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:10/06/2025

  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.

  On September 25th 2025 My vehicle was illegally towed from my condo complex The driver lied his way onto the property and moments later was seen leaving with my car. This tow company specifically is currently not allowed on property due to another ongoing investigation. When the driver took my car, he did not log it with security, or with the county. When I woke up that morning my car was gone and could not be located what so ever. I reached out to the company that normally tows, and they denied having my car on the property. I called back a couple hours later after calling every other possibility, and they finally admitted to having my car. My car was also damaged in the process, they ripped my front bumper and cracked my exhaust. Management is refusing to take any accountability for what happened.

  Business Response

  Date: 10/07/2025

  Hello *********,

  Regarding the driver lying his way in there's no such thing. Theres no investigation as you state. The driver logs in with security at all times it's the only way out of the gate. The car was not damaged by the company. The drivers all have over 15 yrs experience highly professional. The tow truck only grabs by the wheels. I understand you're not happy but to put false claim is not Ethical nor professional.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 10/07/2025

   
  Complaint: 23978344
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  If the car was towed and logged properly I should have been able to find it the following morning, and I was informed by non emergency and CTS that no one had it and I should be reporting it stolen. And my complex was not able to find any logs of the car being taken.

  The gate opens automatically to leave, not by the security. 

  i will be pressing charges for grand theft auto at this point because you in all accounts stole my car off of a property you werent supposed to be on
  and my car has all rights to be there. 

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

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/03/2025

  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.

  I live at ******************* in *****, a mobile home park. They have a rule that you are not allowed to park in the street, but I did not know that they would tow your vehicle if you were parked there just temporarily. I was not aware that I would have to tell every single visitor I have.I have wounds on my legs and a wound care nurse started coming to my house to provide wound care. It takes him about 20 to 30 minutes to do the treatment. When he went to leave, he was in a panic because his car was gone. I called the police and they suggested that the car was likely towed. I called Kings Manor office and they said that they would call the tow company and find out and call me back (which they did not do). I did find out the name of the tow company and reported that the car was taken. (the driver hadnt even reported back there yet).I then received a call from the tow truck driver (****). He said that he knocked on my door and also called the clubhouse before taking the car. I believe he was lying because my bedroom is near the front door and we did not hear knocking. Also, we have dogs and they did not bark. ******,, in the office matches the story. She claims that she tried to call,, but there is no record of this on my phone. I believe that both she and the tow driver are lying. Meanwhile,, my wound care nurse had to have someone pick him up and take him to get his car and had to pay a $177 fine. I think this is terrible!!!! There should be an exception for someone parking temporarily as to provide nursing care. I would like to issue a complaint against both Kings Manor Estates/ Lakeshore management and Kotakis towing of Clearwater.

  Business Response

  Date: 10/28/2025

  Hello Ms. ****************** as your aware they do have rules and regulations everyone must follow "no exceptions". As you stated and aware of...you're not allowed to park in the street. Yes, your fully responsible to tell every single visitor you have where not to park to avoid them getting towed away at their own expense. 

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/01/2025

  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 car was towed last night at 2:52 AM for unauthorized parking and expired registration. I am authorized to park where I did as I am a resident of the building complex and have a sticker permit. My registration was only expired by one month, and the only way to see that my registration was expired was to get out of the tow truck and see it while hooking up the tow rig. I was told by the leasing office that the company comes every night to look for vehicles with infractions. I spoke with the Clearwater Police non-emergency line and was told that this would be a standard ticket citation, and that they would only order a tow if the registration been expired for 6 months. I had to pay $192 to get my car back. These are predatory business practices.

  Business Response

  Date: 10/15/2025

  Hello *** *******.

  I'm sorry for your experience but please be advised you live in private property and as you know there's rules and regulations your also aware of and must follow them due to these reasons, unfortunately these are the consequences of not following them. We regret to inform there's no refund for your violation. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/28/2025

  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.

  My boat was towed from a condo complex I have owned for over 20 years. The towing company made multiple excuses. They blamed the **** The *** president called them. They said it was the property manager. The property manager called them and they still refused to release my boat without payment. Parking pass clearly displayed.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/21/2025

  This issue was solved

• 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.