As a dealer, it is your responsibility to understand the rules and regulations regarding dealer licensing. The State of Florida is the one that is responsible for rules and regulations regarding Motor Vehicle Dealers, which can generally be found in State of Florida Statutes chapters 316, 319 and 320. Florida Dealer School will review these rules and regulations throughout the course. It is important to get to know the regional office responsible for executing and enforcing those rules and regulations in your area/county.

The Division of Motorists Services is located in Tallahassee, Florida they have the responsibility of reviewing and approving all new motor vehicle applications from the state of Florida. Through the use of several Regional Offices, the Regional Offices monitors, audits, and regulates all motor vehicle activity to ensure compliance. The Regional Offices also handle consumer complaints as they are presented. The compliance examiners investigate all complaints within the Regional’s jurisdiction and works to resolve all issues between dealers and consumers. Dealers must understand that they have to strictly follow the state and federal guidelines governing the industry. The Division can be and has always been a great source of valuable information and they are willing to help dealers avoid serious problems due to negligence/carelessness. The division has the authority to revoke a license in certain situations. It is also their duty to notify the proper authorities if the violations and/or negligence warrants for such actions.

In this state, anyone involved in the business of buying, selling, dealing in motor vehicles and/or offering them for sale at wholesale or retail. In basic terms, if you buy and sell vehicles as your primary business, you more than likely need a license. To be more specific, the State of Florida considers you a dealer if you sell more than 3 vehicles within a 12 month period You do not need a license if you sell only your personal vehicle. Nevertheless be extra careful that you are not Curbstoning. This refers to a person placing their vehicle by the side of a public road with a “For Sale” sign on the windshield. Your vehicle may be towed if it is parked in the wrong location displayed with a for sale sign. For sale cars should be parked in a lot of your dealer. See Unit 14 of this course, "Curbstoning."