Florida Lemon Law
Florida lemon law protections for defective vehicles — how many repair attempts qualify, the coverage period, and what refund or replacement you can demand.
Standard state lemon law protection.
Florida's Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act covers new motor vehicles. Used vehicles are generally not covered under the lemon law.
Lemon Law Thresholds in Florida
Available Remedies
- ✓Full refund (purchase price, registration, title, taxes, finance charges, less allowance for use)
- ✓Replacement vehicle
- ✓Civil remedy: attorney fees may be awarded
Florida operates a state-run lemon law arbitration program through the Florida New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board. You must first provide written notice to the manufacturer and allow one final repair attempt before filing for arbitration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many repair attempts qualify as a lemon in Florida?
3 attempts. Three repair attempts for the same defect (or 1 attempt for a defect that is likely to cause death or serious injury) within the protection period.
Does Florida lemon law cover used vehicles?
Generally no. Florida's Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act covers new motor vehicles. Used vehicles are generally not covered under the lemon law.
How long is the Florida lemon law protection period?
24 months or 24,000 miles. Florida lemon law protection applies during the first 24 months or 24,000 miles from original delivery, whichever occurs first.
What remedies can I get under the Florida lemon law?
Full refund (purchase price, registration, title, taxes, finance charges, less allowance for use); Replacement vehicle; Civil remedy: attorney fees may be awarded.
What counts as "out of service" under Florida lemon law?
15 days. 15 or more cumulative business days out of service for any defect(s) covered by warranty within the protection period.
How do I file a lemon law claim in Florida?
Start by documenting all repair attempts with written records from the dealer. Send a certified letter to the manufacturer notifying them of the defect and your lemon law claim. If the manufacturer does not resolve it, you can file with Florida DHSMV — Lemon Law Program or proceed to arbitration or court.