When your car keeps breaking down, it’s very stressful. After the third repair attempt, most people in Jacksonville start asking the same question: What do I do now?
The good news is that Florida’s Lemon Law may protect you if your vehicle has a serious defect that the dealer or manufacturer cannot fix. Knowing your next steps can help you protect your rights, save money, and move on from the headache of owning a lemon.
Why the Third Repair Attempt Matters
Florida’s Lemon Law requires the dealer or manufacturer to get a fair number of chances to fix your car. Often, three repair attempts for the same problem are enough to indicate that the issue is not going away.
If your car remains unsafe or unreliable after three attempts, the law may consider it a lemon. At that point, you may have the right to ask for:
- A replacement vehicle
- A refund of your purchase price
- A cash settlement
The key is to act quickly and keep good records.
Step 1: Gather All Repair Records
The first thing you should do is collect proof. Save every:
- Repair order from the dealership
- Invoice or receipt for service
- Notes about when the car broke down
- Details about what the mechanic tried to fix
Each document helps show that your car had a serious problem and that the dealer had more than one chance to repair it. Without records, it’s harder to prove your case.
Step 2: Track Days Out of Service
Florida’s Lemon Law also looks at how long your car has been in the shop. If your car has been out of service for 15 days or more within the first 24 months of ownership, it could qualify as a lemon.
Keep a simple log:
- Mark the dates your car went in for repairs.
- Mark the dates it came back.
- Total the days.
This timeline is powerful evidence if you decide to move forward with a Lemon Law claim.
Step 3: Give Written Notice to the Manufacturer
After the third failed repair, the law gives you the right to notify the manufacturer. This notice must be in writing. It tells the company that your car still has defects and asks for a final repair attempt.
Here’s what to include in your letter:
- Your name and contact info
- Vehicle make, model, year, and VIN
- Description of the problem
- Dates of all repair attempts
- A clear request for a final repair
The manufacturer then has one last chance to fix the issue. If they are still unable to repair it, you may be eligible for a refund or replacement.
Step 4: Know Your Rights Under Florida’s Lemon Law
Florida’s Lemon Law gives Jacksonville car owners strong protection. It applies to:
- New cars under 24 months old
- Vehicles with serious defects affecting safety, use, or value
- Cars that have been through at least three repair attempts for the same issue
If these conditions are met, the law is on your side. You should not have to keep paying for a car that doesn’t work correctly.
Step 5: Get Help from a Lemon Law Attorney
Lemon Law cases can be tricky. Manufacturers often push back or try to blame the driver. Having an attorney helps level the playing field. A lawyer can:
- Review your repair records
- Make sure your notice to the manufacturer is correct
- Handle all deadlines and paperwork
- Negotiate directly with the manufacturer
- Push for a fair refund, replacement, or settlement
Best of all, in many cases, the manufacturer must pay your attorney fees if you win. That means you can fight for your rights without worrying about extra costs.
If you’re ready to take action, you can learn more here: Lemon Law Attorney in Jacksonville.
Step 6: Act Quickly to Protect Your Case
Timing matters. Florida’s Lemon Law has strict limits. You must act within 24 months of the vehicle’s delivery date. Waiting too long can cost you your rights.
Acting quickly helps you:
- Avoid missed deadlines
- Strengthen your case with fresh records
- End the stress of constant repair visits sooner
Don’t Wait After the Third Failed Repair
If your car in Jacksonville has been through three repair attempts and the problem is still there, you don’t have to keep suffering. Florida’s Lemon Law gives you the right to demand a fair solution.
By saving your records, tracking repair days, sending notice to the manufacturer, and reaching out for legal help, you can protect yourself and get back on the road with confidence.
Your next step could be the most important: contact a skilled Lemon Law attorney and find out what options you have today.