Repair-shop disputes generally come down to the same things: the written estimate, what was actually authorized, and the final invoice. Organize those facts and get a free letter outline; the full demand letter is in the $39 Case Pack.
| Estimate required | above_threshold |
|---|---|
| Threshold | $150 |
| Authorization to exceed estimate | written_or_oral |
| Cap on overage | Not specified |
| Citation | Fla. Stat. Section 559.905 (part of the Florida Motor Vehicle Repair Act, Ch. 559) |
Source: Fla. Stat. Section 559.905 (part of the Florida Motor Vehicle Repair Act, Ch. 559)
Under 559.905(1), when repair work will cost the customer more than $150, Florida requires the shop to prepare a written estimate before any diagnostic work or repair that includes the cost of repair (including any shop-supplies or waste-disposal charge, which must carry a specific disclosure sentence if included), but the customer can affirmatively decline a written estimate by signing a statement setting their own dollar ceiling: 'I do not request a written estimate as long as the repair costs do not exceed $____. The shop may not exceed this amount without my written or oral approval.' A customer can also waive the written estimate entirely. A shop is not required to give a written estimate if it does not agree to perform the requested repair. This directly contradicts the commonly-repeated online claim that 'most states require a written estimate' as an unwaivable, unconditional requirement - Florida's requirement is real but consumer-waivable by design.
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