What is the Florida Lemon Law?

If you’ve bought or leased a new vehicle in Florida and serious defects keep it in the shop, the state’s “Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act” (commonly called the Florida Lemon Law) gives you a structured path to a refund or a replacement. Below is a clear, dealership-level overview tailored for drivers in the Bradenton area. This article is for general information only; it’s not legal advice.

Which vehicles are covered?

Florida’s Lemon Law applies to new passenger vehicles (including many leased and demonstrator vehicles) that are primarily for personal, family, or household use. It does not cover vehicles such as off-road vehicles, trucks over 10,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight, motorcycles, mopeds, or the living facilities portion of recreational vehicles. Electric bicycles are also excluded. Florida Legislature

How long do you have protection?

Your Lemon Law protection runs for the first 24 months after the vehicle’s original delivery to you. This is called the “Lemon Law rights period.” If you first report the problem during that period, the manufacturer must make necessary warranty repairs—even if the actual repair happens after month 24.

What counts as a “lemon”?

A “nonconformity” is a defect or condition that substantially impairs use, value, or safety. Florida presumes the manufacturer had a reasonable number of chances to fix your vehicle if, during the rights period, either:

• The same issue has been repaired at least three times, and it still isn’t fixed after a final opportunity; or

• The vehicle is out of service for repair for 30 or more cumulative days (60 for an RV).

The step-by-step process

1. Report issues and keep records. Every visit should generate a detailed repair order (date in/out, odometer, problem noted, diagnosis, work performed). These records matter later.

2. After 3 repair attempts (same defect), send the manufacturer written notice. Use registered or express mail to give the manufacturer a final chance to repair. Florida provides a Motor Vehicle Defect Notification form to help you do this correctly.

3. If your vehicle is down 15+ cumulative days, send notice then, too. Florida requires you to notify the manufacturer at 15 days out-of-service so it has a fair opportunity to inspect or repair before you reach the 30-day threshold.

4. The manufacturer’s timeline. After receiving your notice, the manufacturer has 10 days to direct you to a reasonably accessible repair facility and, once you deliver the vehicle, up to 10 days to fix it (45 days for RVs). If it fails to respond or doesn’t perform the repair within those time limits, you don’t have to provide that final opportunity.

5. If it still isn’t fixed, seek arbitration. Many manufacturers run a state-certified dispute program; when they do, you must file there first. If no certified program exists (or if you’re not satisfied with the outcome), you can request arbitration with the Florida New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board, administered by the Florida Attorney General’s Office. File within 60 days after the 24-month rights period ends (or within 30 days of a certified program’s final action, whichever is later).

What remedies are available?

If the manufacturer cannot conform the vehicle to warranty after a reasonable number of attempts, it has 40 days to either:

• Repurchase (refund) the full purchase price (with a reasonable offset for use) and reimburse reasonable incidental and collateral charges, or

• Replace the vehicle with one acceptable to you (again accounting for a reasonable offset for use). Florida law defines how that mileage-based offset is calculated. Consumers have an unconditional right to choose a refund rather than a replacement.

Tips to protect your claim

• Document everything. Keep repair orders, towing receipts, rental/loaner documentation, and all correspondence.

• Use the state’s forms and instructions. Florida’s Defect Notification form and step-by-step guidance help you satisfy notice requirements and timelines.

• Watch the deadlines. Beyond the arbitration windows described above, lawsuits under the Lemon Law must be filed within one year after the rights period ends, or within one year after the final action of a dispute program or the state board.

Common questions we hear

Does the law cover leased vehicles? Yes, many new leases are covered if the lease is for a year or more and you are responsible for repairs.

Are dealers on the hook under the Lemon Law? The law targets the manufacturer’s duty to conform the vehicle to warranty; dealers are generally treated as authorized service agents for repairs.

How quickly can I get a decision? Timelines vary by program, but the law sets deadlines for certified procedures and for the state arbitration board’s process once a case is accepted.

Conclusion: Your next move in Bradenton

Florida’s Lemon Law gives you a clear, time-boxed path to relief when a new vehicle can’t be fixed after reasonable attempts. The keys are timely notice, complete documentation, and using the proper dispute channel on time. If you’re weighing your options—or just want a reliable vehicle backed by a team that knows the process—stop by Conley Subaru in Bradenton. Our team can help you navigate warranty service correctly and keep you on the road with confidence. Visit Conley Subaru today to explore our inventory, schedule service, or talk through your situation with our knowledgeable staff.