Lemon Law Arbrtators Sought

The Office of Attorney General Ashley Moody is seeking civic-minded individuals for appointment to the Florida New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board. Applications for the term commencing July 1, 2019, must be received by Friday, April 19, 2019.

The Attorney General's Office administers the Florida New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board, which is responsible for resolving disputes between consumers and manufacturers under the Lemon Law. Board members are appointed by the Attorney General, and receive compensation for each case heard and decided. The Board holds arbitration hearings at locations throughout the state, during which consumers and manufacturer representatives may appear and give testimony in an informal setting. After hearing the testimony provided, the panel assigned to hear the dispute then determines whether the consumer's vehicle meets the legal requirements to be declared a "lemon."

Arbitration hearings conducted by the New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board are open to the public. The process is free, fair and expeditious. Consumers are not required to be represented by attorneys to participate in the arbitration process, but may do so if they wish.

The Board has 10 regions located in Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, St. Petersburg, Tallahassee, Tampa and West Palm Beach. Arbitration hearings are conducted in these cities or in nearby vicinities. A panel of three arbitrators hears each case. Hearings usually last two to four hours and are conducted during normal business hours. Arbitrators should be available at least two days each month.

A legal background, automotive technical experience, a background in engineering, experience or training in alternative dispute resolution, or general experience in reviewing and analyzing information are useful qualifications. The Office of the Attorney General is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to have the Board’s composition reflect the rich diversity of Florida’s population. Completion of an application form is required for consideration.

Applications received after the April 19, 2019, deadline will likely not be considered for the upcoming term, but will be kept on file for consideration in the event of future vacancies. The application form and more information about the Lemon Law Arbitration Program are available on the Attorney General’s website by clicking on the “About the Office” tab, and then choosing the "Lemon Law" link located under the “Services” header. Interested persons also can obtain an application by contacting Kairi Sisask at (850) 414-3500 or Kairi.Sisask@myfloridalegal.com or by writing to:

Florida’s Lemon Law requires motor vehicle manufacturers to make a reasonable number of repairs to remedy substantial defects in a new or demonstrator motor vehicle. If the manufacturer fails to do so, they are required to buy back the lemon vehicle and either pay a refund to the consumer or provide a replacement vehicle, according to provisions in Florida statutes. For more information, visit the Attorney General’s website or call the Lemon Law Hotline at 1-800-321-5366.