Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Kotakis Towing and Recovery LLC's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

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  Kotakis Towing and Recovery LLC

  1551 S Missouri Ave Clearwater, FL 33756-7219

  
• 

  Kotakis Towing and Recovery LLC

  1553 S Missouri Ave Clearwater, FL 33756-7219

• 

  Kotakis Towing and Recovery LLC

  13217 Automobile Blvd Clearwater, FL 33762-4120

  

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/26/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  This company towed my mothers car and damaged the vehicle in the process. She is older and didn't notice the damage until a day later in the light and it's very very clear that the damage came from the tow truck equipment. I have reached out to the company MULTIPLE times, and they claimed they have pictures prior to towing the vehicle that they have YET to share with me. They said their equipment would not damage the vehicle the way it's been damaged, however, we have a family friend that is a tow truck driver who said that is DEFINITELY from a tow truck. BOTH sides of the vehicle near front wheels (where the vehicle was towed from) are damaged.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/26/2025

  ****** ********** is her name 

  Business Response

  Date: 04/26/2025

  The Damage was not caused by the company. I spoke to a gentleman told him hes welcome to stop by the office to show him pictures and video. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/05/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  This company towed my niece car from Her own apartment. We went to go pick up the car and they tried add an extra 300 for a lien they placed on it. It wasnt on their property long enough to do so they couldnt provide us with the papers to prove they served a Lien against her then the person went to get a gun as if he was being threatened and he was not! We just wanted our car without being over charged! This company is a disgrace and needs to be penalized.

  Business Response

  Date: 03/05/2025

  Ms. ******, 

  As you werent there to have understand and understood what happened let me explain there were 2 cars of the same. Regarding the fee theres no such fee of 300.00. 
  regarding the vehicle the gentleman who was there with his niece understood what happened. 
  regarding you mentioning a gun and your remark was not proper. 
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/22/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  My vehicle was towed on January 16 2025 illegally. My vehicle was parked in a visitor parking spot as I was visiting family at the ************************. When I called the company they said they had the vehicle and it would be $192 to retrieve it. I arrived at 12:30 PM as their business hours are 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM. I knocked and called and had to wait for someone to arrive at 1:30 PM which is a full hour later to retrieve my vehicle. They then proceeded to change the price and charge me $217 without explanation of the price difference.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/27/2025

  Hello ********,

  The reason for the tow was due to unauthorized parking. The picture attached showing the vehicle was not on a visitor parking spot. The fees were explained... Hookup 147, miles 2 @ 5 and storage ***** each day. Storage starts 6 hours after the vehicle is stored. The vehicle was retrieved from the lot at 1:17 pm on 1/17/25.  All fees are correct. No refund 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/28/2025

   
  Complaint: 22839383
  
  I am rejecting this response because: The charges were never explained. I was told one thing initially and charged something else when it came time to pay. And the photo shows that same parking spot the photo was just taken so the visitor sign is cutoff. The four spots left of the handicap sign are all visitors spots and I was parked in one clearly. So I was properly parked you just incorrectly towed my vehicle.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* ********

  Business Response

  Date: 01/28/2025

  Where the vehicle was parked its not a visitor parking. 
  all fees were explained. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/30/2024

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  About 10 occasions within the almost 2 years of living at the complex that outsources to Kotakis towing and theyve been nothing but unprofessional and sketchy. Theyve towed not only my own personal vehicle but the vehicles of my guest WHOVE HAD A GUEST PASS. They often change the rules to assist in the unprofessional and non regulatory process that they try to implement. For example: one moment its if you have a guest pass you have to park in your spot, but if someone is parked in my assigned spot and they are called they state as long as they have a sticker they can park wherever they want to. Then theyve taken my car parked in another spot due to mine being taken even though I had a sticker on it. Outside of the process being unprofessional and non consistent, they also are very rude and degrading to customers. Theyve cussed me out, hung up and threaten me as well. This place needs to be SHUT DOWN!

  Business Response

  Date: 07/30/2024

  *********************,

  Thats absolutely false statements. Kotakis do not advertise for no private property we patrol, every private property has their own rules and regulations resident has to follow. If youre not consistent following the rules and regulations theres consequences. Every call is recorded and theres no such thing as cussing or threatening anyone, the company does not condone such behavior. 
  My advice be consistent with the rules and regulations of your apartment to avoid getting towed away. No refund 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/30/2024

   
  Complaint: 22065191
  
  I am rejecting this response because: they cant state they have processes and rules and dont abide by them , themselves. Due to the turn over rate thats been noticed within this terrible company, every individual that Ive encountered has had a different way and process in which Kotakis and Coachman handle things. even during the encounters when Kotakis was at fault for FALSELY towing my car or my guest car with the sticker being on the car, in a visible place and in its corresponding spot, theyve still found a way to make the victim, MYSELF, to be at fault. The level of professional is in the pits of you know what. Something needs to be done to ensure this doesnt happen to anyone else within Coachman or any other complex they may unfortunately be patrolling. As for we dont tolerate that with our business your dispatcher must not know that. She herself was BEYOND disrespectful & ***** with her words. Shows why Kotakis wont last as a business.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************

  Business Response

  Date: 08/01/2024

  *********************,

  Again, youre stating false statements. We do not advertise for private property nor make rules and regulations for any private property. Its your responsibility to follow them. Please be advised the property has surveillance cameras for this reasons. Your partner apologized for you multiple times due to your violence, verbal language towards the manager.
  *********************, Your decal wasnt visible as you stated. Please be advised Coachman doesnt have visitors pass Due to limited parking for their residence. All spots are numbered and reserved. Every residence has their own assigned parking spot. Must have decal visible at all times and parked in your assigned parking spot. 
  ********************* On 7/30 there was no She working on the day you got towed away. There was no She who you state disrespected you or used any ***** words tours you as you stated. The only She was you there at the tow yard lot Being very disrespectful and using violence, verbal language. The manager on duty, he was very professional and respectful towards you At all times. As I mentioned before your partner, he was very apologetic towards the manager, your partner hes a great person. Again, theres surveillance cameras for this same reasons to show evidence of characters like you slandering a company on false statements. Shame on you! 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/17/2024

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Be aware of this company. They are scam artists that try and tow your vehicle for a quick buck and then change their story of why they towed you. ***************** that lurks around **************** and preys on not only valid customers and patrons of businesses but disabled veterans as well. If you have been scammed by this company like I have (its a civil matter so this is why they get away with what they do) please file a formal complaint with Pinellas County at ****************************************************

  Business Response

  Date: 06/17/2024

  **************, the businesses have very limited parking for customers, with that being said you couldn't leave your vehicle in their parking and walk away to visit other stores. The company didn't do anything wrong **************. All they did was removed an unauthorized vehicle off "Private Property". All businesses have tow away signs and also signs "Parking for customers "Only while in store". Meaning ************** once you walk out and go to another store, you're no longer a customer where you parked. Again, ************** the company didn't do nothing wrong. They "Only removed an unauthorized vehicle off a Private Property". I hope this clarifies your request. No refund 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/10/2024

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I was parked at my residence, in my assigned parking spot and when I came out this morning my *** was gone. I know that my registration had expired but the new one has not arrived in the mail yet. I checked with the management at my complex and with the sheriff's department, neither had requested the tow and the sheriff's department can see where I am valid but just don't have the new sticker. I was towed, just like several of my neighbors because this company is a vulture. I have seen the truck troll our parking lot and even mark *** tires to see if a *** has been moved. You would think they would check to see if a vehicle is valid before towing.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/24/2024

  ****************, every apt or condominium has rules and regulations that must be followed. Every resident is aware of all rules and regulations requested from the property management. The Towing company is not responsible for you not following the rules and regulations. 
  

  As per your statement youre aware of the reason your vehicle was towed away.  For future reference contact the office where you live let them know youre waiting on the decal, the office would have emailed the towing company to avoid the vehicle from being towed away. Communication is a big key. 
  
  The property gets patrolled and for that reason you must follow all rules and regulations. 
  

  **************** regarding marking tires there is no such thing. There is no reason at all to mark tires. 

  **************** we would all think everyone would follow rules and regulations but fortunately not everyone. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/20/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I was parked in a Handicapped Parking spot and my license is handicapped license. Per Florida Statute As per Florida law 316.1964, drivers of vehicles displaying a disabled parking permit or license plate are allowed to park for free up to four (4) hours in any on-street metered space, unless signage posted restricts the time to park. Beach Parking With a Handicap Sticker Any disability permit holder may park at any space without payment, in accordance with Florida Statute 316.1964. The only requirement is that the permit holder is driving or being transported. I was parked 34 minutes prior to being towed.

  Business Response

  Date: 11/20/2023

  If you were parked anywhere in Clearwater beach in a private property you either got to pay by plate or too a personal and place a receipt given out to put on the dashboard. The only locations your able to park with your permit will be public parking or city parking. If you were towed away at your own expense means you were parked in private property. No refund.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/21/2023

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  They did not follow Florida law as for her to Clearwater Police department as it has to be clearly labeled as a private lot they did not do that and therefore they are in violation of the people with disabilities act.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *****************************

  Business Response

  Date: 11/21/2023

  Yes, the signs are posted in the entrance of the property, signs are also posted on the property.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/28/2023

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  PLEASE PROVIDE ME WITH PHOTOS OF THE SIGNS as I have proof that there were not when I parked.

  There are no signs and I called the Clearwater Police Department and they stated they could not see them.

  This company is infringing on my rights as a person with disablities. I am asking you to refund me the money or I will be forced to pursue other actions since The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects people with disabilities from discrimination.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *****************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/19/2023

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  We parked in an APPROVED spot for Marker 8, to EAT at Marker 8 (added bonus we were in a freedom boat club spot, which we are members of) and THIS company towed us and charged $177… we showed up WITH our receipt And proof of being boat club members, and they were completely dismissive and would not release the car without payment ?? they were extremely rude.

  Business Response

  Date: 09/19/2023

  The vehicle was towed away due to unauthorized parking. The Marker 8 lot is strictly monitored due to people parking and going to Eddie Bar and Grill to watch the football game. Tow away signs posted, and the lot is for Marker 8 customers only. Attached is a picture of her walking away from Marker 8 going tours Eddie Bar and Grill, with a time stamped showing she was not at the freedom boat club as she stated. Please be advised the recipe was given to her after the fact she realized her vehicle was towed away at her own expense. Please see all time stamped receipts.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/22/2023

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: Lynsey walked to meet my child and I at Eddie’s to ride in my car because I had arrived earlier. We then road in my vehicle, parked in my red Kia Sorento license plate ***** in the beso del sol PARKING LOT on the right side. Please review their camera footage of that day. If you cannot show proof that we were in fact not there, which we were, then you need to return the $177 towing fee because it is not legally applicable. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

  Business Response

  Date: 09/26/2023

  The property is strictly monitored and therefor you were parked on private property in a restricted area in a tow away zone which unauthorized vehicles will be towed at owner's expense. No refund will be given. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/27/2023

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: thats unacceptable we went to marker 8.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/26/2023

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  June 22, 2023 Kotakis towed my Nissan Rogue 2013 black from **** Gulf Blvd, but didn't call the police department to document the towing. They charged me $157.57. I would like my money back since they towed my car illegally.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/28/2023

  The property **** Gulf Blvd, India Rocks beach is on call basis only. The manager of the property wanted the vehicle off her private property for unauthorized parking. Every vehicle under private property impound per law gets called in within 30 minutes to the Sheriff Department and an event number is registered as it is on tollbill ****. Event number ***. No refund will be issued.  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/05/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Towed in 10 minutes 30 minutes CVS tow sign Gps arrives at 5:51 Towed at 6:00 Cvs receipt 6:11 SCAM

  Business Response

  Date: 06/28/2023

  ****************** parked her vehicle at CVS and walked to another store not entering CVS when she arrived. When she arrived back to her vehicle, she noticed her vehicle was towed away and it's when she than decided to enter CVS to purchase something to show as if she was inside CVS not realizing the property is strictly monitored due to this issue. It's the reason her receipt shows 6:11 pm. Her Vehicle was towed away at 6pm and called in to the ************ at 6:19 pm. CVS parking is strictly for CVS customers only while in store. No refund will be issued. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/29/2023

   
  Complaint: 20142883
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  That is a untrue response! My wife stayed on the property looking for a restroom...The sign did not say anything about not being able to leave the property anyways...it says "CVS 30min Parking". Does not say anything about shop at CVS and not any neighboring business....CVS refuses to let customers use the restroom. 30min is 30min! CVS only Parking  would be a more appropriate sign....no 30mins....Plus the unprofessional tow truck company said they were gonna fight me and said rude things about my mother. I dont expect any refund from a weak pathetic tow company like this one....i can tell by the condition of their property and the stock they had for sell on their property...they are clearly a less fortunate type of company and employees....i counted 6 teeth between 3 of the employees....and the cars for sell on the car lot looks like something a drug addicted person traded for street favors. So for the company to try and lie and say my wife left and came back after 9 mins and ran to get a recipe...just to prove she was there.......its pathetic.  She's not smart enough to think that fast. We parked at 551 ...your pathetic tow company towed at *******min later not even waiting the allowed 30mins to take care of getting her feminine products. Either way....you know what you did and you know what you are.... Take your ****** that you stole from 6 other people and shove it.Do the math.....there is no way you can tow 6 people in one hour from a few spots.....waiting the 30min allowed time..

  Sincerely,
  
  *****************************