Appliance Warranty Disputes

In Florida, appliance and product warranty disputes are governed by a combination of state and federal laws. These include the Florida Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), industry-specific state statutes for areas such as construction and automotive sales, and the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Together, these laws establish the rights and responsibilities of consumers, sellers, and manufacturers when a product fails to perform as promised.

Florida law recognizes three primary types of product warranties. Express warranties consist of specific written or verbal promises made by a seller or manufacturer regarding a product’s quality, performance, or safety. The implied warranty of merchantability is an automatic legal guarantee that a product is of average quality and fit for its ordinary purpose. The implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose applies when a seller knows the consumer intends to use the product for a specific, non-standard purpose and assures the consumer that the product is suitable for that use.

Certain industries are subject to additional, specialized warranty requirements. In home construction, effective July 1, 2025, Florida law requires builders of newly constructed homes—including single-family homes and duplexes—to provide a mandatory one-year warranty covering material construction defects. For motor vehicles, Florida’s Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act, commonly known as the Lemon Law, protects consumers who purchase or lease new vehicles with substantial defects. If a defect cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts—typically three—the manufacturer may be required to provide a refund or replacement. Condominium developers are also subject to specific warranty obligations, generally providing three-year warranties for structural components and one-year warranties for personal property and certain other elements.

Key Rights and Remedies

Consumers have several important rights and remedies under Florida warranty law. When a product is defective and covered by a warranty, the manufacturer is generally required to repair the product at no cost. If the product cannot be repaired within a reasonable period, the consumer may be entitled to a replacement or a refund. Florida law also recognizes strict liability in product defect cases, meaning a manufacturer or seller may be held responsible for injuries caused by a defective product even without proof of negligence.

At the same time, warranties may include exclusions or disclaimers. Sellers may legally exclude implied warranties by using clear and conspicuous language such as “as is” or “with all faults,” as long as the disclaimer is prominently displayed and complies with applicable law.

Legal Action

Legal action related to defective products is subject to time limits. In most cases, consumers have four years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit based on a defective product. In wrongful death cases, the statute of limitations is generally two years. On the federal level, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act provides additional protections for consumers, including the potential recovery of attorney’s fees in successful breach-of-warranty claims.

Consumers seeking assistance with warranty disputes may contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or the Florida Office of the Attorney General for guidance, mediation, or enforcement support.