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Florida Consumer Protection

Florida Lemon Law (Chapter 681): Claims & Compensation Guide

Florida-specific requirements for refunds or replacements on defective new vehicles

The Florida Lemon Law (Chapter 681, Florida Statutes) provides powerful protection for consumers who purchase or lease defective vehicles. If your new vehicle has substantial defects that cannot be repaired after reasonable attempts, you may be entitled to a replacement vehicle or full refund from the manufacturer.

This comprehensive guide explains your rights under Florida Lemon Law, eligibility requirements, the claim process, and how to maximize your chances of successful resolution.

Understanding Florida Lemon Law

The Florida Lemon Law requires vehicle manufacturers to repair defects that substantially impair the use, value, or safety of new or demonstrator motor vehicles. If they cannot fix the problem after a reasonable number of attempts, they must provide a replacement or refund.

Key Coverage Period:

  • 24 months from date of delivery to consumer
  • Term of manufacturer's warranty, whichever comes first
Vehicles Covered by Florida Lemon Law

Covered Vehicles

  • ✓ New vehicles sold in Florida
  • ✓ Demonstrator vehicles
  • ✓ Leased vehicles
  • ✓ Cars, trucks, SUVs
  • ✓ Recreational vehicles (RVs)
  • ✓ Motorcycles

NOT Covered

  • ✗ Used vehicles (with exceptions)
  • ✗ Vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVW
  • ✗ Living quarters of RVs
  • ✗ Mopeds and bicycles
  • ✗ Off-road vehicles
  • ✗ Vehicles for business use only
When Your Vehicle Qualifies as a Lemon

Under Florida Lemon Law, your vehicle qualifies if it meets these criteria:

Repair Attempts Standard

The defect remains after:

  • • 3 or more repair attempts for the same substantial defect
  • • OR the vehicle is out of service for 15+ cumulative days

Serious Safety Defect

For defects likely to cause death or serious injury:

  • • 2 repair attempts are sufficient
  • • Must be reported within first 24 months
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Florida Lemon Law Claim Process
  1. 1
    Document All Defects

    Keep records of problems, repair orders, invoices, and communication

  2. 2
    Notify Manufacturer

    Send written notice via certified mail of defect and demand for remedy

  3. 3
    Final Repair Attempt

    Manufacturer has 10 days to respond and schedule final repair within 10 days

  4. 4
    Arbitration or Legal Action

    If unresolved, proceed with state arbitration or file lawsuit

Remedies Under Florida Lemon Law

If your vehicle qualifies, you're entitled to:

Option 1: Replacement Vehicle

A comparable new vehicle with similar features and specifications

Option 2: Full Refund Including:

  • • Full purchase price or lease payments made
  • • Finance charges
  • • Sales tax
  • • License fees and registration fees
  • • Any other governmental charges
  • • Less reasonable offset for use (mileage before first repair)
Attorney fees may be recovered if you win your Florida Lemon Law case in court.
Important Florida Lemon Law Deadlines
Time is Critical: You must act within specific timeframes to preserve your rights.
  • 60 days: Report defects to manufacturer after expiration of Lemon Law period
  • 3 years: Statute of limitations to file lawsuit from date of delivery
  • 40 days: To request arbitration after manufacturer's final repair attempt
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Florida Lemon Law FAQs

Protect Your Rights Under Florida Lemon Law

Don't let defective vehicles drain your finances. Take action today with professional legal documentation and demand letters to manufacturers.

Professional documents • Instant generation • Step-by-step guidance