Florida Lemon Law: Protecting Your Rights as a Florida Consumer

Purchasing a new vehicle should be an exciting experience. However, this excitement can quickly turn to frustration if you discover that your new car has persistent defects.

Fortunately, Florida Lemon Law is designed to protect consumers like you from being stuck with a faulty vehicle.

In this article, we will explore the key aspects of Florida Lemon Law and provide practical steps to help you navigate the process of making a lemon law claim.

What is Florida Lemon Law?

Florida Lemon Law, officially known as the Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act, provides legal protection to consumers who purchase or lease new vehicles with substantial defects.

These laws ensure that manufacturers repair, replace, or refund the cost of a defective vehicle if it cannot be fixed within a reasonable number of attempts.

Who is Covered by Florida Lemon Law?

Florida Lemon Law applies to:

New vehicles purchased or leased for personal, family, or household use.

Demonstrator vehicles sold with a manufacturer’s warranty.

Vehicles leased for more than one year.

To be eligible, the vehicle must have a substantial defect that significantly impairs its use, value, or safety. Additionally, the defect must occur within the first 24 months of the purchase or lease date.

Steps to Pursue a Lemon Law Claim in Florida

If you believe your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, follow these steps to pursue a claim under Florida Lemon Law:

1. Document the Defects

Keep detailed records of all defects, repairs, and interactions with the manufacturer or dealership. This documentation should include repair orders, receipts, and any correspondence related to the issue.

2. Notify the Manufacturer

Provide the manufacturer with written notice of the defect and your intention to pursue a lemon law claim. This step is crucial, as it gives the manufacturer an opportunity to address the issue.

3. Allow for Reasonable Repair Attempts

Under Florida Lemon Law, you must give the manufacturer a reasonable number of attempts to repair the defect. This typically means:

Three attempts to repair the same defect.

15 cumulative days of the vehicle being out of service for repairs.

4. Request a Final Repair Attempt

If the defect persists after the initial repair attempts, you must request a final repair attempt by sending a written notice to the manufacturer. The manufacturer then has 10 days to schedule this final attempt.

5. Seek Arbitration

If the manufacturer fails to repair the defect, you can seek resolution through the Florida New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board. This step involves presenting your case to an independent arbitrator who will decide the outcome.

6. Consult an Attorney

While arbitration is designed to be consumer-friendly, consulting with an experienced lemon law attorney can help you navigate the process more effectively and ensure your rights are protected.

Remedies Under Florida Lemon Law

If your claim is successful, Florida Lemon Law provides several remedies:

Vehicle Repurchase: The manufacturer buys back the defective vehicle, including reimbursement for the purchase price, taxes, registration fees, and incidental costs.

Vehicle Replacement: The manufacturer provides a new, comparable vehicle as a replacement for the defective one.

Cash Settlement: The manufacturer offers a cash settlement to compensate for the diminished value of the defective vehicle.

Why Choose Lemon Law Group Partners?

Navigating the complexities of Florida Lemon Law can be challenging. Lemon Law Group Partners is here to help. Our team of experienced attorneys specializes in lemon law claims and is dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for our clients.

We handle every aspect of your case, from documentation to arbitration, allowing you to focus on your life while we fight for your rights.

Conclusion

Florida Lemon Law provides crucial protection for consumers who find themselves with a defective vehicle. By understanding your rights and following the necessary steps, you can ensure that you receive the justice you deserve.

Don’t let a lemon ruin your automotive experience—take action today and let the attorneys at Lemon Law Group Partners guide you through the process.

Visit Lemon Law Group Partners to learn more and start your lemon law claim.