The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, better known as the “Lemon Law” protects consumers who purchase a defective vehicle and the manufacturer or the authorized dealer cannot repair the defect in a specified number of attempts. The Lemon Law in Florida allows for arbitration for those with a complaint that satisfies the conditions of the law.
If it is not possible to repair the defect within the specified period, the manufacturer is given the option of replacing the vehicle or refunding the full purchase price. As the law is complex, it is in the consumer’s best interest to hire a Florida Lemon Law attorney.
Eligibility criteria in Florida:
The Lemon Law rights period in Florida is 24 months from the date the vehicle was delivered to the customer. To be considered a lemon, the following must have occurred:
- The defect must be such that it “substantially impairs” the safety, use or value of the vehicle
- At least three attempts must have been made to repair the same defect, and
- The vehicle was not available for 15 days or more
It is imperative that all service records and correspondence is kept, regardless of whether it was the manufacturer or dealer that was involved.
If the vehicle meets the conditions, a defect notice is to be mailed to the vehicle manufacturer, not the dealer. The notice gives the manufacturer the last chance to repair the defect. If, after ten days, the final repair attempt has not been made you can seek arbitration under Florida law. If you have yet to hire a Florida Lemon Law attorney, now is the time to do so.
Why hire an attorney?
Although the Lemon Law looks simple, things can become complicated. A seasoned attorney will make sure that you have all the supporting material that is necessary to prove that your vehicle is a lemon. An attorney is intimate with the law, and he or she can present your case in arbitration.
A Florida Lemon Law attorney can help you if the new vehicle you purchased turns out to be a lemon. For details of Florida Lemon Law attorneys you are invited to visit Lemon Law America.
