The Lemon Laws on Used Cars in Florida

• Florida's lemon law protects car buyers.car dealership 3 image by Alexey Stiop from Fotolia.com
  
  In many states, including Florida, buyers of cars and trucks are protected by a lemon law, which is intended to prevent car dealers from misrepresenting a vehicle, or selling a vehicle without disclosing any serious problems. Lemon laws entitle buyers to compensation, such as a full refund, if they are unable to have the vehicle repaired.
  
  

Vehicles Covered

• Unlike many states that use lemon laws to protect used car buyers, when there is no existing manufacturer warranty on the vehicle, Florida's lemon law applies only to new vehicles. Lemon coverage law may transfer from the original buyer to a second buyer only if the same occurs within 24 hours of the initial purchase.
  
  Florida's lemon law lasts for 18 months or until the vehicle has been driven 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. It applies to vehicles that are sold or signed to a long-term lease. Car dealers must provide a copy of the state's official publication, Consumer Guide to the Florida Lemon Law, with every qualifying vehicle. Along with passenger cars, the law also covers other vehicle types. Among the motor vehicles not covered by Florida's lemon law are motorcycles, trucks that weigh more than 10,000 pounds, off-road vehicles, mopeds and the living space portion inside recreational vehicles.
  
  

Time Frame

• Within the period that the lemon law is valid, a Florida car buyer may be eligible for a refund only when certain conditions are met. The most important condition is that the buyer must have taken the car to the dealer or another authorized repair shop to service the same recurring problem at least three times. In addition, drivers may be able to claim rights under Florida's lemon law if the vehicle has been out of service for a total of 30 days or more while repairs are being made.
  
  

Buyer Responsibilities

• Buyers who wish to receive a refund through the provisions of the Florida lemon law are required to do several things. Buyers should keep all records of repair attempts and notes about conversations with the dealer, repair shop or representatives of the manufacturer. When the vehicle has been out of service for 15 days, the driver must submit a Motor Vehicle Defect Notification form to the dealer, which indicates the buyer's willingness to invoke the Florida lemon law.