FTC enforcement actions against auto dealers reveal costly compliance mistakes involving advertising, pricing, financing, and consumer data protection. This post breaks down key lessons from real FTC cases and explains how dealers can avoid violations, protect their license, and stay ahead of regulators.

Dealer bond renewal delays can put your license and dealership at risk. Common issues include late applications, underwriting reviews, filing errors, and compliance problems. Understanding why renewals get delayed helps dealers stay compliant, avoid license interruptions, and keep their business operating smoothly year after year.

Florida motor vehicle dealers are required to carry Garage Liability Insurance to maintain an active dealer license. This coverage protects your dealership from accidents, lawsuits, and financial loss while ensuring compliance with FLHSMV requirements. Learn what Garage Liability Insurance covers, why it’s required, and how to renew or switch providers without risking your license.

Garage liability insurance is essential for auto dealers to protect against bodily injury and property damage claims tied to daily operations. This FAQ explains what garage liability insurance covers, what it excludes, how much it costs, and why it’s required for dealer licensing. Dealers also learn the difference between garage liability and commercial auto insurance, the importance of continuous coverage, and how renewals work.

Auto dealer surety bonds are required to obtain and maintain a dealer license, but many dealers don’t fully understand how they work. This FAQ answers common questions about dealer surety bond costs, credit checks, claims, renewals, and compliance requirements—helping dealers avoid delays, protect their license, and stay compliant with state regulations.

Starting a car dealership is exciting, but many new dealers make costly mistakes, from skipping proper licensing and underestimating dealer bond requirements to neglecting garage liability insurance and poor lot setup. Other common pitfalls include inadequate inventory planning, ignoring state compliance, weak marketing, poor financial planning, not using a Dealer Management System (DMS), and failing to seek expert guidance.