Motor Vehicle Repair

Repair Shops Must Register with FDACS

The Florida Motor Vehicle Repair Act requires anyone who is paid to repair motor vehicles owned by other individuals to register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). The law does not apply to people or companies who repair their own vehicles or who repair only vehicles used for agricultural and/or horticultural purposes.

Registered shops must: 

• Include their registration number in any advertisements, announcements or listings relating to motor vehicle repair in any newspaper, magazine or directory.
• Post in a conspicuous location in the customer service area their registration certificate and a sign advising consumers of their rights under the Motor Vehicle Repair Act. The sign must also include FDACS's toll-free telephone number for assistance and information and a statement advising consumers that they are entitled to the return or inspection of replaced parts, if requested at the time the work order is placed.

Before You Need Repairs

• Read your owners manual. Become familiar with your vehicle and follow the manufacturer's suggested service schedule.
• Start shopping for a repair shop before you need one. You can make a better decision when you are not rushed or in a panic. Don't just drop off your vehicle at the nearest shop and hope for the best.
• Ask friends and associates for their recommendations. Even in this high-tech era, old-fashioned word-of-mouth reputation is still valuable.
• Find out if a repair shop is properly registered with FDACS and if any complaints have been filed against it. This can be done by searching our Business/Complaint Lookup or by calling 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352). If there are complaints on file, be sure to find out how they were resolved.

What to Look for in a Repair Facility

Look for the following signs of quality:

• Signs of professionalism in the customer service area: civic and community service awards, membership in the Better Business Bureau, AAA Approved Auto Repair status, customer service awards, etc.
• A neat, well-organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own. Also check for modern equipment in the service bays.
• Courteous, helpful staff. The service writer should be able to answer all of your questions.
• Evidence of qualified technicians, such as trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and Automotive Service Excellence certifications.

Start with Small Repairs

Once you choose a repair shop, start off with a minor job. If you are pleased, trust the shop with more complicated and expensive repairs later.

• Feel free to ask for the names of some customers. Call them.
• All policies (labor rates, diagnostic fees, guarantees, methods of payment, etc.) should be posted and/or explained to your satisfaction.
• Ask if the shop customarily handles your type of vehicle. Some auto repair facilities specialize in repair work for certain types of vehicles. Most vehicle manufacturers recommend specific repair procedures and equipment for the repair of their vehicles. Ensure that the facility you choose is trained in these procedures and has the proper equipment.
• Ask if the shop is familiar with the type of repair you need, especially if you need major work.

If you aren't sure you need a repair, get a second opinion, particularly if you don't think there is anything wrong and the suggested repair is expensive.

Know Your Rights Under the Florida Motor Vehicle Repair Act

The Florida Motor Vehicle Repair Act was created to assist consumers with matters relating to motor vehicle repair shops. The act applies to dealers of new and used cars, trucks and motorcycles; garages; service stations; self-employed persons; truck stops; and paint, body, brake, muffler, transmission, mobile repair and glass shops.

If a repair will cost more than $100, the law requires the repair shop to give you the option of:

• Requesting a written estimate;
• Being notified by the shop if the repair exceeds an amount you specify; or
• Not requiring a written estimate at all.

You must sign and date one of the above options. Motor vehicle repair shops cannot force you to waive your right to an estimate.

• When a written estimate is required, you must be given a copy.
• Ask if the prices quoted are for new, used or rebuilt parts. Make sure the written estimate clearly states which condition.
• The repair shop must get your approval before exceeding the repair cost by more than $10 or 10 percent, whichever is greater, so make sure you give the shop a phone number where you can be reached.
• You can cancel repairs if they exceed the estimate and the repair shop must reassemble the vehicle, unless it is unsafe to drive. The shop may charge you for tear-down and reassembly only if you were given notice of that charge on the estimate.
• You are entitled by state law to get back any replaced parts if you requested them initially. However, the repair shop may charge a fee and, if the parts are under warranty agreement with the manufacturer or distributor, they may not be returned to you.

Repair Estimate

The estimate must include:

• The shop's name, address and telephone number.
• The customer's name, address and telephone number.
• Date and time of estimate.
• The year, make, model, odometer reading and license tag number of the vehicle.
• Proposed work completion date.
• Description of customer's problem or request.
• Labor charges based on a flat rate, hourly rate, or both.
• Estimated cost and charges for repair.
• Charges for shop supplies or for hazardous or other waste removal.
• Charges for making an estimate and the basis for the charge.
• The customer's intended method of payment.
• Name and telephone number of any alternate person the customer would allow to authorize repairs.
• Terms of the parts and service guarantee.
• Notation if customer wants replaced parts returned.
• Charge for daily storage. Shops notify customers after repair work is completed; customers will then have three working days to pick up the vehicle before storage fees may be charged.
• Disclosure statement.

Repair Invoice

Check the invoice carefully. Make sure you understand the work that was performed and what you are paying for. Keep a copy of all work orders and receipts and get all guarantees or warranties in writing.

The invoice must include:

• Date and odometer reading.
• Description of work.
• Labor, parts and other merchandise costs.
• Nature of parts (new, used, rebuilt, etc.).
• Guarantee, if any.
• Registration number from the certificate issued by FDACS identifying the shop.

Amount Over Written Estimate

If your bill exceeds the final estimate that you authorized by more than $10 or 10 percent, whichever is greater, and the shop refuses to give you your vehicle unless you pay, here is what you can do:

1. Obtain a copy of the bill from the shop and file a bond for the amount of the final repair bill plus storage charges, if any, with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where the shop is located.
2. The clerk will issue a certificate directing the shop to release your vehicle. A law enforcement officer will help deliver the certificate to the shop, if necessary.
3. The repair shop has 60 days to file a lawsuit to recover the bond as payment for the repair. If the shop does not sue within 60 days, the clerk will return the bond money to you. The shop, however, can still file suit after release of the bond money.

If the shop refuses to release your car after it gets the certificate, you may:

1. Consult an attorney and bring legal action against the shop. The winning party may receive attorney's fees and court costs.
2. Ask the State Attorney's Office in your area to file criminal charges against the shop as it is a misdemeanor for the shop to refuse to release your car when it gets a certificate.

Although you do not have to file a lawsuit against the shop, if you choose to do so, the Clerk of the Circuit Court will give you a form to file.

After the Repairs

• Keep good records. Keep all paperwork associated with repairs, including warranties.
• Reward good service with repeat business. It is mutually beneficial to you and the shop owner to establish a relationship.
• If the service was not all you expected, don't rush to another shop. Discuss the problem with the service manager, owner or president of the company. Give the business a chance to resolve the problem. Reputable shops value customer feedback and will make a sincere effort to keep your business.

File a Complaint

To file a complaint about a motor vehicle repair shop, use our online form or call 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352). For out-of-state residents, please call (850) 410-3800.