Bill > S1820

This bill modifies Florida laws governing relationships between motor vehicle manufacturers and their franchised dealers by establishing new protections for dealers. The bill prohibits manufacturers from creating performance measurement criteria for dealers that are unfair, unreasonable, or incomplete, and requires manufacturers to provide detailed written explanations of how such performance criteria are designed and calculated. Additionally, the bill prevents manufacturers from retaliating against dealers who assert their legal rights, such as challenging manufacturer practices or participating in investigations. The legislation also strengthens provisions around franchise agreement terminations by requiring manufacturers to act in good faith, provide dealers with opportunities to correct performance issues (including a mandatory 180-day correction period for alleged performance failures), and placing the burden of proof on manufacturers to demonstrate that any discontinuation, cancellation, modification, or replacement of a franchise agreement is fair and justified. These changes aim to provide more legal protection and procedural fairness for motor vehicle dealers in their relationships with manufacturers, ensuring that dealers are not subjected to arbitrary or discriminatory treatment. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Business and Industry

Transportation (S)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1820