND THERES NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT! NOW COME GET THIS STICKER OFF MY CAR BEFORE I DECIDE TO MAKE THIS AN ISSUE!
They are actively looking for cars with expired tag to tow, even find a way to get into a gated community when I visit my friend and having a children play date at the pool to celebrate Memorial Day. They get to my car within 20 mins since I parked. When I find them already hooked up my car, I explained that I am in the military and just moved here, and with my out of state tag it takes time to get my new tag mail to me from NC. They didn’t want to reason and immediately ask for 62 dollars to get it unhooked. I even told them that I was let go without a ticket when I get pull over because I explain the same thing to the officer and they understand when military folks moving around sometimes they can’t get their tag up to date for that particular reason. I hope this company and whoever tried to hustle me get the karma they deserved. Stay safe y’all if you around Sanford FL area.
This is the subpar service you can expect from Athens Towing in Sanford. I would've been content to keep my complaint in-house, but apparently the Nick answering the phone doesn't know how to do his job either.
I just got dropped and serviced by an amazing employee named Evertte. He arrived in such a quick turn around time in the late hours of the night and was very kind and professional. Evertte took the time to handle my vehicle correctly and got me home with my vehicle safe. If you ever need a tow, I recommend this company and especially Evertte! Thank you!
While offloading office supplies my vehicle was struck by an Athens rollback. Athens dispatcher Nick advised he was a representative for the company and he was aware of the damage. Nick advised me the driver would be taking my information and management will be contacting me to get my truck quoted and repaired within a couple days.
3 weeks later:
I am being completely ignored and brushed off. by all employees including the owner Niko.
I have been emailing and calling Athens towing regularly since this happened and have been completely and blatantly ignored
Extremely quick response and professional driver. I felt confident that he would care for my MINI. I definitely will use Athens Towing whenever I need rescue.
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