Index
Consumer ProtectionFlorida, USA

The Florida Lemon Law (Defective Vehicles)

Summary

The Florida Lemon Law protects you if you buy or lease a new car that turns out to have chronic, unfixable defects (a 'lemon') within the first 24 months of ownership.

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    This law ONLY applies to NEW or demonstrator vehicles (not used cars) bought or leased in Florida.
  • 02.
    The defect must significantly impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle.
  • 03.
    The manufacturer must be given a 'reasonable number of attempts' to fix it: usually defined as 3 attempts for the exact same issue, OR the car being in the shop for a total of 15 or more days.
  • 04.
    If they can't fix it, you have the right to demand a replacement vehicle or a full refund.

Penalties

  • 01.
    If the manufacturer refuses to replace the car or issue a refund, you can force them into a state-run arbitration program.
  • 02.
    If you win in arbitration, the manufacturer must refund the purchase price, taxes, and registration fees.

Verified Citations

Florida Statutes Chapter 681

Source
"If the manufacturer, or its authorized service agent, cannot conform the motor vehicle to the warranty... after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer must either replace the motor vehicle or refund the full purchase price..."