Know your rights
Florida Lemon Law and the Used Car Buyers Guide
Two sets of rules every Florida car buyer should know about: the state Lemon Law for new vehicles, and the federal window sticker on used vehicles.
Sources last checked: October 29, 2026
Florida Lemon Law (new vehicles)
Chapter 681 of the Florida Statutes covers new motor vehicles sold in Florida, including demonstrators and certain leased vehicles. It does not cover motorcycles, mopeds, off-road vehicles or trucks over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.
- The Lemon Law rights period ends 24 months after the vehicle was first delivered to the consumer (§681.102).
- A nonconformity is a defect or condition that substantially impairs the vehicle's use, value or safety, not one caused by an accident, abuse, neglect or outside modification (§681.102).
- After three repair attempts for the same problem, the consumer must notify the manufacturer in writing, by registered or express mail, to give it a final attempt to fix it (§681.104). The statute also covers vehicles out of service for repairs for a cumulative number of days; read it for details.
- If the manufacturer has a certified dispute procedure, a claim must be filed with it no later than 60 days after the rights period ends (§681.109).
The Florida Attorney General explains how to request arbitration: Request for Arbitration form (MyFloridaLegal.com).
Used vehicles: the window Buyers Guide
The FTC's Used Motor Vehicle Trade Regulation Rule (16 CFR Part 455) requires a dealer, before offering a used vehicle for sale to a consumer, to fill in and display a "Buyers Guide" on that vehicle. The guide shows whether the vehicle is sold "As Is - No Dealer Warranty," with implied warranties only, or with a warranty. Motorcycles are not covered by this rule.
- Read the Buyers Guide on the window before you agree to a deal.
- If the dealer promises a warranty, make sure the guide and your paperwork say so.
- Ask for a copy of the guide with your sale documents.
Read the rule: 16 CFR Part 455 (eCFR). Source: U.S. Federal Trade Commission rule as published in the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations.
Before you sign
- Check open recalls for the VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls.
- Compare your bid's line items with our Florida Out-the-Door Rulebook.
- Keep copies of every document you sign and every repair order.
General information only, not legal advice. Laws change; read the linked official source and talk to a Florida attorney about your situation. Haggle House Services is a technology platform where buyers post a deal and dealerships bid. We are not a dealership or broker, we do not negotiate for you, and we are not affiliated with or endorsed by any agency linked on this page.