Legal Question in Business Law in Florida

Auto repair shop has my vehicle for close to 4 months

an auto shop has had my vehicle for almost 4 months. i needed to have the top end of the motor rebuilt on my mitsubishi. the technician is a friend of a friend who owns a shop. said he would fix it for $1100.00 we agreed to do the repairs as a side job, and didnt have the repairs documented on paper or anything, just handwritten receipts for the money exchanged, which was $700 as an initial down payment. its been almost 4 months now, and im still without a vehicle. he now says i owe him $1180.00 after him receiving the $700. i guess hes increased the price because hes continually tried to put the vehicle back together but is repeatedly incorrect, and is billing me for his additional labor. dont see how that falls on me. my question is what are my steps in getting my car back and what am i to do about the money situation. please help!


Asked on 11/05/08, 11:15 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Brent Rose The Orsini & Rose Law Firm

Re: Auto repair shop has my vehicle for close to 4 months

Florida has very strict protection for consumers purchasing car repair services to prevent this kind of thing from happening, but it appears you and the "friend of a friend" have bypassed them. Now you're paying the price.

You were entitled to a written quote and a written statement of how much the maximum charges could be. It looks like you've waived that privilege. Your only recourse may be to sue to get your car back. It may be easier just to pay the money.

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Answered on 11/05/08, 10:27 pm


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