A nearly new vehicle that keeps going back to the dealership for the same unfixed problem is the pattern behind most St. Petersburg lemon law claims. Since September 2024, drivers across the Pinellas-area (727) dialing region have brought us more than 139 defective-vehicle inquiries, and we have taken on 56+ of those claims — Ford is the make we see most.† If a warranty defect on your vehicle has survived repeated repair attempts, Florida’s Lemon Law can force a repurchase or replacement. Free case review: (888) 415-0610.
At a Glance
What Florida’s Lemon Law provides
Florida’s Lemon Law is chapter 681 of the Florida Statutes, the Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act; the state Attorney General administers its arbitration program.
Coverage extends to new and demonstrator vehicles purchased or leased in Florida for personal, family, or household use when the nonconformity is first reported within 24 months of delivery.
3 repair attempts for one defect (plus a final chance after written notice) — or 30 days cumulatively out of service, 60 for an RV, following the required written notice.
Either the manufacturer buys the vehicle back — price plus charges, less a use offset — or supplies an acceptable replacement.
How the process works for St. Petersburg drivers
- Document every visit
Keep each repair order for the recurring defect — dates, complaint, work performed, days out of service. This is the record your claim is built on.
- Hit the statutory threshold
Three attempts at the same nonconformity, or 15+ cumulative days out of service, triggers Florida’s written-notice stage.
- Send the defect notification
A written Motor Vehicle Defect Notification gives the manufacturer one final repair opportunity, as § 681.104 requires.
- We press the claim
Our attorneys assemble the record, deal with the manufacturer, and pursue arbitration through the Florida AG’s program when required.
- Resolution
Repurchase, replacement vehicle, or a negotiated settlement — with attorney’s fees recoverable from the manufacturer in successful actions.¶
Recent Cases
Some of the Many Recent St. Petersburg-Area Lemon Law Cases We’ve Taken On
A sample of recent Pinellas-area (727) claims retained by the firm, drawn from case records. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
56+
Pinellas-area (727) lemon law claims taken on since September 2024.†
† Figures reflect claims from drivers with 727 area codes retained by Lemon Law Group Partners from September 2024 through July 2026, out of 139+ total inquiries from the region in that period; Ford, Dodge, Hyundai were the most common makes in those files. Source: firm case-management records. Area-code figures cannot be separated by individual city.
Your Legal Team
Florida-Licensed Attorneys Serving St. Petersburg
The attorneys below are licensed by The Florida Bar and represent St. Petersburg drivers remotely from the firm’s North Miami Beach office.
Jason S. Hegedus, Esq.
Jason S. Hegedus brings over 25 years of experience in lemon law litigation, fighting for consumer rights. His track record in resolving defective vehicle claims showcases a strategic approach and a deep understanding of Florida’s consumer protection laws.
Brooks R. Siegel, Esq.
Brooks R. Siegel guides Florida vehicle owners through complex lemon law claims, drawing on years of legal experience — meticulous preparation and a client-first approach aimed squarely at fair compensation.
Mark Barnett, Esq.
After more than twenty-five years of practice — including service as a Florida Assistant Attorney General — Mark Barnett continues the consumer-protection work of his career, now representing Florida drivers burdened by defective vehicles.
St. Petersburg FAQ
Lemon Law Questions St. Petersburg Drivers Ask
What is Florida’s Lemon Law?
The Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act, Fla. Stat. ch. 681, requires a manufacturer to repurchase or replace a new or demonstrator vehicle with a nonconformity — a defect that substantially impairs its use, value, or safety — that is not repaired within a reasonable number of attempts. Disputes are arbitrated through the Florida Attorney General’s Lemon Law Arbitration Program.
Source: Fla. Stat. ch. 681
What is the deadline for a Florida lemon law claim?
The defect must be reported within the 24-month Lemon Law rights period, and an arbitration request generally has to be filed within 60 days after that period closes — so early action preserves every option.
Source: Florida AG Lemon Law Program
What does a St. Petersburg lemon law case cost?
For most clients, nothing out of pocket: we charge no upfront attorney’s fees, and in successful actions the fee-shifting provisions of Florida law and the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act place reasonable attorney’s fees on the manufacturer.
Source: Fla. Stat. ch. 681
Is there a law office in St. Petersburg I need to visit?
No visit is needed. Our Florida-licensed attorneys represent St. Petersburg and Pinellas County drivers by phone, email, and mail from intake through resolution, working from the firm’s Florida office in North Miami Beach.
How many repair attempts do I need?
Three repair attempts for the same defect opens the notice stage: a written Motor Vehicle Defect Notification gives the manufacturer one final opportunity to cure. Separately, 15+ cumulative days out of service triggers the written notice, and 30+ days supports relief under § 681.104.
Source: § 681.104
What can I recover under the Florida Lemon Law?
The statute provides either a buyback — your purchase price plus collateral and incidental charges, reduced by a reasonable offset for use — or an acceptable replacement vehicle of identical or reasonably equivalent value.
Source: § 681.104
Official sources: Fla. Stat. ch. 681 · § 681.104 · Florida AG Lemon Law Arbitration Program
Free case review for St. Petersburg drivers
Send us your repair orders and we’ll tell you whether Florida’s presumption is already within reach. The review is free, and there are no upfront attorney’s fees: (888) 415-0610.
Nearby: Clearwater · Palm Harbor · Tampa · Statewide: Florida Lemon Law
¶ Statements about fees refer to attorney’s fees; under Florida’s Lemon Law and the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, reasonable attorney’s fees may be recovered from the manufacturer in successful actions. Clients may be responsible for certain costs and expenses, which may be deducted from any recovery. Fee terms are set forth in each client’s written fee agreement.
Principal office: Lemon Law Group Partners PLC, 3323 NE 163rd St, Suite 301, North Miami Beach, FL 33160. Representation of Florida consumers is provided by attorneys licensed by The Florida Bar. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.