FL H0783

Amends Florida Statutes Chapter 545 to revise and reorder definitions related to motor vehicle sales, including new definitions for "automotive related product," "third-party provider," and "vehicle contract."

Prohibits affiliated finance companies from refusing to purchase or assign vehicle contracts from dealers solely because the contract contains a third-party provider's automotive product that is similar in nature, scope, and quality to products offered by the affiliated finance company or its related manufacturer/wholesale distributor.

Prohibits affiliated finance companies from charging additional fees or surcharges for purchasing or assigning vehicle contracts that contain competing third-party automotive products.

Establishes factors for determining product similarity, including the third-party provider's financial capacity to meet obligations and its history of compliance with applicable state and federal regulations.

Takes effect July 1, 2014, with violations classified as civil infractions rather than criminal offenses.