Consumer complaints can create serious issues for Florida motor vehicle dealers if not handled correctly. Learn how FLHSMV investigates complaints, how they can impact your dealer license and surety bond, and what steps dealers should take to stay compliant and protect their business.

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.

Florida auto dealers face ongoing regulatory updates from the FLHSMV that can impact licensing, compliance, and daily operations. Understanding recent changes helps dealers avoid violations, delays, and penalties. Staying informed—and working with experienced industry partners—ensures smoother license renewals and continued compliance.

Florida motor vehicle dealers must complete an FLHSMV-approved continuing education course to renew their license. AICE provides a flexible, online 8-hour course designed specifically for Florida Independent Dealers, covering compliance, legal updates, federal regulations, and dealership best practices to help dealers renew with confidence.

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 must maintain an active dealer bond and garage liability insurance to stay licensed. Reviewing these annually can prevent lapses, lower costs, and ensure your coverage still matches your dealership’s operations as your business grows.

A contractor surety bond is a licensing requirement that protects the public and ensures contractors comply with state and local regulations. Required by many licensing authorities, these bonds provide financial protection if a contractor violates laws, commits fraud, or fails to meet licensing obligations. Unlike insurance, a surety bond does not protect the contractor—instead, the contractor is responsible for repaying any valid claims.

New car dealers often rely too much on word-of-mouth or outdated ads, but over 80% of buyers research online first. If your dealership isn’t visible on Google, social media, or auto marketplaces, you’re losing sales. Build a mobile-friendly website with local SEO, leverage social media with engaging posts and ads, list inventory on major platforms, encourage reviews, engage locally, and track results to adjust strategies. A strong digital presence attracts leads, boosts sales