In Florida, does a customer really have to sign a written estimate before I touch the car?

Florida Auto Repair Act (Florida Statute § 601.91–601.99) governs this.

Written Estimate Requirement:

• If the total labor and parts cost exceeds $100, you must provide a written estimate before starting work.
• The customer must sign the estimate before you begin repairs.
• If the customer doesn’t sign, you can’t charge them for the work.

What If the Job Grows?

• If additional work is needed that wasn’t in the original estimate, you must:
• Stop work immediately.
• Provide a new written estimate for the additional repairs.
• Get the customer’s written authorization before proceeding.

Exceptions:

• Emergency repairs (to make the vehicle safe/operational) don’t require a written estimate, but you still need the customer’s oral or written authorization.
• Minor adjustments or diagnostic work under $100 don’t require a written estimate.

Bottom Line:

• Over $100? Written, signed estimate required before touching the car.
• Job grows? Stop, re-estimate, get new signature.
• No signature? You can’t legally charge for the repair.

Penalty: Violating the Act can result in fines and liability for damages.

If in doubt, always get a signed estimate—it protects both you and the customer.

Yes, Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 559.922) requires a written, signed estimate before you begin any work on a motor vehicle. There is no "verbal estimate" exception for auto repair.

The Line: You cannot turn a wrench, hook up a scanner, or disassemble anything for diagnosis until the customer signs a written estimate authorizing that specific work. The estimate must include:

1. Itemized parts/labor costs.
2. Odometer reading.
3. Statement: "This estimate is not a contract and the final cost may not exceed the estimate by more than 10% or $10, whichever is greater, without your written or documented verbal consent." (Fla. Stat. § 559.922(2)).

If the Job Grows (The 10% Rule):

• ≤ 10% or $10 over: You may proceed without new authorization.
• > 10% or $10 over: You must stop. Contact the customer, explain the additional needed repairs and costs, and obtain documented verbal consent (log date, time, name, phone #, details) or a revised signed written estimate. Do not proceed on memory or a text message you didn't save.

Practical Workflow:

1. Write Estimate (Diagnostic time included if applicable).
2. Customer Signs.
3. Work Begins.
4. Discovery: You find more damage.
5. Stop. Call customer.
6. Log Consent (Verbal log or New Signed Estimate).
7. Continue.

Penalties: Violations are a second-degree misdemeanor (Fla. Stat. § 559.922(5)) and a violation of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA), exposing you to attorney fees and damages.

Pro Tip: Use a digital estimate/invoice system (Shop-Ware, Tekmetric, Mitchell 1) that timestamps signatures and verbal consent logs. It is your best defense.