Florida Consumer E-Newsletter
January 2006
Download PDF version [823K PDF]
A Message From the Commissioner...
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Have you purchased or leased a new car within the past two years and are having consistent mechanical problems that the seem to fix? If so, you may have a lemon. The Florida Lemon Law program was designed to assist consumers purchased defective vehicles in Florida, and it has proven to be an effective recourse for consumers. Since the |
For more information about Florida’s Lemon Law give us a call at 1-800-321-5366 within Florida, 850-488-2221 outside of Florida or en Español 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832).
Sincerely,
Charles H. Bronson
Commissioner
If within the last two years, you have purchased or leased a sweet deal of a new car and now you’re having persistent problems, you may have gotten a sour deal. Have no fear, the Florida Lemon Law program will aid you in your automobile woes. Below are some of the guidelines for the Florida Lemon Law:
What does the Florida Lemon Law cover?
The Florida Lemon Law ONLY covers new or demonstrator motor vehicles sold or leased in the State of Florida. The Law covers these vehicles for the first 2 years, plus 60 days, from the original date they were purchased. Recreational vehicles are also covered; however the requirements are somewhat different. The Lemon Law does not cover used motor vehicles, off-road vehicles, motorcycles, mopeds, trucks that weigh over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or the living facilities of recreational vehicles. If you transfer a vehicle to another consumer during the first 24 months after taking delivery of the vehicle, the vehicle may be covered under the Lemon Law. Please call the Florida Lemon Law Hotline at 1-800-321-5366 to see if your vehicle is covered.
What problems must my vehicle have to be eligible for Lemon Law relief?
Your vehicle must have a problem(s) that substantially impairs its use, value or safety. An arbitration board will make that determination. The Florida Lemon Law Assistance Center will answer any questions you may have. Call us toll-free today at 1-800-321-5366.
What must I do before I start the Lemon Law process?
You must first give the manufacturer’s authorized representative (such as a dealership) at least three attempts to repair the problem. Make sure to document everything. Request a copy of any warranty repair orders and invoices for service. Make sure your complaint on the repair order is written exactly as you describe it and continue to describe the problem the same way each time. Record the dates, time and odometer readings when your vehicle goes in and comes out of the repair shop.
If after three or more unsuccessful visits to the representative and your vehicle is still suffering the same defect, or your car has been in for repairs for more than 15 days, then you are now ready to start the Florida Lemon Law process. If you feel like you may be dealing with a lemon, don’t wait one minute longer. Give us a call at 1-800-321-5366.
How do I start the Florida Lemon Law process?
To start the Florida Lemon Law process you must submit a “Motor Vehicle Defect Notification” form. This form is located in the back of the Consumer Guide to the Florida Lemon Law, a handbook you should have received from the dealer when you purchased your vehicle. If you are unable to find your form or you never received one at the time of purchase, give us a call at 1-800-321-5366 or you can also download a copy [14K PDF].
After completing the form, mail it certified mail (keep a photocopy of the form for your records), return receipt requested, to your manufacturer's address (not the dealership) which can be found in your owner's manual. The manufacturer has 10 days after receipt of the form to take the vehicle for final repairs within a reasonable time and then up to 10 days to remedy the problem once the car is in the shop.
We understand that with all the variables this process can seem intimidating at first. That is why we are here to help you. Give us a call today and one of our Florida Lemon Law Specialists will walk you through each process step-by-step. Call us toll-free at 1-800-321-5366. You can also visit us online.
Additional Resources
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Florida Lemon Law Program
The Lemon Law program has proven to be an effective means of recourse for Florida consumers who have purchased or leased NEW defective automobiles. Learn more...
Florida Lemon Law Brochure
The Florida Lemon Law is consumer protection law for those who purchase NEW defective automobiles. If you feel you have purchased a "lemon" or defective vehicle, this brochure will help you understand your rights. (En Español)
The links below are for your information only. The goal of the Division of Consumer Services is to provide additional information to consumers. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services does not review or confirm these sites for accuracy.
Florida Lemon Law Program
Information provided by the Florida Office of the Attorney General.
International Association of Lemon Law Administrators (IALLA)
The Association supports and promotes the role of government agencies at the state/provincial, territorial and national levels responsible for ensuring an honest, safe, informed marketplace, and promoting consumer and business responsibility in a competitive economy.
Top 10 Consumer Complaints of 2005
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Total Number of Complaints for 2005
31,106
