Motorboat Repairs and Estimates

Article VII of Chapter 8A of the Miami-Dade County Code requires anyone engaged in the business of motorboat repairs to abide by certain requirements.

These requirements apply to repairs of Class A boats, as defined by the Federal Motor Boat Act of 1940, propelled by power which are under 16 feet in length.

False Charges for Motorboat Repairs and Parts
It is unlawful for any person to knowingly charge for any services which are not actually performed, charge for any parts which are not actually furnished, provide misinformation to a customer concerning what is wrong with a motorboat, or to fraudulently substitute parts when the parts are not required to repair or service the motorboat.

Estimate of Repairs Required
Any person engaged in the business of motorboat repairs must provide the customer with a written estimate of repairs, including all parts, labor, incidental service, charges for release of the motorboat in case it is not repaired, and charges for making the estimate. If no charge is recorded for making the estimate, a charge cannot be assessed.

Prior to making an estimate, an inspection of the motorboat to be repaired must be done. A written estimate is not required for repairs under $50. If the repairs will be over $50, a written estimate is required unless waived in writing by the customer.

Notification of Customer
If it is determined that the actual charges for the motorboat repair will exceed the written estimate by $10 or 10%, whichever is less, the customer must be notified by fax, telephone, telegram, mail or written notice of the new estimate charges. The customer may authorize the work or cancel the work. If the work is cancelled, the motorboat must be released immediately, in reasonable condition as when received for the repair and after payment of whatever amount was included in the estimate for release of an unrepaired motorboat.

Failure to notify of additional charges
If a customer is not notified of any additional charges for repair, the repaired motorboat must be released upon payment by the customer of not more than an amount equal to the written estimate plus $10 or 10% of the estimate, whichever is less.

Notice to Customers
All businesses which engage in motorboat repairs must conspicuously post a sign no less than two feet wide and three feet high 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.

Detailed invoice required
All work performed must be recorded on an invoice detailing all services or work performed and all part supplied and the exact charge for each part and service. If any used parts are supplied, the invoice must clearly identify the part. One copy of the invoice must be given to the customer upon completion of the repair work.

Back to Top Page Last Edited: Wed Jan 25, 2017 10:51:13 AM