What is Florida's Lemon Law?
Florida's Lemon Law, officially known as the Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act, protects consumers who purchase or lease new vehicles that turn out to be defective. The law applies to new vehicles with substantial defects affecting their use, value, or safety that cannot be repaired after reasonable attempts by the manufacturer or its authorized service agent.
Key Features and Coverage
- Applies to new vehicles purchased or leased in Florida
- Protection available for the first 24 months after vehicle delivery
- Covers passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and trucks under 10,000 pounds
- Does not cover used vehicles, mopeds, or off-road vehicles
- Defect must significantly impair the vehicle's use, value, or safety
The 30-Day Rule Explained
The 30-day rule is a critical threshold for determining whether your vehicle qualifies as a lemon. If a vehicle is out of service for repair of substantial defects for a cumulative total of 30 or more days during the first 24 months, it may be considered a lemon.
How the Rule Works
- The clock starts from the first day your vehicle enters the repair facility
- Days are counted cumulatively, not consecutively
- The manufacturer must be notified in writing after 15 days
- Weekends and holidays count toward the 30-day total
Documentation Requirements
"Proper documentation is crucial for a successful Lemon Law claim." - Florida Attorney General's Office
To protect your rights, maintain:
- All repair orders and invoices
- Written correspondence with the manufacturer
- A detailed log of repair dates
- Photos of the defect (if visible)
Important Deadlines
| Action Required | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Initial notification to manufacturer | 15 days after first repair |
| Final repair attempt | 10 days after manufacturer notification |
| Filing claim | 24 months from original delivery |
Steps to Take
-
Document Everything
- Keep all repair records
- Take detailed notes of conversations
- Save all correspondence
-
Notify the Manufacturer
- Send written notice via certified mail
- Include vehicle information and repair history
- Request final repair attempt
-
Request Arbitration
- File a formal complaint
- Present evidence
- Attend a hearing
- Receive a decision
Exceptions and Limitations
Not all vehicle issues qualify under the Lemon Law. Exclusions include:
- Modifications made by the owner
- Damage from abuse or neglect
- Normal wear and tear
- Commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds
Consumer Rights and Remedies
If your vehicle qualifies, you may be entitled to:
- Full refund of the purchase price
- Replacement vehicle of equal value
- Reimbursement for related expenses
Additional Resources
For more information, visit: