Understanding the Legislative Intent of the Florida Motor Vehicle Repair Act

The Florida Motor Vehicle Repair Act (MVRA), codified in Fla. Stat. §§ 559.901–559.9221, was enacted with a clear and consumer-focused legislative intent: to protect the public from deceptive and unfair practices in the vehicle repair industry. The law was passed in response to widespread consumer complaints about unauthorized repairs, overcharging, misrepresentations, and lack of transparency in vehicle servicing.

The Florida Legislature recognized that consumers are often at a disadvantage when dealing with vehicle repair shops due to their lack of technical knowledge and the complexity of automotive systems. As a result, the MVRA imposes strict requirements on repair facilities, including mandatory registration with the state, clear written estimates, itemized billing, and documented customer authorization before work begins.

The core purpose of the MVRA is to ensure honesty, transparency, and accountability in vehicle repairs. Courts have interpreted the statute as remedial legislation, meaning it must be liberally construed in favor of consumers. Violations of the MVRA may also constitute unfair or deceptive acts under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA), reinforcing its strong consumer protection role.

Ultimately, the legislative intent of the MVRA is not only to regulate an industry, but to restore public confidence, prevent economic harm, and provide legal recourse to those who are mistreated in the vehicle repair process.