CS/CS/HB 1175 Summary

• Dealers who construct or alter sales/service facilities in reliance on manufacturer programs or incentives are deemed compliant with facility requirements for 10 years; if manufacturers revise programs during this period, dealers can elect to keep prior program benefits plus any increases rather than comply with new requirements.

• Manufacturers cannot establish performance measurement criteria for dealers that are unfair, unreasonable, or arbitrary, or that exclude relevant local/regional data; manufacturers must provide written explanations of how criteria were designed and applied upon dealer request.

• Manufacturers must offer all benefits and rebate programs available nationally to Florida dealers unless substantially different economic or marketing conditions apply; dealers unable to meet facility criteria receive at least 80% of per-vehicle bonuses unrelated to facility upgrades.

• Manufacturers must repurchase dealer inventory (vehicles with 2,000 miles or less), parts, signs, and equipment upon franchise termination; in cases of line-make elimination or manufacturer bankruptcy, dealers receive fair market value of the franchise.

• Bill becomes effective upon passage and amends multiple related statutes governing motor vehicle distribution systems in Florida.