Motor Vehicle Repair Laws & Tips

The repair shop must provide a written estimate if the diagnostic and/or repairs exceed $100. The estimate must clearly state: the car’s current odometer reading; the condition to be repaired; the parts needed and whether new, used or salvaged parts will be used; anticipated labor charges; any teardown/reassembly charges, storage fees; and the shop’s registration number
The shop must get your authorization if the actual charges for the repair work will exceed the written estimate by more than $10 or 10 percent
You have the right to cancel a repair order after being advised that the repairs cannot be completed within the authorized estimate. However, the shop may charge you a fee for the cost of teardown and reassembly if they provided notification of these possible costs in the written estimate
You are entitled to inspect and receive your old parts if you request them when you sign the estimate
A shop may not require you to waive your rights as a precondition to repairing your vehicle
The repair shop must give you a legible written invoice after the work is completed showing: the current date and odometer reading; a description of the repair work performed; an itemized description of parts and labor charges; a statement identifying any replacement parts as being rebuilt/reconditioned; the shop’s registration number; the name of the mechanic/technician who performed or supervised the repair work; and any guarantees the repair shops offers
Shops are required to have specialized equipment to perform repairs. Mechanics must take a test to demonstrate competency and must take 16 hours of continuing education every year. Apprentices must work under the supervision of a certified mechanic

Additional Tips

Call the Mediation Center at 786-469-2333 to check if the repair shop you are considering is licensed
Be certain the repair shop honors any existing warranty on your car. If not, you may be paying for parts or labor covered by your manufacturer or extended warranty
Make sure your repairs fall within the shop’s authorized work categories. The shop’s Motor Vehicle Repair license will specifically state which work categories the shop is authorized to provide to the public
Consider getting a second opinion if you need expensive repairs

Required Business Signs

All businesses that engage in motor vehicle repairs must conspicuously post a sign no less than two feet wide and three feet high at each business location which states the following in English, Spanish and Creole:

Under the provisions of the Miami-Dade County Code, all customers are entitled to an estimate before repair work is begun and this business must comply with those provisions of the Miami-Dade County Code. If you have a complaint about the way services were provided, you may call the Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources at 786-469-2333
Bajo las normas de la Codigo del Condado de Miami-Dade, todo cliente derecho a un estimado de costo antes de comenzar cualquier trabajo de reparacion, y este establecimiento debe regirse de las provisiones del Codigo del Condado de Miami-Dade. Si tiene alguna queja acerca de la forma en que le prestaron servicios, usted puede llamar al Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources al 786-469-2333
Dapre Kod lalwa non Miami-Dade County tout kliyan ki bay fe yon estimasyon pri-a avan travay-la komanse. Biznis-la oblije respekte lawa Miami-Dade County sa-a. Si ou gen plent pou pote sou jan key o te bay sevis yo, ou met rele Dapatman ki rele Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources lan nimero 786-469-2333

Regulation & Compliance

Motor Vehicle Repair Ordinance

Motor vehicle repair shops – including mechanical, paint and body repair - and mechanics, technicians and apprentices must be registered with Miami-Dade County and comply with its regulations.

Consumer Mediation Center

Miami-Dade County's Mediation Center receives, processes and investigates consumer complaints, mediates disputes between consumers and businesses, identifies violations of the law by business operators, and issues civil citations.

Permitting and Inspection Center
11805 SW 26th Street
2nd Floor
Miami, FL 33175
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 786-469-2333
Fax: 786-469-2303
Hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Walk-ins are accepted.