Repair-Only Orders Under Florida Lemon Law

Florida arbitrators — manufacturer arbitration or NMVA Board — can order the manufacturer to perform additional repair attempts as a remedy. This repair-only order is the narrowest outcome and reserved for cases where the defect appears curable with focused intervention.

When arbitrators order repair only

Repair-only orders typically occur when:

• The defect is real but borderline on substantial impairment.
• The dealer’s prior repair attempts appear inadequate but the defect is repairable.
• The manufacturer has identified a TSB or service campaign that should resolve the defect.
• The case is borderline on meeting § 681.104 thresholds.

What a repair-only order requires

A typical Florida repair-only order specifies:

• What defect must be repaired.
• Where the repair must be performed (often a designated dealer or regional facility).
• Timeframe (often 30-60 days).
• Reinspection rights.
• Continued warranty coverage post-repair.
• Incidental damages reimbursement.

The manufacturer also typically pays any filing fees the consumer paid.

What if the repair fails?

If the manufacturer’s repair under the arbitration order doesn’t resolve the defect:

1. Document the failure.
2. Reopen the case at arbitration — many arbitrators retain jurisdiction.
3. Or file a new arbitration complaint if necessary.
4. Or escalate to civil court under FDUTPA or Magnuson-Moss.

A failed repair under an arbitration order is strong evidence in any subsequent proceeding.

Why repair-only orders aren’t common

For two reasons:

1. Most cases that reach arbitration are past repairability

If the manufacturer’s prior repair attempts have been unsuccessful — typically three or more by the time the case reaches arbitration — additional repairs are unlikely to succeed where the first ones didn’t.

2. Manufacturer’s preference for cash settlements

Manufacturers facing repair-only orders often offer to settle for refund rather than complying with the repair order.

When to push back on a repair-only proposal

Consider pushing back when:

• The defect is safety-critical.
• Prior repairs have demonstrably failed.
• The vehicle is approaching the 24-month Lemon Law Rights Period edge.
• Substantial diminished value has accrued.

In these cases, a refund or settlement is materially better than another repair attempt.

Bottom line

A repair-only order is the narrowest Florida Lemon Law remedy and the least common outcome. For most cases, refund or replacement is the more appropriate remedy. Talk to a Florida lemon-law attorney about whether to accept a repair-only proposal or push for a stronger remedy.

Related

Article

Attorney Fees in Florida Lemon Law Cases

The Florida Lemon Law itself doesn't shift attorney fees through arbitration. But FDUTPA provides mandatory fees and Magnuson-Moss provides federal-court fee recovery.

Read → Article

FDUTPA Damages in Florida Lemon Law Cases

How Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act provides actual damages, attorney fees, and potential punitive damages — the civil-court complement to the Lemon Law's arbitration remedies.

Read → Article

Refund Under Florida Lemon Law

The most common Florida Lemon Law remedy — full refund of the purchase price plus collateral charges, minus a reasonable allowance for use.

Read → Article

Replacement Vehicle Under Florida Lemon Law

Florida arbitration can order a comparable replacement vehicle as an alternative to a cash refund. When this is the right remedy and why most Florida buyers still choose refund.

Read →