The state of Florida has its regulations regarding unfair and deceptive practices against consumers and also businesses that could be harmed by unfair competitive practices. The rules are found in Florida Statutes Chapter 501 Part 2: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0500-0599/0501/0501PartIIContentsIndex.html&StatuteYear=2013&Title=-%3E2013-%3EChapter%20501-%3EPart%20II

501.202 (2) To protect the consuming public and legitimate business enterprises from those who engage in unfair methods of competition, or unconscionable, deceptive, or unfair acts or practices in the conduct of any trade or commerce.

The purpose of these statutes is that the state will greatly consider and adhere to the interpretations of what is considered unlawful, unfair, and deceptive set forth by the Federal Trade Commission Act. Further, the state will impose penalties on violators of Florida Statute 501.204 with fines of $10,000 per violation. The state also imposes penalties of $15,000 per violation when the affected parties and /or victims are senior citizens, handicapped persons, or the violations are a result of discrimination.

1914, the U.S. government enacted the Federal Trade Commission Act in order to protect consumers from deceptive or misleading information leading to an unfair advantage for the seller. One of the original goals of this act was to prevent large corporations from monopolizing certain industries. But as markets, industries, and business grew, other objectives and priorities regarding business regulations became necessary. As a result, the Federal Trade Commission established the Bureau of Consumer Protection to regulate and prevent businesses from advertising false or misleading information about product’s price, quality, or condition. Further, the bureau also prevents businesses from using the “bait and switch” advertising, luring customers into a store and then “switching” the sales pitch to another product altogether.

The Used Car Rule made it a requirement that dealers place a sticker on every “used car available for sale. This document is known as the Buyer’s Guide. This document should be found hanging on the window of a used car available for sale at any car lot.

Further, the document also includes contact information. link of the Buyer’s Guide: http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/pdf-0083-buyers-guide.pdf for those not already familiar with one. Every Buyer’s Guide must contain a statement warning buyer’s against promises not confirmed in writing. At the time of sale/delivery of the vehicle, the dealer must provide an original copy of the Buyer’s guide to the customer.

It is important that  if you want to make it in this business you keep good values in your place of business remember not everyone likes the  auto industry and not following these regulations can lead to serious consequences. Florida Statute Chapter 320.67: http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2010/320.67

The Department of Motorist Services has the authority to audit and review a dealer’s practices, records, and any pertinent information with regards to consumer complaints. Based on the severity of the issues, the department will refer the case to the proper authorities to hand out penalties and or/prosecution.