The Miami-Dade County Consumer Services Department, Consumer Protection Division (CPD) is geared up to protect you.  Knowing the protections afforded you by the Miami-Dade County Motor Vehicle Repair Ordinance (MVRO) and exercising some common sense can greatly reduce the likelihood of you experiencing difficulties when having your vehicle repaired. 

The CPD licenses and regulates motor vehicle repair facilities, mechanics, and technicians in Miami-Dade County.  Any person or entity who performs repairs including, new and used car , truck and motorcycle dealers, garages, service stations, truck stops, and paint and body shops are required to be registered.  Each facility must pass an inspection by the CPD demonstrating that it maintains the required specialized equipment, garage liability and garage-keepers insurance, and employs licensed mechanics and technicians.

Choosing A Repair Shop
Look for an auto repair shop before you need one to avoid being rushed into a last-minute decision.

Ask for recommendations from friends, family, and other people you trust.

Contact the CPD Mediation Center at (305) 375-4201 or consumer@miamidade.gov to research a shop's complaint history.

Shop around by telephone for the best deal by comparing prices and warranty policies.

Look for the shop's Miami-Dade County Motor Vehicle Repair Registration and the permits and certifications for the mechanics and technicians.  Make sure that the facility you choose is trained and licensed in the area of repair required by your vehicle.

Look for a neat, well-organized, facility with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own.

Repair Charges
Before you arrange to have any work performed, ask how the shop prices its work. Some shops charge a flat rate for labor on auto repairs. This published rate is based on an independent or manufacturer's estimate of the time required to complete repairs. Others charge on the basis of the actual time the technician worked on the repair.

If you need expensive or complicated repairs, or if you have questions about recommended work, consider getting a second opinion.

Find out if there will be a diagnostic charge if you decide to have the work performed elsewhere. Many repair shops charge for diagnostic time.

Shops that do only diagnostic work and do not sell parts or repairs may be able to give you an objective opinion about which repairs are necessary.

If you decide to get the work done, get the estimate in writing.

Estimates
You have the right to a written estimate for repairs exceeding $100.  In Miami-Dade County, a 2' X 3' sign must be prominently posted in English, Spanish, and Creole advising you of your right to a written estimate. 

You may waive the shop's requirement to provide you with a written estimate.  However, the shop must have you sign and date the estimate form indicating that you have waived your right to a written estimate.

If you are not present when you car arrives at the shop, repairs can not begin without you approving the cost.

In addition to the time and date, the shop's information, your information, and your vehicle information, the estimate must include the following:

• Description of customer's problem or request.
• Labor charges based on a flat rate, hourly rate, or both.
• Estimated cost and charges for repair.
• Charges for shop supplies or for hazardous or other waste removal.
• Charges for making an estimate and the basis for the charge.
• Charge for daily storage. Shops notify customers after repair work is completed and customers then have three working days to pick up the vehicle before storage fees may be charged.

You are entitled to know whether new, rebuilt, or used parts will be used to repair your vehicle.  Additionally, you are entitled to inspect or receive the parts that were replaced.  However, you must make sure that the request is noted on the initial estimate. 

Invoices
Once the repairs have been completed, you are entitled to a legible invoice containing an itemized description of all labor, parts, and merchandise supplied and the associated cost of each item.

Check the invoice carefully. Make sure you understand the work that was performed and what you are paying for. Keep a copy of all work orders and receipts and get all guarantees or warranties in writing.

Exceeding the Estimate
The shop must contact you if the repair costs will exceed the estimate by $10.00 or 10%, whichever is greater.  If your bill exceeds the final estimate that you authorized by more than $10 or 10 percent, and the shop refuses to give you your vehicle unless you pay, here is what you can do:

1. File a bond for the amount of the final repair bill plus storage charges, if any, with the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
2. The Clerk will issue a certificate directing the shop to release your vehicle. A law enforcement officer will help deliver the certificate to the shop, if necessary.
3. The repair shop has 60 days to file a lawsuit to recover the bond as payment for the repair. If the shop does not sue within 60 days, the Clerk will return the bond money to you.
4. If the shop does not release your vehicle after it receives the certificate, you may:

After the Repair

• Keep good records. Keep all paperwork associated with repairs, including warranties.
• Reward good service with repeat business. It is mutually beneficial to you and the shop owner to establish a relationship.
• If the service was not all you expected, don't rush to another shop. Discuss the problem with the service manager, owner or president of the company. Give the business a chance to resolve the problem. Reputable shops value customer feedback and will make a sincere effort to keep your business.
• If you do not receive satisfaction, contact the Miami-Dade County Consumer Services Department Mediation Center via telephone at (305) 375-3677 or e-mail at consumer@miamidade.gov.