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Store refund policies
If there is no posted policy, you have the right to a full refund if you return the item within 7 days, unless the merchant is not allowed to resell the product as a matter of law or the product is perishable, custom made, or the product has been used and the packaging removed.
Car Rentals
When renting a car in Miami-Dade County, you have the right to receive a Visitor Information Map, your gas tank must be at least half full, your car must be free of any marks identifying it as a rental car, and a child restraint seat must be available to rent. Florida requires children under five years of age to be in a child restraint seat.
The price of accommodations
You have the right to pay only the advertised rate of the motel, hotel, apartment, rooming house or any other room accommodation, plus applicable taxes. If your arrangements were part of a travel or convention package, your confirmed rate applies.
The advertised price of a product or service
The price that is advertised must be the complete price, including all charges, except taxes levied at the retail level.
Used or reconditioned merchandise
You have the right to know exactly what you're purchasing. If an item is "used" or "reconditioned," it must be disclosed to you before you buy the item.
Sales tax is not refundable
Unlike the VAT in Europe, tourists do not get a refund on Florida sales tax paid when leaving the country.
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Wherever you travel, be a wise consumer and beware of the following practices:
Bait and Switch
A store may lure you in with an advertisement for a low-priced item but might tell you they are sold out when you arrive. Instead, they offer you something more expensive or of lesser quality.
Tourist Traps
Salespeople who ask you where you are from or how long you are going to be in town may be setting you up for a scam on the premise that you won't be around long enough to complain. Be wary if a salesperson asks to see your passport or airline ticket.
Before You Buy....
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Compare prices and quality. Prices are not regulated and there may be wide variation from store to store. It’s illegal to represent that you are getting a discount or sale price when that is not true. Find out the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price before you buy.
- Request a written refund or exchange policy.
- Get warranties or guarantees in writing.
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Inquire about electrical and/or format compatibility, i.e. VHS vs. NTSC/PAL, for use in other countries.
Before Leaving the Store....
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Restaurants
Tipping for good service is customary. Some restaurants may add a gratuity automatically. Restaurants must display a notice, in English, Spanish and Creole, on a sign or on the menu, indicating whether an automatic tip will be added, and if so, how the tip is calculated. It is illegal to discriminate against a person by adding a tip based upon the individual customer.
Taxis, limousines, and vans
Make sure that the driver and vehicle are licensed. There must be a decal and/or license number on the vehicle and the driver must display a registration with a picture and the driver’s number.
Except where flat rates are operational, taxicab fares are determined by the taximeters which display the charge for the cab ride, not a "per person" fee. For detailed information on taxicab service.
Miami-Dade County visitors and residents also have the option of using our expanding Wheelchair Accessible Cab Service.
If you hire a luxury sedan vehicle or a luxury limousine, you must call at least one hour in advance to prearrange the transportation service. The driver must charge a minimum rate. Van service is by prearrangement.
Other Services
When arranging for outdoor activities, such as jet skiing, make sure the vendor is licensed to do business. Some locations may additionally require that the license be openly displayed.
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Where to find help
Don't let a rip-off ruin your trip. Call the Miami-Dade County Consumer Services Department's Mediation Center at (305) 375-3677 and tell us:
- The name and address of the store.
- If your problem involves a taxicab, limousine, or van, information about the vehicle and driver, including their numbers.
- How you paid for the item, and if you have your receipts.
- How long you will be in town, and how to reach you.
- Whether someone in Miami-Dade County can represent you once you go.
Complete our online complaint form.
Our offices are open Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, except holidays.
Our Consumer Mediation Center Hotline is monitored at night, weekends and holidays for complaints involving taxis, limousines, and vans. Please go to our home page for complete contact information.
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