Bill > S0386

This bill amends Florida Statutes to provide enhanced consumer protections for farm equipment by first defining "farm equipment" as power-driven, power-drawn, or self-propelled equipment used on farms or to transport farm products. The bill establishes new warranty and repair provisions that allow consumers to report defective farm equipment to manufacturers or authorized service agents during the warranty period or within one year of original delivery. If the equipment does not conform to express written warranties, the manufacturer must repair the equipment at no cost to the consumer. If the manufacturer cannot resolve the defect after a reasonable number of attempts (presumed to be three attempts for the same issue), the manufacturer must either replace the farm equipment with a comparable model or refund the full purchase price, including taxes and fees. The bill provides affirmative defenses for manufacturers, such as demonstrating that the defect does not substantially impair the equipment's use or value, or that the nonconformity resulted from abuse or unauthorized modifications. Consumers who suffer losses due to violations can bring civil actions to enforce these provisions. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2026, and is designed to protect farmers by ensuring they receive reliable farm equipment or appropriate compensation for defective machinery.

Business and Industry

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/386