FL S0712

Expands the definition of "sell" and related terms to include accepting deposits, setting retail prices, negotiating purchase/lease terms, and offering trade-in values, while carving out exceptions for activities like facilitating dealer transactions and administering lease agreements

Prohibits manufacturers, distributors, importers, and their affiliates from owning, operating, or controlling motor vehicle dealerships in Florida if they have offered vehicles for sale through franchise agreements with independent dealers, with limited exceptions for temporary transitions, diversity initiatives, and situations where no independent person is available

Allows manufacturers or licensees to sell or activate motor vehicle features or improvements via remote electronic transmission directly to consumers, but requires payment of at least 8% of the sale price to the original selling dealer if the vehicle was sold as new within the preceding 2 years and ownership has not changed, with payment due within 60 days

Prohibits manufacturers from reserving specific vehicles for named consumers, requiring dealers to sell to specific individuals, or setting/restricting retail prices, and bars using consumer preorders or reservations as a factor in allocating vehicles to dealers

Requires the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to conduct an inquiry within 30 days of receiving a written complaint from a franchised dealer or dealer association alleging violations, provide a written response within 30 days after the licensee's response deadline, and take appropriate enforcement action if a violation is found, including potential license suspension, revocation, or civil fines