Florida auto help: repair estimates, lemon law and private property towing

Source: Local Help Stations (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.

In Florida, auto repair shops register with FDACS, and the Motor Vehicle Repair Act and Lemon Law set what shops and manufacturers owe you.

What Florida rules say

Every shop paid to repair other people's vehicles must register with FDACS before doing business. (source: The Florida Senate)
Under state law you are entitled to a written estimate if your final bill will exceed $150, unless you waive it in writing. (source: The Florida Senate)
A shop may not charge more than the written estimate plus $10 or 10 percent, whichever is greater but no more than $50, without your approval. (source: The Florida Senate)
FDACS says repair work is authorized by the customer's signature, and the shop should give you a copy of anything you sign. (source: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services)
The Lemon Law rights period ends 24 months after the vehicle was first delivered to the consumer. (source: The Florida Senate)
A vehicle is presumed a lemon if the same defect was repaired at least three times plus a final repair attempt, or it was out of service 30 or more days in total. (source: The Florida Senate)
After 15 or more cumulative days in the shop, the consumer must notify the manufacturer. (source: The Florida Senate)
If you show up while your car is still being towed from a private lot, the tow must stop and the car must be returned for a fee of no more than half the posted towing rate. (source: The Florida Senate)
A tow company is liable for damage it causes when entering a vehicle to remove it. (source: The Florida Senate)

This page covers statewide rules only. Cities and counties can add their own permits and licenses, so check with your local building office too.

The Florida Senate (Florida Statutes): Section 559.904, Florida Statutes (2026): Motor vehicle repair shop registration (checked November 2, 2026)
The Florida Senate (Florida Statutes): Section 559.905, Florida Statutes (2026): Written repair estimate and invoice (checked November 2, 2026)
The Florida Senate (Florida Statutes): Section 559.909, Florida Statutes (2026): Notification of charges exceeding estimate (checked November 2, 2026)
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS): Motor Vehicle Repair (business FAQ) (checked November 2, 2026)
The Florida Senate (Florida Statutes): Section 681.102, Florida Statutes (2026): Lemon law definitions (checked November 2, 2026)
The Florida Senate (Florida Statutes): Section 681.104, Florida Statutes (2026): Nonconformity of motor vehicles (checked November 2, 2026)
The Florida Senate (Florida Statutes): Section 715.07, Florida Statutes (2026): Vehicles or vessels parked on private property; towing (checked November 2, 2026)

Last updated: November 2, 2026