(1) If a new assistive technology device does not conform to an applicable express warranty and the consumer reports the nonconformity to the manufacturer, the assistive technology device lessor, or any of the manufacturer’s authorized assistive technology device dealers and makes the assistive technology device available for repair within 1 year after first delivery or return of the assistive technology device to the consumer, the nonconformity must be repaired at no charge to the consumer.

(2) If, after a reasonable attempt to repair, the nonconformity is not repaired, the manufacturer, at the direction of a consumer as defined in s. 427.802(6)(a)-(c), must do one of the following:

(a) Accept return of the assistive technology device and replace the assistive technology device with a comparable new assistive technology device and refund any collateral costs.

(b) Accept return of the assistive technology device and refund to the consumer and to any holder of a perfected security interest in the consumer’s assistive technology device, as the interest may appear, the full purchase price plus any finance charge amount paid by the consumer at the point of sale, and collateral costs.

(c) With respect to a consumer as defined in s. 427.802(6)(d), accept return of the assistive technology device, refund to the assistive technology device lessor and to any holder of a perfected security interest in the assistive technology device, as the interest may appear, the current value of the written lease, and refund to the consumer the amount that the consumer paid under the written lease plus any collateral costs.

(3) The current value of the written lease equals the total amount for which the lease obligates the consumer during the period of the lease remaining after its early termination plus the assistive technology device dealer’s early termination costs and the value of the assistive technology device at the lease expiration date if the lease sets forth the value, less the assistive technology device lessor’s early termination savings.

(4) To receive a comparable new assistive technology device or a refund due under paragraph (2)(a), a consumer must offer to the manufacturer of the assistive technology device having the nonconformity to transfer possession of the assistive technology device to the manufacturer. No later than 30 days after the offer, the manufacturer shall provide the consumer with the comparable assistive technology device or refund. When the manufacturer provides the comparable assistive technology device or refund, the consumer shall return the assistive technology device having the nonconformity to the manufacturer, along with any endorsements necessary to transfer real possession to the manufacturer.

(5) To receive a refund due under paragraph (2)(b), a consumer must offer to return the assistive technology device having the nonconformity to its manufacturer. No later than 30 days after the offer, the manufacturer shall provide the refund to the consumer who paid for or the provider who billed a third party payor source for the assistive technology device. The provider shall return the manufacturer’s refund to the third party payor source, unless the provider was not reimbursed by the third party payor. When the manufacturer provides the refund, the consumer shall return to the manufacturer the assistive technology device having the nonconformity.

(6) To receive a refund due under paragraph (2)(c), an assistive technology device lessor must offer to transfer possession of the assistive technology device having the nonconformity to its manufacturer. No later than 30 days after the offer, the manufacturer shall provide the refund to the assistive technology device lessor. When the manufacturer provides the refund, the assistive technology device lessor shall provide to the manufacturer any endorsements necessary to transfer legal possession to the manufacturer.

(7) A person may not enforce the lease against the consumer after the consumer receives a refund due under paragraph (2)(c).

(8) An assistive technology device that is returned by a consumer or assistive technology device lessor in this state, or by a consumer or assistive technology device lessor in another state under a similar law of that state, may not be sold or leased again in this state, unless full disclosure of the reasons for return is made to any prospective buyer or lessee.

(9) Each consumer may submit any dispute arising under this part to an alternative arbitration mechanism established pursuant to chapter 682. Upon notice by the consumer, all manufacturers must submit to such alternative arbitration.

(10) Such alternative arbitration must be conducted by a professional arbitrator or arbitration firm appointed under chapter 682 and any applicable rules. These procedures must provide for the personal objectivity of the arbitrators and for the right of each party to present its case, to be in attendance during any presentation made by the other party, and to rebut or refute such a presentation.

(11) This part does not limit rights or remedies available to a consumer under any other law.

History.—s. 1, ch. 97-47; s. 19, ch. 99-307; s. 5, ch. 2001-214; s. 44, ch. 2001-279.