The proposed bill establishes the "Motorized Wheelchair Right to Repair Act" within Florida Statutes, specifically creating sections 559.971 to 559.976. It mandates that original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) must provide documentation, parts, and tools necessary for the diagnosis, maintenance, or repair of motorized wheelchairs to independent repair providers and owners on fair and reasonable terms. This includes making available any special documentation and tools required to access and reset electronic security locks on motorized wheelchairs. The bill also stipulates that violations of this act will be considered unlawful practices under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
Additionally, the bill clarifies that OEMs are not required to disclose trade secrets and that existing arrangements between authorized repair providers and OEMs remain unchanged, except for provisions that limit compliance with this act, which would be deemed void. It limits the liability of OEMs and authorized repair providers for damages caused by independent repair providers or owners during repair activities. The act is set to apply to motorized wheelchairs sold or in use on or after July 1, 2025, with an effective date of the same.