Don’t let your hard-earned money vanish like smoke from the exhaust. If your “dream car” turned out to be a nightmare on wheels, the Florida Lemon Law may be your lifeline. This law protects car buyers stuck with vehicles that just won’t behave, when the dealer has tried and failed to fix major defects, you may be entitled to a refund or a replacement. Every state has its own playbook, and here in Florida, knowing the rules can mean the difference between getting stuck with a dud and driving away in peace of mind.
Lemon Law Requirements
Think of Lemon Law like a checklist:
- The defect must be serious and covered by warranty. If your transmission slips every time you accelerate, or your brakes squeal and grind even after repairs. These aren’t cosmetic issues like a peeling paint job; they’re safety and performance problems.
- The manufacturer or dealer must have tried, unsuccessfully, to fix it a reasonable number of times. This can occur if you bring your car in three times for the same electrical issue, the dealer resets the system, but two days later your dashboard lights up like a Christmas tree again.
- The problem keeps coming back, like a bad song on repeat. If the AC blows hot air every summer. They “fix” it in May, but by June you’re sweating again while stuck in traffic.
- The car was purchased within the set time or mileage limit. Imagine if you bought your SUV brand new six months ago and it has under 12,000 miles when the problems start, well within Florida’s eligibility period.
- All other criteria under Florida law must be met. keeping every repair receipt, notifying the manufacturer in writing, and giving them the required chances to make it right are steps to take in the event of a possible lemon law claim.
Many Lemon Law claims arise from transmission failures, electrical issues, and persistent engine problems. The vehicles most often involved are typically newer models that are still under warranty, usually within 24 months of purchase or under 24,000 miles depending on the state. In recent years, Hyundai, Kia, and Nissan have seen a large wave of Lemon Law-related claims tied to widespread recalls and recurring mechanical defects.
How Can the Perazzo Law Firm Help?
At The Perazzo Law Firm, we don’t just read the fine print; we fight with it. We’re the steady hands on the wheel when your car and your patience keep breaking down. From the moment you call, we take the burden off your shoulders: gathering documents, dealing with stubborn manufacturers, and driving your claim toward the finish line. Our lawyers combine sharp knowledge of Florida’s Lemon Law with relentless advocacy, ensuring no manufacturer runs you off the road. We negotiate when possible, litigate when necessary, and always tailor our strategy to your unique ride. Simply put; we turn lemons into justice.
What Does a Lemon Law Attorney Cost?
Here’s the beauty: with The Perazzo Law Firm, the road to justice doesn’t come with tolls. We start with a free consultation. Most cases run on a contingency basis, if we don’t win, you don’t pay. And under Florida law, the manufacturer may even be ordered to cover your attorney’s fees. That means the ones who sold you the lemon could be footing the bill.
Vehicles Eligible for Lemon Law Claims
Not just cars. Trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, even some RVs may qualify. The key? The vehicle must be under warranty, plagued by a serious defect, and subject to repeated failed repair attempts, or sidelined for 15 days or more in the shop. If your ride is more time in the mechanic’s bay than on the highway, it’s time to ask questions.
Common Vehicles Involved in Lemon Law Claims in the U.S.
Domestic Brands
- Ford – especially F-150, Explorer, Escape, Focus (transmission issues, engine problems, electrical failures)
- Chevrolet – Silverado 1500, Equinox, Traverse, Cruze (engine stalling, transmission slip, infotainment malfunctions)
- Jeep (Stellantis/Chrysler) – Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Renegade (electrical problems, transmission faults, “death wobble”)
- Dodge – Ram 1500, Durango, Charger (engine defects, steering issues, brake failures)
- Chrysler – Pacifica, 300 (transmission and electrical issues)
Import Brands
- Nissan – Altima, Sentra, Rogue, Pathfinder (CVT transmission failures are a major source of claims)
- Hyundai – Elantra, Sonata, Santa Fe, Tucson (engine seizures, stalling, recall-related issues)
- Kia – Optima, Soul, Sportage, Sorento (engine fires, electrical defects, faulty airbags)
- Volkswagen – Jetta, Passat, Tiguan, Atlas (engine lights, transmission, electronics)
- BMW – 3 Series, 5 Series, X5 (electrical malfunctions, engine cooling issues, fuel system)
- Mercedes-Benz – C-Class, E-Class, GLC (electronic and sensor failures, transmission defects)
- Tesla – Model 3, Model S, Model Y (software glitches, panel alignment, battery/range issues)
Many Lemon Law claims arise from transmission failures, electrical issues, and persistent engine problems. The vehicles most often involved are typically newer models that are still under warranty, usually within 24 months of purchase or under 24,000 miles depending on the state. In recent years, Hyundai, Kia, and Nissan have seen a large wave of Lemon Law-related claims tied to widespread recalls and recurring mechanical defects.
Can You File a Lemon Law Claim Without a Lawyer?
Yes, you can go it alone. But just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Filing on your own is like racing blindfolded: one wrong turn, one missed deadline, and you’re out of luck. Our attorneys know the shortcuts, the speed traps, and the rules of the road. With us at your side, you’ll never get left behind in the manufacturer’s dust.
How Much Can You Recover Under Florida Lemon Law?
The Florida Lemon Law may put you back in the driver’s seat with:
- A refund of your full purchase price, including taxes and fees. This isn’t just the sticker on the windshield. Florida law may entitle you to recover the total cost of your vehicle, including sales tax, dealer fees, and any add-ons you financed. Imagine rolling back the clock and wiping the slate clean on a bad deal.
- A replacement vehicle of equal type and value – If you’d rather swap than stop, the manufacturer may be forced to hand you the keys to a comparable model. That means you don’t have to settle for an unreliable ride, you get the fresh start you were promised when you first drove off the lot.
- Reimbursement for incidental costs like towing or registration – Florida law recognizes that a defective car doesn’t just break down your patience, it breaks down your wallet. Expenses like towing fees, rental cars while your vehicle is in the shop, registration, and even finance charges may be repaid, putting money back where it belongs: in your pocket.
- Attorney’s fees—covered by the manufacturer if you win – here’s the twist most consumers don’t realize. If you win, the manufacturer—not you—may be required to pay your legal bills. That means hiring an attorney at The Perazzo Law Firm doesn’t drain your finances; it strengthens your case at no extra cost to you.
Testimonials: Hear What Our Clients Say
Mr. Perazzo and his legal team are by far the best thing that could have happened to me after my accident. I felt devastated after being injured and Jonathan Perazzo brought a sense of relief to my woes. The best expert legal advice and support I received from the Perazzo Law staff helped me to get on with my life as they handled all the legal matters. I am 100% satisfied. Thank you so much Jonathan and the Perazzo Law team!