Florida Lemon Law For New Cars: What You Need To Know

Lemon Law Consumer Protection Laws & Consumer Complaints from consumer.georgia.gov

If you have recently purchased a new car in Florida, you may be wondering what your rights are if the car turns out to be a lemon. Fortunately, Florida has a Lemon Law in place to protect consumers in these situations. In this article, we will explain what the Florida Lemon Law is, how it works, and what steps you should take if you think you have a lemon on your hands.

What is the Florida Lemon Law?

The Florida Lemon Law is a law that provides protection to consumers who purchase or lease new cars, trucks, and motorcycles that turn out to have defects that cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts. Under the Lemon Law, the manufacturer is required to either replace the vehicle or refund the full purchase price (minus a reasonable allowance for use).

What vehicles are covered by the Florida Lemon Law?

The Lemon Law in Florida covers new cars, trucks, and motorcycles that are purchased or leased in the state of Florida. The vehicle must have been purchased or leased for personal, family, or household use, and must have a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less. The Lemon Law does not cover used cars, boats, or other types of vehicles.

It is important to note that the Lemon Law only applies to defects that substantially impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle. Minor defects, such as a broken cup holder or a loose interior panel, are not covered by the Lemon Law.

How does the Florida Lemon Law work?

If you believe that your new car is a lemon, you must give the manufacturer a reasonable number of attempts to repair the defect. The number of attempts required varies depending on the nature of the defect, but generally, the manufacturer must be given three attempts to repair the same defect, or the vehicle must be out of service for a cumulative total of 30 days or more. Once you have given the manufacturer a reasonable number of attempts to repair the defect, you must notify them in writing that you believe the vehicle is a lemon. The manufacturer then has one final opportunity to repair the defect. If the defect is not repaired after this final attempt, you may be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a refund of the full purchase price (minus a reasonable allowance for use). To qualify for a replacement or refund, the defect must have occurred within the first 24 months or 24,000 miles of ownership (whichever comes first).

What should you do if you think you have a lemon?

If you believe that your new car is a lemon, you should take the following steps:

1. Keep records of all repairs and maintenance

Keep a detailed record of all repairs and maintenance that have been performed on the vehicle, including the dates, the nature of the repair, and the name and address of the repair facility.

2. Notify the manufacturer in writing

Notify the manufacturer in writing that you believe the vehicle is a lemon. Be sure to include a detailed description of the defect, the number of repair attempts that have been made, and the dates that the vehicle was out of service.

3. Consult with an attorney

Consult with an experienced Lemon Law attorney who can help you navigate the process and ensure that your rights are protected.

Conclusion

The Florida Lemon Law provides important protections to consumers who purchase or lease new cars, trucks, and motorcycles that turn out to be lemons. If you think you have a lemon on your hands, it is important to take action and protect your rights. Keep records of all repairs and maintenance, notify the manufacturer in writing, and consult with an attorney to ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve.