A car payment is usually the second-biggest monthly expense that a family has after a mortgage payment. That makes buying a car an important financial decision. Understanding the laws that affect both the buyer and seller in a car transaction can help you feel like you are getting a good value on a car that won't fall apart days after your purchase. Laws vary from state to state, and Florida has its own laws that car buyers should understand when they set out to make a purchase.
The state of Florida has explicit laws regarding odometer fraud. Because you can use an odometer reading to help you determine the value of the car you are considering for purchase, it's imperative that the odometer be accurate. If a seller disconnects the odometer or tampers with it to change its reading, he has committed odometer fraud. As the potential buyer, you can report suspected odometer fraud to Florida law enforcement or to a Florida DMV office.
When buying a new or used car, you will receive a certification of pollution from the dealer. The state of Florida requires the dealer to fill out this form completely, and then she must sign it and you must sign it. Only then can you and the dealer legally complete the sale.
The state of Florida requires all dealers to post a "Buyer's Guide" in the window of each vehicle for sale. The guide should explain if the car will be covered under warranty after the sale or if the dealer is selling the car "as is." The dealer must make the complete warranty available to you to read before you purchase the car. Because Florida laws do not protect buyers in the event that a used car breaks down soon after purchase, it's a good idea to give any warranty a careful read before agreeing to make a purchase.
If you're buying a new car, the dealer must provide you with a copy of a booklet published by the attorney general's office that explains Florida's lemon law as it pertains to new cars. In the event that your new vehicle develops chronic maintenance problems, the booklet provides the steps you should take to resolve the issue.
If you are shopping for a car, carry proof of car insurance with you. A Florida car dealer cannot legally transfer a car's title and registration to your name unless you are able to show proof of insurance.
