The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that sellers sell more than 450,000 vehicles yearly with false odometer readings. Unfortunately, sellers often tamper with the car’s odometer reading to make it more attractive to buyers. After all, it’s much better to buy a used car with 10,000 miles on it than one with 50,000.
Buying a used car comes with unique challenges since most buyers aren’t mechanical experts who can thoroughly inspect a vehicle. This is why many feel that buying a new car in Florida is much easier, despite the hassle of negotiating with a car dealer. It’s also why companies like CarFax and Kelley Blue Book have built entire businesses to help consumers understand used vehicles.
But the bigger question is: Is it illegal to change a car’s mileage? Yes, tampering with the odometer is unlawful under both state and federal law and carries penalties for those who commit it. Read on to learn more about odometer fraud penalties in Florida under Florida traffic law.
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Florida Statute 319.35 defines odometer fraud as knowingly tampering with a motor vehicle’s odometer to show lower mileage than the car’s actual mileage. One cannot do the following to the vehicle’s odometer:
In many cases, the issue ties to a transaction in which the buyer relied on the mileage when deciding to purchase the vehicle.
Yes, Florida typically charges odometer fraud as a third-degree felony. This applies when someone knowingly alters mileage or sells a vehicle with false odometer information.
Because a vehicle’s value is directly tied to its mileage, the law treats it as financial deception. The lower the mileage appears, the more valuable the vehicle seems, which is where the legal issue arises. In more complex cases, prosecutors may add additional criminal traffic charges depending on how the transaction was handled.
A conviction for odometer fraud can carry serious penalties beyond fines. These cases are handled in criminal court and can carry long-term consequences.
Potential penalties include:
In some situations, prosecutors may also pursue related charges, such as title fraud or grand theft, which carry their own penalties and can significantly increase exposure.
Odometer fraud affects more than just one transaction. It affects buyers who rely on mileage to assess a vehicle’s condition, safety, and value.
When mileage is inaccurate, buyers may face:
Because of these risks, courts treat these cases seriously, especially when evidence shows intentional misrepresentation.
These cases often begin with a buyer’s complaint, followed by a review of the vehicle’s records. Investigators may review title history, maintenance records, and prior ownership details to spot inconsistencies. Digital reporting systems and vehicle history services have made it easier to detect mileage discrepancies over time. What might have gone unnoticed years ago is now easier to trace across multiple transactions. Even so, proving intent remains a key part of the case, and that is often where legal defenses come into play.
If you are being investigated or charged, how you respond early on matters. These cases often involve documentation, prior ownership records, and statements that can be used in court. Avoid making statements to law enforcement without legal guidance. Even casual explanations can later become part of the prosecution’s case.
At Florida Ticket Firm, we step in early to review the facts, identify weaknesses in the allegations, and build a defense based on the details of your situation.
Not every accusation results in a conviction. These cases often depend on proving intent, knowledge, and responsibility for the alleged discrepancy.
Defense strategies may involve:
Because multiple parties can be involved in a vehicle’s history, responsibility is not always as clear as it may seem at first.
If law enforcement arrests you for odometer fraud, don’t say anything. The prosecution will use anything you say (or do) against you in court.
Also, invoke your right to an attorney and contact your lawyer immediately. Then, you can work with your attorney to prove your innocence.
Odometer fraud charges can carry serious consequences, especially when they involve felony allegations and financial claims. Delaying can make it harder to protect your position. The team at Florida Ticket Firm handles fraud-related traffic cases across Florida and understands how these cases are built and challenged. We focus on protecting your record and working toward the best possible outcome based on the facts.
Contact Florida Ticket Firm today to discuss your situation and take the next step in defending your case.
If you have been charged with rolling back mileage on an odometer or otherwise tampering with an odometer anywhere in Florida, call Florida Ticket Firm today at (813) 276-6000 for a free initial consultation with a knowledgeable odometer tampering ticket lawyer who knows the best way to challenge the state’s criminal case.
We serve Tampa, Brandon, Lutz, and throughout Pinellas County, as well as South Florida, including Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood. Florida Ticket Firm can help you!
It is usually charged as a third-degree felony, which can include prison time, fines, and a permanent criminal record.
Yes, jail or prison time is possible depending on the severity of the case and any related charges.
Lack of knowledge can be an important issue in these cases. The prosecution must show you acted knowingly.
Yes, providing false mileage information during a sale can still lead to charges, even without direct tampering.
Avoid making statements and get legal guidance early. These cases often depend on documentation and timing, so early involvement can make a difference.
