Airline disputes in Florida are primarily governed by federal regulations; however, there are specific legal avenues available at the state level for resolving both passenger and commercial airline issues. While federal law plays a dominant role, Florida residents still have options when disputes arise.

For consumer and passenger disputes—such as flight cancellations, lost or damaged baggage, delayed refunds, or unfair boarding practices—passengers generally have several paths for recourse. The first step is often to pursue resolution directly with the airline. Airlines are required to provide information on how passengers can file complaints internally, and major carriers operating in Florida, including American Airlines, Spirit, and JetBlue, typically require customers to attempt internal resolution before escalating the matter.

If the airline fails to adequately resolve the issue, most consumer disputes can be escalated to the federal level through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Passengers may file a formal complaint with the DOT’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP), which oversees airline compliance with federal consumer protection laws.

In certain situations, Florida residents may also pursue claims through Florida Small Claims Court. For monetary disputes under $8,000—such as ticket refunds or reimbursement claims—small claims court can be an effective option, particularly when disputes involve third-party ticket sellers or unresolved refund issues with airlines.

Additionally, passengers may seek assistance from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). FDACS handles general consumer complaints against travel-related businesses and can provide guidance or intervention regardless of the specific industry involved.