Miami, Florida
The purchase of a new car is typically the largest item most Miami residents buy other than their home. With new car prices easily reaching the mid to high five-figure point, it is reasonable to assume that you will receive a reliable vehicle that will meet your transportation needs and be nearly trouble-free for years. When asked why they have spent the money on a new car, many consumers reply that they want confidence in the quality and dependability of a new car. They also appreciate that when properly maintained, they can protect their investment and know that the vehicle will continue to be a valuable asset.
But what happens when you consider all of these aspects of your purchase, do your research, and make what appears to be a wise investment only to discover that the new car, truck, or SUV you bought was a lemon? Suddenly, you go from being happy to have a new vehicle to dreading the next warning light that will illuminate the dash or the next odd sound it makes. You feel as if you threw your money away on a vehicle that is losing value and reliability very rapidly.
If you have faced ongoing issues with your new vehicle and the dealership and manufacturer have not been able or willing to make it right for you, please take a moment to contact Jonathan Schwartz, the premier Lemon Law Lawyer in Miami, Florida. Jonathan and his staff bring decades of experience to the table, successfully resolving Florida Lemon Law cases for each new client they assist. Soon, you will understand the process and what it takes to return your lemon, thanks to the free consultation and case evaluation offered by this caring and dedicated team of Lemon Law experts.
When Is A New Car Considered A Florida Lemon?
To be classified as a lemon and require the manufacturer to buy back the vehicle or replace it with a new vehicle, specific criteria must be met. If your new SUV, car, or truck meets these few criteria, please do not hesitate to reach out to Jonathan Schwartz to discuss your options:
- The vehicle is less than 24 months old and has fewer than 24,000 miles, less than any listed on the sales or lease documentation at the time of delivery
- The vehicle was sold as new or a demo model in the state of Florida
- The issues or defects in question impact the value, service, or safety of the vehicle
- The new vehicle was unfit for use, out of service, or in the possession of the service department for a total of 30 days or more
- You returned to the dealership service department or a factory-authorized service center three or more times for repair of the same issue that was never resolved
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
When Is A New Vehicle Not Covered by The Florida Lemon Law?
While most passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs are covered by the Lemon Law in Florida, buyers of some heavy-duty trucks over 10,000 pounds, some off-road vehicles, and motorcycles do not always get relief from the Florida Lemon Law. In addition, for the vehicle to be classified as a lemon, it must be in the possession of the original owner who purchased it in Florida. The defects or issues with the vehicle cannot be caused by a vehicle accident abuse, neglect, or any modifications done to the vehicle by a service center that is not factory-authorized.
The Expert Lemon Law Team In Miami, Florida
If you feel that your new vehicle has never provided the quality and reliability that is expected from a new car, truck, or SUV because of ongoing repair and defect issues, please get in touch with Jonathan Schwartz. As the leading Lemon Law Lawyer in Miami, he and his team will assess your vehicle and explain to you your options if it can be considered a lemon. With thousands of settled cases and decades of experience working to bring justice to consumers like yourself, Jonathan and his team will get you the resolution you want and need to put this complex and costly situation behind you.
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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Vehicle Manufacturers With the Most Lemons
