Florida Lemon Law may help if your new vehicle has a serious problem that is covered by the warranty and affects how the vehicle works, its value, or its safety.
You generally must report the problem within 24 months after you receive the vehicle. The manufacturer must also have a reasonable chance to fix it, often after three repair attempts for the same issue.
Save all repair orders, invoices, receipts, and written messages with the dealer or manufacturer. If the problem is still not fixed, you may be able to request arbitration and seek a refund or a similar replacement vehicle.
The sections below explain who qualifies, important deadlines, what records to keep, and how to file a claim.
Quick Navigation
Key Takeaways
- Florida’s Lemon Law generally applies to new or demonstrator vehicles bought or leased in Florida that are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
- Your vehicle may qualify if it has a serious problem that substantially affects its use, value, or safety and the manufacturer cannot fix it after a reasonable number of repair attempts.
- Report the problem and give the manufacturer repair opportunities within 24 months after you receive the vehicle. In many cases, the manufacturer gets three chances to repair the same problem.
- Before arbitration, you usually must notify the manufacturer in writing by certified mail and give it one final chance to repair the vehicle at a designated repair facility.
- Save all repair orders, invoices, letters, towing receipts, and rental-car records. If your claim succeeds, you may receive a refund or a comparable replacement vehicle.
What Does Florida Lemon Law Cover?
Florida’s Lemon Law may apply to a new car, truck, or other motor vehicle bought or leased in Florida if it has a serious defect that affects how it works, its value, or its safety.
You may have a claim if the manufacturer or an authorized repair shop has had a reasonable number of chances to fix the problem but can’t fix it. Report the issue as soon as possible and keep copies of repair orders, invoices, and any messages with the dealer or manufacturer.
If the problem isn’t fixed, you may be able to seek a replacement vehicle, a refund, or other remedies through Florida’s required dispute-resolution process.
Lemon Law claims can help protect you from continuing to pay for a vehicle that’s unreliable. Car insurance usually doesn’t cover factory defects, but it may cover damage caused by an accident.
Which Vehicles Qualify Under Florida Lemon Law?
Not every vehicle with a repeated problem qualifies under Florida’s Lemon Law. To qualify, you generally must have bought or leased a new vehicle in Florida for personal, family, or household use.
Covered vehicles usually include:
- Cars
- Trucks
- Vans
- Some recreational vehicles (RVs)
- Demonstrator vehicles sold with a manufacturer’s warranty
Florida’s Lemon Law generally doesn’t cover:
- Motorcycles
- Mopeds
- Off-road vehicles
- The living area or facilities inside an RV
The vehicle must also be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. A separate or unrelated warranty may not be enough. Whether your vehicle qualifies depends on the type of vehicle, the warranty, and the terms of your purchase or lease.
What Makes a Vehicle a Lemon?
What Makes a Vehicle a Lemon?
A vehicle may be considered a lemon if it has a serious problem that the manufacturer or an authorized dealer can’t fix after several repair attempts.
The problem must substantially affect the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.
Your vehicle may also qualify if it has been in the repair shop for a long period of time because of the same or related issues.
Repeated Repair Attempts
Under Florida’s Lemon Law, your vehicle may qualify as a lemon if the manufacturer or authorized dealer has had several chances to fix the same problem but can’t fix it.
Keep copies of all repair orders, invoices, emails, and other written messages. Make sure they show the date of each visit, the problem you reported, and what repairs were attempted.
In many cases, Florida considers three attempts to repair the same defect within the legal time period to be enough. Different rules may apply if your vehicle has been out of service for repairs for an extended period.
Before filing a claim, you must give the manufacturer the notice required by law. A vehicle with an open recall may still qualify if the recall repair doesn’t fix the problem.
Do not assume your insurance coverage replaces your rights under Florida’s Lemon Law.
Substantial Vehicle Defects
Repeated repair attempts matter only if the problem seriously affects your vehicle’s use, value, or safety. Under Florida’s Lemon Law, the defect must be more than a minor inconvenience or cosmetic issue.
Problems with steering, brakes, acceleration, electrical systems, stalling, warning lights, or other essential features may qualify if they make the vehicle unreliable, lower its resale value, or create a safety concern.
Keep records of the symptoms, repair visits, dates, repair orders, and how the problem affects your daily life. Stay focused on the specific defect, its ongoing impact, and the manufacturer’s failure to fix it.
Extended Time Out Of Service
Your vehicle may qualify as a lemon if it has been in the shop for repairs for a total of 30 or more days during the first 24 months after you received it.
The repair days don’t have to be in a row, and they don’t have to involve the same problem. Count each day you can’t use your vehicle because an authorized manufacturer repair facility is fixing a covered, serious defect.
Keep all repair orders, service records, and dates showing when your vehicle was unavailable. Time waiting for parts may count if it delays the repair. Long repair visits may help support your claim.
If repairs are done in another state, keep records of the work and notify the manufacturer as soon as possible.
How Many Repair Attempts Are Required?
How Many Repair Attempts Are Required?
Under Florida’s Lemon Law, a manufacturer generally gets three chances to repair the same problem before you may be able to pursue a claim. However, the rule is different if the defect creates a serious safety risk.
Keep records of every dealership visit, including your complaint, the diagnosis, and the repair order. Make sure the dealer writes down your concern accurately each time.
- Three repair attempts may be enough to show the manufacturer had a reasonable chance to fix the same recurring problem.
- One repair attempt may be enough if the defect could cause death or serious injury.
- Different problems usually need their own repair history unless they’re caused by the same underlying issue.
Do not assume that dealership incentives or common lemon law myths determine your rights.
What Florida Lemon Law Deadlines Apply?
Florida’s Lemon Law generally applies if you report a serious vehicle defect within 24 months of receiving the vehicle.
You must tell the manufacturer about the problem during that 24-month period and give it the required chances to repair the vehicle.
If you want to request state arbitration, you generally must file your claim within 60 days after the 24-month Lemon Law period ends.
Lemon Law Coverage Period
Florida Lemon Law Coverage Period
Florida’s Lemon Law generally applies during the first 24 months after you take delivery of a new or demonstrator vehicle, no matter how many miles you drive. To qualify, the vehicle must meet the law’s requirements and be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
- The 24-month period starts when you receive the vehicle, not when you sign the purchase contract.
- It usually applies to new and demonstrator vehicles sold or leased in Florida.
- It doesn’t apply to some vehicles, such as certain recreational, off-road, and commercial vehicles.
Keep copies of your purchase or lease paperwork, warranty documents, and repair records. A seller or dealer can’t take away rights that Florida law gives you.
Defect Reporting Deadlines
To protect your rights under Florida’s Lemon Law, report any vehicle defect to the manufacturer or an authorized dealer within the first 24 months after you receive the vehicle.
Take the vehicle in for repair as soon as possible. Make sure the repair order clearly describes each problem. In most cases, the defect must be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty and must seriously affect the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.
Keep dated copies of repair orders, invoices, service records, and any messages with the dealer or manufacturer. These records can help show that you reported the problem on time.
Do not wait too long to report a defect. The problem could get worse or become harder to prove. Focus on warranty-covered vehicle problems that may qualify under the Lemon Law.
Arbitration Filing Time Limits
Arbitration Filing Time Limits
After you receive the manufacturer’s final repair opportunity notice, you usually have 60 days to file for arbitration with the Florida New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board. Missing this deadline could hurt your claim.
Keep records showing the date you received the notice and the date you filed your arbitration request.
- File the arbitration form within 60 days.
- Include repair orders, notices, and other supporting records.
- Keep proof that you mailed, delivered, or submitted the request online.
Before scheduling a hearing, the Board may check whether you qualify for arbitration and whether you filed on time. If you’re unsure about the deadline, file as soon as possible and keep copies of everything you submit.
What Repair Records Should You Keep?
Keep all documents that show when you reported a problem, what the dealer or manufacturer did, and how long you could not use your vehicle. Save dated repair orders, invoices, warranty paperwork, emails or letters, and rental or towing receipts.
These records can help show that the vehicle has ongoing problems and that you gave the dealer or manufacturer chances to fix them. They also help separate warranty repairs from normal maintenance, such as oil changes or tire rotations.
| Record | What it should show | Why you need it |
|---|---|---|
| Repair order | Your complaint, service dates, and mileage | Shows each time you brought the vehicle in for repair |
| Invoice | The diagnosis, repairs completed, and any charges | Shows what the dealer tried to fix |
| Rental receipt | Dates you rented another vehicle | Shows how long your vehicle was unavailable |
| Towing receipt | Date and reason for towing | Shows breakdowns or times the vehicle could not be driven |
| Emails or letters | Messages with the dealer or manufacturer | Shows that you reported the problem and asked for help |
Keep your maintenance records up to date. Missing scheduled service may affect warranty decisions.
After every service visit, ask for a clear copy of the paperwork. Before you leave, make sure it accurately states the problem you reported.
How Do You File a Lemon Law Claim?
To start a Florida Lemon Law claim, first give the manufacturer one final chance to fix the problem. This usually happens after the vehicle has been repaired several times for the same defect or has spent too much time out of service for repairs.
Send the manufacturer written notice by certified mail with a return receipt requested. Keep copies of the letter, mailing receipt, and delivery confirmation.
Then follow these steps:
- Collect your repair orders, warranty paperwork, purchase or lease documents, and written notice.
- Take the vehicle to the manufacturer’s designated repair facility for the final repair attempt.
- If the problem is still not fixed, file a claim with Florida’s New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board.
Use clear facts in your paperwork. Include the dates of repairs, the problems you reported, how long the vehicle was in the shop, and what repairs were attempted. A consumer attorney may also help you understand filing deadlines and required steps.
Can You Get a Refund or Replacement?
If the Arbitration Board decides your vehicle qualifies under Florida’s Lemon Law, you may be entitled to either a refund or a replacement vehicle from the manufacturer. In most cases, you can choose which option you want, unless the law or the Board’s decision says otherwise.
A refund usually includes the amount you paid for the vehicle, including taxes, fees, and finance charges. The manufacturer may subtract a reasonable amount for the time you used the vehicle.
| Option | What you may receive |
|---|---|
| Refund | Your covered payments, minus a reasonable amount for use |
| Replacement | A comparable new vehicle |
The manufacturer must follow the final decision. The Board’s written decision will explain which remedy applies and what the manufacturer must do.
When Should You Contact a Lemon Law Attorney?
Consider contacting a Florida Lemon Law attorney if the manufacturer denies your claim, takes too long to fix the problem, or refuses to offer a refund or replacement. Don’t wait until a deadline is close. A lawyer can review your vehicle’s defect and repair history, explain whether you may qualify under Florida’s Lemon Law, and help you prepare for arbitration.
- Talk to a lawyer after several repair visits fail to fix the same problem.
- Get advice if the manufacturer challenges your repair records or says you aren’t eligible.
- Call before accepting a refund offer, agreeing to arbitration fees, or signing a release.
Keep copies of repair orders, emails, letters, and important dates. A lawyer can help you understand your options and protect your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Florida Lemon Law Cover Leased Vehicles?
Yes. Florida’s Lemon Law can cover leased vehicles if the vehicle meets the law’s requirements.
Generally, you must report the problem during the warranty period, give the manufacturer or dealer a reasonable number of chances to fix it, and follow the required notice process. Check your lease agreement and warranty for important details.
Are Motorcycles Protected Under Florida Lemon Law?
No. Florida’s Lemon Law does not cover motorcycles. It applies to new passenger vehicles, not motorcycles.
If your motorcycle has serious defects, you may still have options. You can ask for warranty repairs, contact the manufacturer, or explore other consumer protection claims.
Can Used Car Buyers File a Lemon Law Claim?
Used car buyers usually can’t file a lemon law claim. However, you may still have options if the car is covered by a manufacturer’s warranty or if the seller lied about the car’s condition. You may be able to bring a claim under warranty laws or consumer protection laws.
Does Florida Lemon Law Cover Cosmetic Defects?
Cosmetic defects usually are not covered by Florida’s Lemon Law unless they seriously affect the vehicle’s use, value, or safety. For example, small paint scratches, minor dents, or other appearance issues typically are not enough on their own to qualify as a lemon law claim.
What Happens if the Manufacturer Declares Bankruptcy?
If the manufacturer goes bankrupt, getting a refund, repair, or replacement may take longer and may be harder. You may need to file a claim in the bankruptcy case. Depending on the company’s finances and the court’s decision, you could receive less than what you are owed—or nothing at all.
Keep all receipts, repair records, warranty papers, and communications with the manufacturer. Act quickly, because bankruptcy cases have strict deadlines for filing claims.
Conclusion
Florida’s Lemon Law may protect you if your new vehicle has a serious problem that the manufacturer cannot fix after a reasonable number of repair attempts. In most cases, you must report the defect within 24 months of receiving the vehicle. Many people miss this deadline.
Keep copies of all repair orders, invoices, and written notices. If your vehicle qualifies, you may be able to get a replacement vehicle or a refund. Acting quickly can help protect your rights and support your claim.
