Florida Motor Vehicle Repair Advisory Council Suggests Legislation to License Certain Auto Parts Stores

The Florida Division of Consumer Services (“Division”), part of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (“Department”), held a Motor Vehicle Repair Advisory Council (“Council”) meeting on October 7, 2010, during which it reviewed the launch of a new Web portal designed to streamline on-line licensing, renewal and payment of miscellaneous fees administrated by the Division.  Meeting materials are attached for review.

Online registrations by motor vehicle repair shop licensees have increased slowly over the last few years.  The Division is working on transitioning the entire licensing and renewal process to the Web-based system, with a priority being placed on ensuring seamless implementation.  Significant cost savings is expected with use of the on-line portal, which will serve to eliminate the paper waste and the need for postage.  Beginning in 2010, instead of sending out registration packets, instructions on accessing the portal will be provided instead.  If the use of U.S. Post Office-based mail is still needed, licensees must call the Division to secure the mailing information.

While the Division has no legislation planned for the upcoming 2011 Florida Legislative Session and will simply work to prevent any budget cuts, the Council members discussed an issue relating to auto parts stores that do not have to register with the Division, but offer battery, alternator, starter and engine-related testing, as well as free battery installation.  These stores’ provision of services is perceived to be usurping market share from those repair shops that are otherwise licensed and registered with the State.

It was suggested that the applicable statute should be carefully examined to determine whether legislation should be filed to mandate state registration of these auto parts stores.  The Council members agreed that the goal is to level the playing field, so that all motor vehicle service providers are operating under uniform regulations.  The issue will be taken up at the Council’s next meeting.

Currently, the following Council seats are open to those interested in applying:

• Consumer Seat
• Franchise Collision
• Independent Motor Vehicle Dealers

The meeting was then adjourned. 

Created to advise and assist in reviewing and executing regulations relating to the Florida Motor Vehicle Repair Act, the Council advises the Department on matters relating to educational grants, advancements in industry standards and practices, along with other issues requiring technical expertise and consultation, or that promise better consumer protection in the motor vehicle repair industry.  To view the Council’s Web page, which also includes the names of Council members, click here.

The Florida Motor Vehicle Repair Act requires anyone who is paid to engage in the repair of motor vehicles owned by other persons to register biennially with the Department.

Should you have any comments or questions, please contact Colodny Fass.

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