A Leading Florida Lemon Law Attorney

Last updated on March 21, 2025

Purchasing a new vehicle only to find it riddled with issues is immensely frustrating and disappointing. It can also take a substantial financial toll on your wallet. As one of the few firms in Florida with a focus on lemon law, Cousins Law Firm, is here as you navigate this complex challenge.

Based in West Palm Beach, we have been serving Palm Beach County and the surrounding areas since 1994. With 34 years of experience, Patrick Cousins leads our firm with a commitment to protecting consumers’ rights. We focus on cases involving high-end vehicles and new cars, ensuring you receive the justice and compensation you deserve. You can trust us to stand by your side and take charge of your lemon law claims.

A Guide To Lemon Law In Florida

A lemon refers to a new car that has significant defects affecting its use, value or safety, and cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts. In Florida, a vehicle qualifies as a lemon if it has been in the shop for repairs three or more times for the same issue within the first two years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. The lemon law requirements in Florida protect consumers from defective vehicles, ensuring you receive a replacement or refund if your car meets these criteria.

How Do I File A Lemon Law Claim?

Filing a lemon law claim can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it becomes manageable. Here is how to proceed:

1. Document everything: Keep detailed records of all repair attempts, including dates, issues and outcomes. This documentation is crucial for your claim.
2. Notify the manufacturer: Inform the car manufacturer of the persistent issue using the Florida Motor Vehicle Defect Notification form. They should be given an opportunity to resolve the problem.
3. Register for in the manufacturer’s certified informal dispute settlement program or request arbitration: Most automobile manufacturers are part of the state-certified, manufacturer-sponsored informal dispute program. Florida law states that if your vehicle is made by any manufacturer that is part of the state-certified program, you must apply to the program to be eligible for a hearing. If the manufacturer does not have a state-certified informal dispute settlement program, you can request arbitration through the Florida New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board.
4. Take part in the dispute settlement hearing or arbitration: Hearings are done virtually. Attorney Cousins can represent you at the hearing and guide you through the process.

Having a lemon law attorney by your side to represent your interests and protect your rights is essential. We offer free, virtual consultations to inform and prepare you for the process. Our legal team gathers every bit of information available to strengthen your case, maximizing your chances for a favorable outcome. We handle the complexities so you can focus on moving forward.

Common Defects Covered By Lemon Law

Florida’s lemon law applies to vehicles with substantial defects that impact their use, value or safety. These defects must persist despite multiple repair attempts or an extended time in the shop. Below are some common issues covered:

• Engine problems: Persistent stalling, overheating, oil leaks or mechanical failures
• Transmission issues: Slipping gears, difficulty shifting or total transmission failure
• Brake malfunctions: Inconsistent braking, grinding noises or sudden brake failure
• Electrical system failures: Faulty wiring, dead battery, malfunctioning lights or power window issues
• Steering and suspension defects: Steering wheel vibration, difficulty turning or excessive bouncing
• Air conditioning or heating problems: Systems that fail to cool or heat properly, affecting comfort and visibility
• Fuel system defects: Leaking fuel, poor acceleration or excessive fuel consumption
• Safety system failures: Defective airbags, seatbelt malfunctions or sensor failures affecting crash prevention

If your vehicle experiences ongoing defects despite repeated repairs, you may have a valid lemon law claim. We can provide legal guidance and answer your questions about whether your situation qualifies.

Florida Lemon Law Deadlines And Time Limits

Time is critical when pursuing a lemon law claim in Florida. The law establishes strict deadlines that determine eligibility for a refund or replacement vehicle:

• Defect notification deadline: The manufacturer must be notified of the problem within 24 months of the vehicle’s delivery date.
• Repair attempts timeframe: The manufacturer must be given a reasonable opportunity to fix the defect. Generally, this means three or more repair attempts for the same issue or the vehicle being out of service for 30 cumulative days.
• Final repair notice: If the issue remains unresolved after the required number of repair attempts, you must send a final repair notice to the manufacturer.
• Arbitration request deadline: If the defect still exists, you must apply for arbitration within 60 days of the last unsuccessful repair attempt.
• Statute of limitations: Legal action must typically be taken within four years from when the defect was first discovered.

Missing the required deadlines can significantly reduce your chances of obtaining a refund or replacement for your defective vehicle. Acting promptly helps ensure you can fully enforce your rights under Florida’s lemon law and pursue the compensation you deserve. If your case involves a breach of warranty, taking timely action is even more critical to securing a favorable outcome.

Why Patrick Cousins Is The Lemon Law King

Patrick Cousins is renowned as the Lemon Law King in Florida. His dedication to consumer rights and his deep understanding of lemon law set him apart. With years of successful cases, he is the go-to lemon law attorney for high-end and new vehicles. Clients trust his ability to turn complex situations into clear victories. When you choose Cousins Law Firm, you choose a team committed to winning and protecting your rights.

Make A Free Consultation With The Lemon Law King

Let Cousins Law Firm, put your mind at ease. We stand ready to assist you with your lemon law claims, fighting for the justice you deserve. Contact us toll-free at 866-605-9909 or send us an email to schedule a completely free consultation. Let us be your trusted partner in resolving your defective car issues.