Boca Raton, Florida
Buying a new vehicle is supposed to be a reward for your hard work and investment in trouble-free transportation for years to come. Buyers often weigh the benefits of purchasing a less expensive used vehicle and then opt to buy a new car, truck, or SUV instead, as they want the added peace of mind and confidence that come with owning a new vehicle, knowing it will be reliable and a significant investment. They picture each day enjoying the new car as much as they did on that first drive home in Boca Raton. However, when they start experiencing issues like the car losing power, the AC not working reliably, or the engine making odd noises, that enjoyment quickly dwindles.
The thought of investing tens of thousands of dollars in a new vehicle that is not functional, safe, or dependable is very upsetting. However, most people feel they must continue to try to work with the manufacturer or dealership to resolve the issues with their new car while growing increasingly frustrated. It is essential to understand that while the manufacturer reserves the right to attempt to rectify a problem or defect in a new vehicle, there is a limit to what a new car owner should be required to endure.
If you feel you have reached your limit in patience with your issue-plagued new car, please know that Jonathan Schwartz, the leading Lemon Law Lawyer in Boca Raton, is just a call away to offer expert guidance and advice. For two decades, he has been resolving Florida Lemon Law cases for residents of Boca and the entire state, and he generously provides a free consultation and case evaluation to all who are thinking about having a vehicle declared a lemon. When you call his office, you will speak to a legal pro who can help you understand the process and how to explore your options to get rid of your lemon without selling it at a loss.
How Does The Florida Lemon Law Define These Defective Vehicles?
When you are evaluating your car, truck, or SUV to decide if it could be a lemon, you will want to ask yourself these questions to be sure the vehicle can qualify as a lemon in the state:
- Is the vehicle less than 24 months old and has less than 24,000 miles, excluding any miles that were on the car prior to its purchase or lease, according to the transfer paperwork?
- Was the vehicle sold as a demonstrator or a new model in Florida?
- Do the defects or issues in question impact the value, safety, and function of the vehicle?
- Has the new vehicle been out of service or in the repair shop for a total of 30 days or more?
- Have you taken the car back to the dealership service department or to a factory-authorized service center for repairs three or more times for the same issue that has not been corrected?
If you answered yes to these questions, then please reach out to Jonathan Schwartz to discuss moving forward to establish the vehicle is a lemon.
Get help with your lemon roadmap to compensation
Step 1: Start with a Free Case Review
Send us your vehicle details like the make, model, year, and what problems you’ve been dealing with. We’ll review everything and let you know if it qualifies under the Lemon Law.
Step 2: We Handle the Legal Work
If your vehicle qualifies, we take it from there. Our team prepares the paperwork, files the claim, and deals directly with the manufacturer. You don’t pay us. The manufacturer does.
Step 3: Turn in Your Lemon and Get Compensated
Once the case is approved, you’ll return your defective vehicle and get a refund, a replacement, or a cash settlement. We’ll help you figure out the best option for you.
30 Seconds Lemon Quiz
What Vehicles Are Not Covered By The Florida Lemon Law?
Most passenger cars and non-commercial trucks are covered by the Florida Lemon Law. Some common exceptions include:
- Any heavy-duty truck over 10,000 pounds
- Vehicles designed for off-road use
- Some motorcycles
- Any vehicle that is not currently owned by the original buyer who purchased the vehicle in Florida
- Vehicles that have issues or defects that were the result of a vehicle accident, abuse, neglect, or modifications that were not completed by a factory-authorized service center
Where To Turn When You Own A Boca Raton Lemon
It can be upsetting to come to the realization that the new vehicle you were so excited to purchase is actually a lemon. But once you decide you are ready to part ways with the costly and frustrating car, truck, or SUV, it is vital you reach out to Jonathan Schwartz instead of selling the vehicle for a loss. His team will work with you to complete the process of having the vehicle replaced or purchasing it back from you by the manufacturer, ensuring you have the funds to buy a new vehicle that meets your expectations for reliability, service, and safety.
Florida Lemon Law Basics
Florida’s Lemon Law, officially known as the Florida Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act, protects consumers who buy or lease new vehicles with significant defects. If a vehicle has a recurring issue that the manufacturer fails to fix after a “reasonable number” of repair attempts, the consumer may be entitled to a refund or a replacement.
Before taking legal action, consumers are required to try resolving the matter through the manufacturer’s informal dispute resolution process (usually arbitration). This involves submitting documentation and giving the manufacturer a final chance to repair the issue. If the dispute isn’t resolved in arbitration, the consumer can take the case to court.
The law covers new vehicles and some motor vehicles like RVs (but not their living facilities). Salvage vehicles and cars without warranty are not covered.
Florida’s state Lemon Law only applies to new vehicles. However, used cars can still be protected under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, as long as the defect is reported during the vehicle’s warranty period.
So if you buy a used car and it still has a valid manufacturer or dealer warranty, and a defect appears during that time, you may still have a case. This federal law doesn’t care whether the vehicle is new or used — it focuses on whether the warranty is active and whether the defect was properly reported.
If your vehicle qualifies and the manufacturer fails to fix the defect after multiple repair attempts, you need to:
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Step 1: Send a written notice to the manufacturer via certified or express mail.
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Step 2: Allow the manufacturer one final repair attempt.
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Step 3: If the issue persists, submit a Request for Arbitration with Florida’s Department of Legal Affairs along with supporting documents.
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Step 4: Attend arbitration. If the outcome isn’t favorable, you may file a lawsuit.
An attorney can help handle these steps and increase your chances of a successful outcome.
Yes, leased vehicles are covered under Florida’s Lemon Law — as long as the defect appears during the lease and meets the same conditions as a purchased vehicle.
However, keep in mind: if you’re leasing, your refund is limited to the amount you’ve paid into the lease. You won’t be refunded for the full vehicle value since you don’t own the car.
Hiring a Lemon Law attorney gives you a big advantage. Manufacturers have deep pockets and legal teams — going up against them alone can be difficult. An experienced attorney knows how to handle the process, file correctly, and present your case with strong documentation.
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