Odometer Fraud in Florida
Laws, penalties, disclosure requirements, and how to protect yourself from rolled-back mileage when buying a used vehicle in Florida.
Penalties at a Glance
Applicable Laws
Federal Odometer Act applies. NHTSA enforces federal violations.
Florida Statute § 319.35 — odometer tampering is a third-degree felony. Each separate act of tampering is a separate offense.
Odometer Disclosure Requirement
Florida requires odometer disclosure on the title certificate for vehicles under 10 years old and under 16,000 lbs GVWR.
- •Vehicles 10+ model years old
- •Vehicles over 16,000 lbs GVWR
- •New vehicle transfers between dealers and manufacturer
Warning Signs of Odometer Fraud
- !Odometer reading inconsistent with wear on pedals, steering wheel, or seat
- !Service stickers showing higher mileage than current reading
- !Loose or misaligned odometer digits
- !Vehicle history report shows mileage rollback or unexplained gap
- !Seller hesitant to provide vehicle history report
- !Recent brake, tire, or belt replacement on a "low mileage" vehicle
Florida is a high-volume used car market with elevated odometer fraud rates, particularly on flood-damaged and auction vehicles. Always verify with a NMVTIS report in addition to standard vehicle history reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is odometer fraud in Florida?
Odometer fraud in Florida is the deliberate tampering with, alteration, or misrepresentation of a vehicle's odometer reading to deceive a buyer about the vehicle's true mileage. Florida Statute § 319.35 — odometer tampering is a third-degree felony. Each separate act of tampering is a separate offense.
What are the penalties for odometer fraud in Florida?
Criminal penalty: Third-degree felony: up to 5 years imprisonment and $5,000 fine. Civil penalty under the federal Odometer Act: $10,000 or 3× actual damages (federal); additional state civil remedies available.
Is odometer disclosure required when selling in Florida?
Florida requires odometer disclosure on the title certificate for vehicles under 10 years old and under 16,000 lbs GVWR.
Which vehicles are exempt from odometer disclosure in Florida?
Exempt vehicles in Florida typically include: Vehicles 10+ model years old, Vehicles over 16,000 lbs GVWR, New vehicle transfers between dealers and manufacturer.
How do I report odometer fraud?
Report odometer fraud to Florida DHSMV, your state Attorney General's Consumer Protection office, and NHTSA (www.nhtsa.gov). Document all evidence including the title, bill of sale, vehicle history report, and photos of the odometer.
Can I sue for odometer fraud?
Yes. Under the federal Odometer Act, a victim can sue for $10,000 or 3× actual damages (federal); additional state civil remedies available. You do not need to prove the seller knew — you need to show the odometer was altered or the mileage was misrepresented. Consult a consumer protection attorney.