New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board Application

Application for appointment to the board

The Florida New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board is established within the Department of Legal Affairs to resolve warranty disputes between consumers and new motor vehicle manufacturers under Florida's "Lemon Law."

A panel of three arbitrators hears each case. Hearings are held on weekdays during normal business hours and usually last from two to four hours. Arbitrators should be available to conduct hearings an average of two to three days per month, depending upon the caseload in their area. Hearings are held in the regional offices of the Attorney General and may also be held at other nearby vicinities. All hearings are open to the public.

Arbitrators are appointed to the board by the Attorney General for an initial term of one year, and may be reappointed for subsequent terms of up to two years. If a vacancy occurs during the term, it may be filled at any time. Arbitrators are compensated at a rate prescribed by the Attorney General, currently $75 per case heard and decided. They may receive additional compensation of $20 for extra duties performed, including telephone hearings, prehearing conferences and continued hearings. When travel away from their headquarters is required, arbitrators are reimbursed for expenses according to state and departmental travel policies.

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 helpful qualifications. Applicants are interviewed and are subject to a background check by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement prior to appointment. Arbitrators are required to attend a training session each year, usually in the summer, and must observe at least two arbitration hearings before serving on a panel.

The Office of the Attorney General seeks to have the board's composition reflect the rich diversity of Florida's population. Completion of an arbitrator application form is required for consideration. Applications for appointment to the board may also be obtained from and should be submitted to:

Office of the Attorney General
Lemon Law Arbitration Program
ATTN: Carol Howell
The Capitol, PL-01
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1050
(850) 414-3500 (Phone) (850) 488-7295 (Fax)