The bill amends sections 320.64 and 320.641 of the Florida Statutes to enhance protections for franchised motor vehicle dealers against unfair practices by manufacturers and licensees. It prohibits these entities from establishing or enforcing sales or service performance criteria that adversely affect dealers unless specific conditions are met, including the requirement for a written description of the criteria to be provided to dealers prior to implementation. Additionally, the bill makes it unlawful for manufacturers or licensees to retaliate against dealers who assert their rights or participate in investigations related to violations of the law.

Furthermore, the bill revises the circumstances under which the discontinuation, cancellation, nonrenewal, modification, or replacement of a franchise agreement is deemed unfair. It establishes that such actions must be clearly permitted by the franchise agreement and undertaken in good faith and for good cause. The burden of proof for demonstrating the fairness of these actions is placed on the applicant or licensee. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 429 Filed: 320.64, 320.641, 320.67, 320.695, 320.699
H 429 c1: 320.64, 320.641
H 429 c2: 320.64, 320.641
H 429 er: 320.64, 320.641