Florida lemon law claim, step by step
- Report the defect within 24 monthsEvery repair visit should produce a repair order with the date, mileage and your complaint.
- Send the Defect Notification FormAfter the third attempt for the same defect, or the 15th day out of service, mail it to the manufacturer by registered or express mail. The Attorney General asks for a copy by regular mail to its Lemon Law Research Unit. Keep your copy and the receipt.
- Allow the final repair attemptThe manufacturer has 10 days from receiving your notice to respond, then 10 days to repair after the vehicle reaches its facility (45 days for RVs).
- Use the manufacturer’s state-certified program if requiredIf it has one and told you in writing, you must use it first. The Lemon Law Hotline, 1-800-321-5366, can tell you.
- Send the Request for ArbitrationTo Office of the Attorney General, Lemon Law Arbitration Screening, PL-01, The Capitol, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1050, within 60 days after the rights period ends (or 30 days after the certified program’s final action, if later).
- ScreeningThe Attorney General makes an eligibility decision within about 20 days. If information is missing, you have 30 days to complete it.
- Arbitration Board hearingHeld within 40 days of approval, with a decision within 60 days.
- Compliance or appealA manufacturer that loses has 40 days to comply. Either side can appeal to circuit court within 30 days of receiving the decision.
Common Florida filing mistakes
- Sending the notification form to the dealer instead of the manufacturer.
- Using regular mail instead of registered or express mail.
- Treating day 15 as the 30-day test. Day 15 is the notice trigger.
- Missing the 60-day request deadline after the 24 months end.
Our Florida notice letter generator helps you list your repair history for the form, and you can check a Florida claim before filing.
Frequently asked questions
How do I file a lemon law claim in Florida?
Send the Motor Vehicle Defect Notification Form to the manufacturer by registered or express mail, allow a final repair attempt, use any state-certified manufacturer program first, then mail the Request for Arbitration to the Attorney General within 60 days after the 24-month rights period ends.
Is the Florida lemon law arbitration free?
Yes. Arbitration before the Florida New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board is free to consumers.
How long does the Florida lemon law process take?
Screening takes about 20 days. The Board hears the case within 40 days of approval and decides within 60 days. A manufacturer that loses has 40 days to comply.
Sources
Checked on October 10, 2026. Read how we verify every rule in our editorial policy.