Lemon Law in Florida

Florida Lemon Law

If you've purchased or leased a defective automobile, you do have legal recourse under Florida's lemon law. The law provides arbitration for car owners with complaints, and can result in a full refund or replacement vehicle.

You're on your own with a used car, however; the law applies only to the purchase or long-term lease of a new car.

Depending on the specific defect of your vehicle, the manufacturer will generally replace it or refund your money if the vehicle cannot be repaired within a certain amount of time over a certain number of attempts.

On this page you'll find a basic overview of the Florida lemon law and who to contact for your next steps or more information.

Lemon Law Eligibility in Florida

In order for your car to be considered a lemon, the following must have occurred within 24 months following the date of delivery (the Lemon Law Rights Period):

  • The vehicle defect or condition must "substantially impair the use, value, or safety" of the vehicle.
  • The vehicle must have undergone at least 3 attempts to repair the same issue.
  • The vehicle must have out of service for repair of the defect for 15 days or more.

If the preceding conditions apply, mail a Motor Vehicle Defect Notification (MVDN) form to the manufacturer (not dealer) of your vehicle. The form must be sent by registered or express mail, with return receipt requested. This gives the manufacturer one final opportunity to attempt a repair or at least inspect the vehicle.

If, after 10 days, this final repair attempt or inspection has still not taken place, you are now free to seek arbitration under Florida's lemon law.

Be sure to collect detailed records of your vehicle's service history and any correspondence you may have had with your vehicle's manufacturer and authorized dealers.

If the preceding conditions apply, mail a Motor Vehicle Defect Notification (MVDN) form to the manufacturer (not dealer) of your vehicle. The form must be sent by registered or express mail, with return receipt requested. This gives the manufacturer one final opportunity to attempt a repair or at least inspect the vehicle.

If, after 10 days, this final repair attempt or inspection has still not taken place, you are now free to seek arbitration under Florida's lemon law.

Be sure to collect detailed records of your vehicle's service history and any correspondence you may have had with your vehicle's manufacturer and authorized dealers.

FL Lemon Law Remedies & Settlements

Many manufacturers offer state-certified arbitration for defective vehicles; if your vehicle's manufacturer offers such a program, be sure to seek resolution there first. For a complete list of vehicle manufacturer-sponsored and state-certified dispute settlement programs , please visit the Florida Attorney General website.

If you do not receive a satisfactory resolution, or if there is no such program with your vehicle's manufacturer, proceed with the Florida New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board.

You must contact the Florida Office of the Attorney General and file your suit by the later of either:

  • Up to 60 days after the end of your lemon law period.
    OR
  • Up to 30 days after the final decision of the state-certified manufacture informal settlement program.

Call the state's Lemon Law Hotline at:

  • (800) 321-5366.
  • (850) 488-2221 if you're out of state.
    OR
  • Download a Request for Arbitration (Form DLA/LL-005) package.

If your request is granted, a hearing will be scheduled. Be sure to compile written records and all documentation in relation to repairs, maintenance, and days out of service. You will be expected to provide proof of your claims.

For more information about the lemon law and state arbitration, please visit the website of the Florida's Attorney General.

Hiring a Lemon Law Attorney

Lemon laws may seem pretty clear, but when you're dealing with major corporations like dealerships and manufacturers, things can get complicated.

A lemon law attorney will make sure you have everything needed to prove your vehicle is a lemon and recoup your losses.

Benefits of hiring a lemon law lawyer include:

  • Knowledge of the law – Experienced lemon lawyers know the law and can make educated decisions about your case.
  • Negotiating power – You'll have additional leverage with the manufacturer with an attorney present.
    • Your attorney can also help you present your case in arbitration.
  • Trusted advice – Your attorney can provide advice and help make sure you don't damage your own case.

What About Attorney Fees?

If attorney fees are preventing you from hiring a lawyer, something to keep in mind is if you're successful with your case, you might be able to recover your legal fees and any other expenses from the other party.

Be sure to discuss fees with your attorney before proceeding.

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Forms

DLA/LL-005
Request For Arbitration by the Florida New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board
Submit this form to the Florida Department of Legal Affairs if you're seeking retribution for a faulty vehicle under FL Lemon Law.
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