Florida Jeep Lemon Law
If your Jeep keeps breaking down, you may be wondering how the Florida Jeep Lemon Law helps you. This law protects drivers from being stuck with a Jeep that spends more time in the shop than on the road.
At Easy Lemon, we make the Lemon Law process simple and stress-free. Our professional team has helped countless Jeep owners across Florida get compensation or replacement vehicles through the Lemon Law without any legal confusion. Contact us for a free case review.
In this guide, we dispel any myths about Florida’s Lemon Law and show you how it applies to you. We also explain how to start a claim and tell you what to do when the Jeep dealer refuses repairs or delays service.
What Is the Florida Jeep Lemon Law?
The Florida Lemon Law for Jeeps is part of Florida Statute 681, which protects drivers who buy or lease new vehicles with serious, recurring defects. It ensures that if your Jeep can’t be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer must replace or buy back the vehicle.
This state law applies to all new Jeeps sold or leased in Florida. It’s designed to keep consumers from being stuck driving an unreliable car. Many drivers prefer to take advantage of the Jeep buyback program in Florida, which forces the manufacturer to purchase the vehicle back when repairs won’t fix the problem.
Common Jeep Problems That May Qualify
Florida has some pretty simple lemon law qualifications that make it easy to know if your Jeep qualifies. Most recurring issues count if they impair the safety, use, or value of the vehicle. Some examples would be
- Transmission failures (shifting difficulty, slipping gears, etc.)
- Electrical or infotainment system malfunctions
- Steering and suspension problems, including the Jeep death wobble
- Engine stalling, overheating, or failure
If your Jeep continues to exhibit the same problem after multiple repair attempts, you may qualify for compensation. It’s important to take action quickly, while the lemon law rights period is still in effect.
Exceptions and Penalties
The Florida Jeep Lemon Law won’t apply in every situation. For example, it generally excludes vehicles that have been damaged in an accident, used for commercial purposes, or have issues that were caused by improper maintenance. For these reasons, it’s imperative that you comply with all of the routine maintenance prescribed in the owner’s manual and that you do your utmost to care for the Jeep.
Drivers also won’t qualify if the issues are minor and easily fixed or if the manufacturer hasn’t had a reasonable number of repair attempts. Knowing these exceptions helps you understand how the Florida Lemon Law works, so you know if you have a valid case or not.
How the Florida Lemon Law Works for Jeeps
If your Jeep has a recurring defect, the Florida Lemon Law offers a clear process to follow. We can help guide you through the lemon law process to a favorable outcome.
Step 1: Report the Issue
As soon as you realize there’s a problem with the motor vehicle, you want to contact its manufacturer or its authorized service agent. You must keep a record of all this communication, because it may help you prove the lemon law case down the road.
Step 2: Allow for a Reasonable Number of Repair Attempts
Under Florida’s Lemon Law, a reasonable number of repair attempts is usually three or more tries for the same problem. Otherwise, a lemon law claim is valid if the vehicle is out of service for 30 or more cumulative days within the first two years or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first).
Step 3: Request Arbitration With the State-Certified Program
When repairs don’t resolve the issue, it’s time to request a case with the motor vehicle arbitration board. The purpose of the Florida Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board is to resolve disputes between the vehicle owner and manufacturer without going to court.
Step 4: Negotiate for a Favorable Outcome
At the end of the lemon law claim, you have several options. If the manufacturer fails to repair the issue, you may be offered a replacement vehicle. There’s also a chance to get a refund or lemon law buyback. Otherwise, you could keep the vehicle and take a small cash settlement for your troubles. It’s best to speak with a professional about the ideal option in your case.
How to File a Lemon Law Claim for Your Jeep
To file a lemon law claim, start by gathering all of the required documentation. You want your purchase contract, repair orders, and all communications with the dealer.
Next, contact Jeep/Chrysler’s manufacturer arbitration program to start the process. In many cases, the claim will need to be escalated, and you will want the help of an attorney. It’s also helpful to reach out to the Florida Attorney General’s office.
Common Mistakes Jeep Owners Make
Many Jeep owners miss out on protection by waiting too long to file a claim. The defective vehicle must have a manufacturer’s warranty that covers the issue, and the claim must be filed before the time runs out.
Additionally, drivers fail to keep repair records and all documentation. It’s difficult to prove a case when the evidence is missing.
Jeep owners may also look for a second opinion on the repair without the advice of a lawyer. If the dealership has a reasonably accessible repair facility, all work must be performed there. For the lemon law process to flow smoothly, you don’t have the right to have work done anywhere other than the authorized repair shop.
Furthermore, the manufacturer and dealer have rights. For example, you must allow for a reasonable number of repair attempts and notify them in writing when filing a claim. If their rights are violated in any way, it could hinder your road to compensation.
What Compensation Can You Receive Under Florida’s Lemon Law?
After the arbitration program, you may be offered several choices to resolve the claim. The manufacturer may offer a full refund of the purchase price. If you have a lease agreement, you may be offered the total amount you’ve already paid.
Otherwise, you could swap out your Jeep for a replacement. The manufacturer would be responsible for providing a comparable model free of defects.
Either way, you may be due other damages with the settlement. For example, you may be able to recoup the registration fees, sales tax, and other incidentals. If you’ve paid for a tow truck, a rental car, or other expenses, it’s important to keep the receipts.
If the Lemon Law covers defects on your Jeep, you could also get the manufacturer to pay for your legal fees. You may not need to pay out of pocket for your legal representation, making it even easier to file a claim.
Why Hire a Florida Lemon Law Attorney?
While you can file a claim without hiring legal services, it’s best to have professional lawyers on your side. Lemon law attorneys have experience working with the manufacturers and dealers to get the best outcome. The manufacturer is less likely to lowball an offer with a lawyer involved.
You also may not need to pay any out-of-pocket fees. The manufacturer may be responsible for all of your legal fees if you win. However, it’s critical that you use a Florida-based firm that understands all of the state’s lemon law requirements.
Common Misconceptions About Jeep Lemon Law
Jeep owners often think that the Lemon Law applies to all types of vehicles, but that’s not the case. For example, off-road vehicles aren’t going to receive the same type of coverage. While not necessarily a Jeep issue, recreational vehicles aren’t covered either.
Additionally, your Jeep doesn’t need to be completely broken down and unusable for you to file a claim through the state law or federal regulations (Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act). If the defect is recurring and substantially impairs the use, safety, or value of the vehicle, you may have a case. The main issue is that you’ve allowed enough repair attempts for the car to qualify.
You may also believe that a claim is complicated or slow to resolve. In reality, manufacturers designed the program to be faster and less stressful than court. By understanding your rights and getting professional representation, you can confidently get the compensation you deserve.
Protect Your Rights Under Florida Lemon Law
If you’ve completed the final repair attempt on your Jeep and nothing has changed, it may be time to file a Lemon Law claim. You have rights, and there’s no reason to drive a defective Jeep. For a quick resolution, you should take action as soon as possible.
Easy Lemon offers a free consultation to determine if your vehicle qualifies for compensation. Our premier legal firm proudly serves Florida clients, helping you get into a new vehicle or secure the refund you deserve. Contact us today through our lemon law hotline to schedule a free case evaluation.
FAQs
If you’ve got a new vehicle with recurring problems, understanding the Florida Lemon Law helps you get the relief you deserve. These frequently asked questions answer the concerns you may have about your rights and the process.
How Does a Car Qualify for Lemon Law in Florida?
A car typically qualifies if it has serious, recurring defects that can’t be fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts. It may also qualify if it’s been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days, but either way, the issues must occur within the first two years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Can I Sue a Dealership for Selling Me a Lemon in Florida?
The Florida Lemon Law typically applies only to the manufacturer and will usually be handled through arbitration. However, you can sue a dealership for breach of contract, fraud, misrepresentation, and failure to disclose.
What Is the Lemon Law Buyback in Florida?
A buyback occurs when the manufacturer replaces or refunds the defective vehicle after repeated repair attempts fail to resolve the issue. This remedy ensures you aren’t stuck with a defective Jeep.
How Do I Appeal a Lemon Law Decision in Florida?
If you disagree with the arbitration decision in Florida, you can appeal through the courts. An attorney familiar with Lemon Law helps guide you through the entire process.
What Fees Are Involved in a Lemon Law Case in Florida?
In most cases, it’s free to file a lemon law claim in Florida through arbitration. If you win, the manufacturer needs to pay for your attorney fees, thereby keeping the process low-cost for the consumer.
What is the Lemon Law Rights Period in Florida?
Florida offers protection for new cars within the first two years or 24,000 miles from the delivery date, whichever comes first. If an issue arises after this time, it’s not covered under the state’s Lemon Law.
