Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, Importers, and Distributors and Franchised Motor Vehicle Dealers

HB 989 modifies Florida law governing relationships between motor vehicle manufacturers (including importers and distributors) and franchised dealers. It requires manufacturers distributing 1,000+ vehicles of a single brand annually in Florida to maintain at least three independent dealers in the state. The bill clarifies that manufacturers must repurchase specific new vehicles, parts, and equipment from dealers upon contract termination, and allows manufacturers to reject ownership transfers if they would violate these rules (e.g., if the new owner doesn’t meet written qualifications or would cause regulatory noncompliance). This directly affects dealers seeking to transfer ownership or sell their business, and manufacturers with significant market presence in Florida.