How to Cancel an Auto Lease in the State of Florida

In Florida, there is no grace period given once you sign an auto lease contract, which is a binding document. Florida law does provide a lemon law option for leases, however, in cases of manufacturer defect, warranty issues or extended maintenance problems. The leased vehicle may not be more than two years old and the dealer must be given three attempts to fix the problem. If you suspect your vehicle is a lemon, you must undergo a state-mandated arbitration, which will decide if the lease can be legitimately canceled.

Instructions

1

Determine if your leased car is a lemon under Florida's lemon law. By definition, lemons are cars that do not conform to the manufacturer's warranty or have a manufacturer's defect that adversely affects the safety, use or value of the vehicle. Once the dealer makes the three attempts to fix the problem, the original manufacturer must also be given an opportunity to mend the issue.

2

Notify your car dealer that you would like to participate in the manufacturer's state-certified dispute resolution process, which involves mediation, conciliation or arbitration. If the manufacturer does not have a state-certified program, you must file a dispute request with the Florida New Vehicle Arbitration Board.

3

Attend the Florida New Vehicle Arbitration Board or manufacturer arbitration hearing to state your case, with or without a lawyer present. The council will ruling on the case with a final verdict that establishes your legal right to return the leased vehicle. If you can prove that your leased vehicle is a lemon, you will be refunded the full price of the vehicle, plus any maintenance expenses.

4

File a repeal within 30 days of the arbitration hearing if you do not agree with the verdict.