Car Buy-Back (Lemon Law) Program in Florida

If your vehicle has repeated defects, Florida lemon law may entitle you to a full buy-back from the manufacturer. Here's exactly how the process works.

Quick Reference

Eligibility Window24 months / 24,000 miles

Repair Attempt Threshold3+ attempts OR 30+ days out of service

Arbitration Required?Yes — Florida AG Arbitration Program required before suit

Resale Disclosure?Required — branded title; dealer must disclose at resale

Governing Statute

Florida Lemon Law (Ch. 681, F.S.)

Florida Lemon Law applies to new/demo vehicles. Florida AG administers free arbitration program.

Eligibility Window

24 months / 24,000 miles

Florida lemon law applies within 24 months of original delivery or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Repair Attempt Threshold

3+ attempts OR 30+ days out of service

Florida requires 3 attempts on same defect OR 30 cumulative days out of service. Lower threshold than most states.

Buy-Back Amount

Full refund or replacement; usage offset applies

Florida buy-back: refund (price + tax + fees) OR replacement, with usage offset for miles driven.

Arbitration Process

Yes — Florida AG Arbitration Program required before suit

Florida requires Florida AG Lemon Law Arbitration as first step. Free for consumer; binding on manufacturer if consumer accepts.

Resale Disclosure After Buy-Back

Required — branded title; dealer must disclose at resale

Florida brands lemon law buy-backs on title. FDUTPA covers non-disclosure with treble damages.

Florida Standout Rule

Florida AG Lemon Law Arbitration is FREE and consumer-friendly. Florida has one of the most active lemon law arbitration programs in the US. File before contacting a private attorney.

Florida-Specific Facts for Car Buy Back Program

Florida Vehicle transfer fees and requirements

In Florida, the title transfer fee is $75.25 and registration costs $14.50 - $32.50 based on vehicle weight. Vehicle sales are subject to 6% state sales tax plus discretionary county surtax (up to 1.5%). Florida does not require notarization for private-party vehicle transfers. Florida does not require emission testing for private-party vehicle sales.

Electronic title program (no paper titles for lien-free vehicles)
Title must be transferred within 30 days
Sales tax applies to purchase price or NADA value, whichever is higher
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles handles registration

Official Florida bill of sale form

The official Florida bill of sale form is HSMV 82050 (Motor Vehicle, Mobile Home, or Vessel Bill of Sale). BillOfSaleNow generates a document that meets all Florida requirements and can be used in place of the official form.

Florida sales tax on vehicle purchases

Florida has a 6% state sales tax rate. 6% state plus county discretionary surtax (0.5–1.5%). Private-party vehicle sales in Florida are subject to sales tax. Tax based on purchase price or NADA book value, whichever is higher. The title transfer fee is $75.

Florida bill of sale statistics

BillOfSaleNow has generated 8,923 bill of sale documents for Florida transactions, with 241 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.

More Florida Vehicle Guides

Each guide is written specifically for Florida laws, agencies, and procedures. Bookmark for future reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What law governs car buy-back in Florida?

Florida Lemon Law (Ch. 681, F.S.). Florida Lemon Law applies to new/demo vehicles. Florida AG administers free arbitration program.

When am I eligible for a buy-back in Florida?

24 months / 24,000 miles. Florida lemon law applies within 24 months of original delivery or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first.

How many repair attempts trigger buy-back in Florida?

3+ attempts OR 30+ days out of service. Florida requires 3 attempts on same defect OR 30 cumulative days out of service. Lower threshold than most states.

How much will the manufacturer refund in Florida?

Full refund or replacement; usage offset applies. Florida buy-back: refund (price + tax + fees) OR replacement, with usage offset for miles driven.

Do I have to arbitrate first in Florida?

Yes — Florida AG Arbitration Program required before suit. Florida requires Florida AG Lemon Law Arbitration as first step. Free for consumer; binding on manufacturer if consumer accepts.

Selling a Lemon-Branded Vehicle?

If you're reselling a vehicle that was bought back under lemon law, Floridarequires written disclosure. A bill of sale documents the disclosure.

Generate Bill of Sale

This page is informational only and not legal advice. For your specific case, consult a Florida lemon law attorney. Source: Florida Attorney General — Lemon Law Arbitration.