Listener Mike sent in this great explaination on why AppleCare is not available in Florida
Just want to shed a little light on the AppleCare in Florida issue. I am a Product Specialist for AppleCare tech support.
From what I understand, Florida state law (Chapter 634 of the Florida Statutes) requires companies to be licensed to sell extended repair or replacement services. Apple currently does not meet the requirements defined by this law. The law is in place to protect the large elderly population from “warranty scams.” Unfortunately, I do not know what the requirements are to become licensed.
AppleCare CAN be sold to businesses, agencies, non-profit organizations and educational institutions as long as they have a valid Tax ID, proving they are a business.
If a consumer enrolls AppleCare on a machine and they live in Florida, Apple is required by law to refund their money. This has been the case for several years, and only the Florida legislature can change these requirements.
If you buy an Apple product from CompUSA in Florida, you can purchase CompUSA’s extended warranty. CompUSA is an authorized Apple Reseller.
In addition, if you use your VISA Gold or Signature card to purchase any product, including Apple products purchased directly from Apple, either by mail or in one of their stores, VISA doubles the length of the manufacturer’s warranty. I’ve used this to have my Canon Digicam repaired when it started eating tapes the week it ran out of warranty. You must contact VISA and ask for a claim form, which you submit with proof of purchase, copy of original warranty, and bill for repairs. VISA will reimburse up to the original cost of the item.
thanks for the info how ever im not old enough for a credit card
Yesterday’s St. Petersburg Times indicated that the only requirement to sell extended warranties in Florida is to pay a $500 licensing fee and have the state verify the financial ability of the company. You wouldn’t think either of these requirements would be a problem for Apple. If CompUSA can offer extended warranties, then Apple should be able to do the same.
I do not understand how Circuit City—who basically robbed my husband and I blind by waiting 2 weeks to get in a part for our television—then surpassing their time limit for a “lemon” of a product return policy. If they can sell a warranty why can Apple not.
Who would I write to express this grievence. A congressman, a state legislator? Those people cannot even regulate aid to people actually hit by hurricanes. They give money to uneffected areas-then force people with ligitimate claims to pay higher premiums, and deductibles.
MR. JOBS—PLEASE HELP US GET THIS PASSED SO THAT WE CAN GET APPLE CARE HERE IN FLORIDA. WE LOVE APPLE PRODUCTS, WE JUST CAN’T PROTECT THEM.
As far as CompUSA—their warranty sucks. A lot of $$ for little work. Majority of the time they send the product back to Apple. So you are really paying them for all the shipping that you’ll have to go thru.
Don’t buy applecare from Apple, you can save by getting it from http://www.appleapplecare.com AppleCare Deals