may 2010 independent dealer magazine

May 2010 — Independent Dealer — �www.fiada.com

PRST STDU.S. POSTAGE

P A I DTALLAHASSEE, FL

PERMIT NO. 801

May 2010 www.FIADA.com Information and Insight for Florida Used Car Dealers

A Publication of the Florida Independent Automobile Dealers Association

Beyond Brand awarenessPage 4

FIada KnocKs out curBstoners

Page 6

FIada HIts a Home run wItH reP. BurGIn

and sen. crIst0

sIne dIePage 16

� — Independent Dealer — May 2010 www.fiada.com

NORTHEAST FLORIDAAdesa JacksonvilleAuto Auction��700 New Kings Rd.Jacksonville, 3��9

WEST COASTInsurance A/A of Clearwater5�5� ��6th Ave N.Clearwater, 33760

Ramada Inn Tampa��7�4 Morris Bridge Rd. �-75 Exit �65Tampa

CENTRAL FLORIDAManheim’s ImperialAuto Auction3300 County Line Rd.Lakeland, 338��

Ocala Driver’s License Office��0 SE �5th AvenueOcala, 3447�

Manheim Central Florida Auto Auction9800 Bachman Rd.Orlando, 3�8�4

Manheim Remarketing Site Orlando/Ocoee��75 E. Story RoadWinter Garden, 34787

SOUTH FLORIDAManheim Ft. Lauderdale5353 State Road 7Davie, 333�4

Adesa Miami/Insurance Auto Auction of Miami��700 NW 4�nd AveOpa Locka, 33054

PANHANDLEComfort Inn�0�3 East �3rd St.Panama City, 3�405

FIADA Office�840 Fiddler CourtTallahassee

View Course Descriptions and Register at www.FIADA.com

Gulf States Auto Auction66�5 Mobile HighwayPensacola, FL 3�5�6

May 5-6 Pensacola

May 6-7 Orlando/Winter Garden

May 8-9 Tampa

May 10-11 Ocala

May 12-13 Lakeland

May 15-16 Ft. Lauderdale

May 18-19 Panama City

May 22-23 Orlando

May 24-25 Jacksonville

May 24-25 Clearwater

May 26-27 Miami/Opa Locka

June 3-4 Orlando/Winter Garden

June 5-6 Tampa

June 7-8 Ocala

June 9-10 Lakeland

June 9-10 Pensacola

June 12-13 Ft. Lauderdale

June 22-23 Tallahassee

June 26-27 Orlando

June 28-29 Jacksonville

June 21-22 Clearwater

June 23-24 Miami/Opa Locka

JUNE 2010

July 8-9 Orlando/Winter Garden

July 10-11 Tampa

July 12-13 Ocala

July 14-15 Lakeland

July 14-15 Pensacola

July 17-18 Ft. Lauderdale

July 20-21 Panama City

July 24-25 Orlando

July 26-27 Jacksonville

July 19-20 Clearwater

July 21-22 Miami/Opa Locka

JULY 2010MAY 2010 JUNE 2010 JULY 2010

May 2010 — Independent Dealer — �www.fiada.com

MAILINGADDRESS 1840FiddlerCourt Tallahassee,FL32308

TELEPHONE (850)385-2712 (800)237-0448

FAX (850)385-3251

WEBSITE www.FIADA.com

EXECUTIVECOMMITTEE GregEdwards President

JimKagiliery Chairman of the Board

JeffGann Senior Vice President

JeffZupec Secretary

DinoMercurio Treasurer

MarioAllmond Regional Vice President

BrandiNoegel Regional Vice President

GeorgeHickey Regional Vice President

SteveMarbais,CMD Regional Vice President

JohnCousins Regional Vice President

FIADASTAFF SteveJordan Executive Director

LarryPeters S.AllenMonello,D.P.A. TerryMyers Instructors

SarahLangley Membership Coordinator

AlexRomans Education Coordinator

ChristyTaylor Editorial/Advertising

POSTMASTER:Send address changes to:FIADA•1840FiddlerCourt

Tallahassee,FL32308(850)385-2712•TollFree:(800)237-0448

Fax:(850)385-3251•www.FIADA.com

Volume 1 No. 3

TheIndependentDealerisapublicationof:FloridaIndependentAutomobile

DealersAssociation,1840FiddlerCourt,Tallahassee,FL32308.

ThemagazineispublishedeverymonthinTallahasseeanddistributedtoFloridanew,used,wholesaleandlease/retailcardealers.Advertisingratesareavailableuponrequest.

Thestatementsandopinionsexpressedhereinarethoseoftheindividualauthors

anddonotnecessarilyrepresenttheviewsofIndependentDealerortheAssociation.

Likewise,theappearanceofadvertisers,ortheiridentificationasmembersofFIADA,does

notconstituteanendorsementoftheproductsorservicesfeatured.

ContentsMay 2010

For members of the Florida Independent Automobile Dealers Association

C O L U M N S & F E A T U R E S

2 We’ve Got You Covered FIADA Offers Education Opportunities On Line and On Site.

4 President’s Message Greg Edwards

6 Executive Director’s Message Steve Jordan

8 Technically Speaking Larry Peters and S. Allen Monello, D.P.A.

10 FIADA Wins in the Bottom of the 9th FIADA’s SB 1182/HB 6�1 passed unanimously. Get a play-by-play of how the

session went down.

12 New Benefits From NIADA

14 Want to Win $10,000?

16 Legislative Update John Grant, FIADA Lobbyist

19 Fast Cars and Freedom: FIADA’s Annual Convention & Expo

D E PA R T M E N T S

22 Member News & Notes 22 Internet Extras

U P C O M I N G E V E N T S

July 16-17, 2010FIADA Board of Directors Meeting PGA National Resort & SpaPalm Beach Gardens, FL

October 15-16, 2010FIADA Annual Convention & ExpoTradewinds ResortSt. Pete Beach, FL

4 — Independent Dealer — May 2010 www.fiada.com

Fortune 500 companies have no problems earmarking big budgets to build their brand, and with good reason--aside from the actual

product or service they produce a business’ corporate identity is probably the most important element of its success. What your brand says about you, how it is perceived and how well it is remembered are the first steps to a customer relationship, and in many cases can be what keeps bringing them back.

The companies who are good at effectively communicating their brand to the masses are able to condition their customers into unwavering loyalty. Whether it is warranted or not, the corporate name and logo have such presence that shoppers consistently choose them over any competitor, every time. The power of a good brand can overcome or overlook differences in price, any inconvenience in attaining the product and even the lure of a wider selection of choices offered by a competing brand. Whether it is soft drinks, airlines or car manufacturers positive brand awareness is essential to a company’s success.

The Florida Independent Automobile Dealers Association has spent nearly 70 years building its brand. It is safe to say there is no other group in the state that is as well established, comprehensive in benefits or better respected when it comes to serving independent auto dealers. The innovation, ingenuity and integrity of our leadership over the past seven decades sets the standard for dealer associations throughout the country and we should be very proud of what we have accomplished.

This past legislative session FIADA was able to build upon our brand awareness in Tallahassee. Working behind the scenes on SB 1182/HB 631 our Executive Director Steve Jordan, Lobbyist John Grant,

Beyond Brand AwarenessBY GREG EDWARDS

F R O M T H E P R E S I D E N T

Legislative Committee and members were able to effectively share our message at the capital. The goal was to show legislators, industry partners, government agencies and other groups interested in transportation and small business issues that our Association is passionate, committed and tenacious when it comes to issues involving independent dealers. The bill’s unanimous vote in both houses tells me we were effective.

The spring brought us victory in the legislature, but that does not mean the summer is time for vacation! Now, we need to focus our attention to building our brand among the independent dealers in our state who are not FIADA members. We need to work until everyone knows the benefits of membership, and understands how important their membership is to the industry as a whole. Bottom line: if we want to continue to speak louder in Tallahassee, we need more members. So, for the future of our industry, let’s all commit now to spreading the word to our local dealers and persuading them that the investment of a dues check will pay off big in the end.

Coming off the heels of our April Board of Directors meeting, you can rest assured that the FIADA leadership continues to seek new opportunities for dealers through additional benefits, continued service and professional development programs. Mark your calendar for our next board meeting July 16-17 at the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens. Your input is welcomed and encouraged! Don’t forget also to register early for the FIADA Annual Convention & Expo, October 15-16 at the Tradewinds Resort in St. Pete Beach. You can find a registration form in this magazine on page 19 and 20. It’s going to be a “Fast Cars & Freedom” weekend full of education, exhibits and entertainment.

May 2010 — Independent Dealer — 5www.fiada.com

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On Friday, April 30, 2010 at 4:51 p.m. the Florida House of Representatives voted unanimously 119-0, passing HB 631. Through this bill

and the Senate counterpart SB 1182, which also passed unanimously, the FIADA landed a knock-out punch on curbstoners who illegally park their vehicles for sale without a dealer’s license. These non-licensed sellers will now need to think twice before trying to side-step the system or they will face much stiffer penalties in light of Florida’s new law (pending a signature by Governor Charlie Crist). During the 2010 Legislative Session, one of the most commonly asked questions I got speaking with legislators about HB 631 was, “OK, now what is curbstoning again and why is it a problem?”

Non-licensed sellers, curbstoners, enterprising criminals, burned-out or uninsurable dealers, and others park their cars for sale illegally on the side of the road or on property they do not own without permission. In turn, these individuals mar the community landscape, avoid

paying sales tax on cars they sell without a license and pass along the car’s problems – title or mechanical – to unsuspecting consumers that think they are getting a

good deal. Whew! Deep breath. In short, curbstoners skirt the system and care only about turning a quick buck, darn the consequences.

With the passage of this bill, some of the problems with exacting a consequence to curbstoning were addressed, the dragnet of enforcement got larger, and the monetary fines increased. At a recent Automobile Dealers Industry Advisory Board meeting, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) reported that during fiscal year 2008-2009, 11,643 vehicles got “Red Tagged” by the DHSMV for being illegally parked for sale. Of these cars, only 64 were towed and removed. That’s right; ½ of 1 percent of cars illegally parked for sale get towed away by law enforcement.

The reason why this happens is because under the Uniform Traffic Citation (UTC) language in current state statute, if a car was parked illegally for sale, a law enforcement officer had to either issue a citation in person or post a red tag on the windshield giving the offender a 24 hour right to cure the problem or move

the car. As you can see, nearly all the problems got cured within a 24 hour period as the curbstoners just moved their cars (often to another location) and thumbed their nose at the law. That was a big problem with an ineffective enforcement solution.

In our bill, the solution with the new law eliminates the UTC language

and the 24 hour notice. Once this bill goes into effect, if a car is illegally parked for sale – as already defined by current law – “a law enforcement officer, compliance

E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R ’ S M E S S A G E

FIADA Knocks OutCurbstonersBY STE VE JORDAN

The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) reported that during fiscal year 2008-2009, 11,643 vehicles got “Red Tagged” for being illegally parked for sale...only 64 were towed and removed.


officer, code enforcement officer from any local government agency, or supervisor of the department may issue a citation and cause to be immediately removed at the owner’s expense any motor vehicle that is found in violation…” This coupled with the existing definitions will give us the teeth we were looking for.

If you’re just tuning in, the existing law already defines specifically what determines whether or not a car is illegally parked for sale. For example Florida Statute 316.1951 says:

- “It is unlawful to offer a vehicle for sale if the vehicle identification number has been destroyed, removed, covered, altered, or defaced, as descriced in s. 319.33(1)(d)…”

- “It is unlawful to knowingly attach to any motor vehicle registration that was not assigned or lawfully transferred to the vehicle pursuant to s. 320.261…”

- “It is unlawful to display or offer for sale a vehicle that does not have a valid registration as provided in s. 320.02…”

- “A vehicle is subject to immediate removal without warning if it bears a telephone number that has been displayed on three or more vehicles offered for sale within a 12-month period.

- “It is unlawful for any person to park a motor vehicle…upon a public street or highway, a public parking lot, or other public property, or upon private property where the public has the right to travel by motor vehicle, for the principal purpose and intent of displaying the motor vehicle thereon for sale, hire or rental…unless specifically authorized…”

This solution will give the DHSMV much needed enforcement help by putting more “feet on the street” at the state, county, municipal, and local code enforcement levels to assist in monitoring and moving on these infractions. Additionally, the immediate removal authorization will get rid of the offending vehicle and hold the illegal seller accountable…immediately, with no right to cure.

Often in a curbstoning sale, the last registered owner isn’t necessarily the person attempting to sell the car. That is why the shiny, new $100 fine stays with the car, not the registered owner. The newly passed language addresses this

issue by saying, “…and the owner shall be assessed a penalty as provided in s. 318.18(21) by the government agency or authority that orders immediate removal of the motor vehicle. A motor vehicle removed under this section shall not be released from an impound or towing and storage facility before a release form prescribed by the department has been completed verifying that the fine has been paid to the government agency or authority that ordered immediate removal of the motor vehicle.” So, in addition to all the normal towing and storage fees, the offender will have to pay $100 – as defined

in s. 318.18(21) – and complete the DHSMV release form to get the car back. This could total hundreds of dollars in fines, towing, and storage fees per infraction.

HB 631 addresses a lot of other technical issues related to motor vehicle transactions and dealer operations, but the biggest priority held by the FIADA Legislative Committee during the 2010 Legislative Session was to write greater penalties into law relating to the ongoing curbstoning issue and take us one step closer to the elimination of illegal competition by unlicensed car sellers altogether.

After passing unanimously in both the Florida House & Senate chambers, this bill’s next stop is the Governor’s desk for signature. Although we don’t expect a veto from the Governor, we do expect curbstoners to pay attention, because life is about to get a lot harder in the State of Florida if you try to sell a car illegally without a license.

Since 1940, the FIADA has been working to protect the interests and image of the used car industry and advance the cause of the legally licensed dealer and the passage of HB 631 does just that. We have already started the conversation with the DHSMV and other major industry stakeholders on the next steps needed for those who continue to try and operate outside the lines. Stay tuned for more updates from Tallahassee as we keep a watchful eye on the legislative policy and detail that can make your ability to operate as a dealer better.

Often in a curbstoning sale, the last registered owner isn’t necessarily the person attempting to sell the car. That is why the shiny, new $100 fine stays with the car, not the registered owner.


Use Your Compliance ToolsBY LARRY PE TERS AND S . ALLEN MONELLO, D.P.A .

When your car is not running right, many of you will break out the tool kit and start checking your car for problems. Once the problem is

identified, you will then purchase parts and begin replacing the bad parts with new ones. Your tools will come in handy as it is next to impossible to replace anything on vehicles without tools. Some of the tools are simple, like a screw driver or wrench and in other cases, a sophisticated computer software product is necessary to read the vehicle’s internal computer chip to determine what a problem is. Likewise, your “compliance tool kit” contains many tools, some of which are simple and others more complex.

Regardless of what compliance tools you have in your kit, the one key in making your tools work is you and how you implement them. You are the one who can walk around your dealership and fix things instantly. But, of course you have to “walk around” and look and listen at things objectively. Some business management gurus simply call it “management by walking around.” How creative! The good news it works. As this “tool” relates to compliance, you can simply walk around and see, for instance, how your business is complying with the FTC Safeguards Rule. Do your own risk assessment. Do you see documents with customer “non-public information” lying around accessible to anyone? Do see unlocked file cabinets and desk drawers? Do you hear sales reps repeating things like social security numbers or customer account numbers in earshot of anyone who might want to write that info down? How about the Red Flags Rule? Do you listen to what your staff says when they are dealing with customers and there may be an address discrepancy or some other matter that must be dealt with to authenticate your customer’s identity? Another management phrase is “inspect what you expect.” Know what’s taking place at the dealership by looking and listening and fixing problems yourself.

Of course, there are other compliance tools available to you. Many are provided to FIADA members by just logging in to the member’s section. Click on the “Dealer Resources” button and there they are. Do you need a Motor Vehicle Installment Seller License? The answer is there. Do you have

T E C H N I C A L L Y S P E A K I N G

a repo question or need to see a sample letter? Yep, those are there too. How about this one: A law enforcement officer says you cannot drive a vehicle off the lot with a dealer plate for personal use. The answer is there too. It’s a memo from the DMV Director that says you can! There are many more, all you have to do is open that “tool kit” and look for the topic.

Other tools are also just a click away. For example, you can verify the title, lien, odometer, and brand status of a vehicle by going to the Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle website at www.flhsmv.gov and clicking the “Motor Vehicle Check” button under the Vehicle Tags and Titles section. You can also verify if a driver license is valid by clicking “Driver License Check” under the Driver License section. It’s just that simple.

Finally, you can go to the Department of Revenue’s website at www.myflorida.com/dor and click the button at the top that says “Taxes” and then click Forms and Publications under the Quick Links to the left of the page. This will take you to the various DOR forms. Scroll down to “Sales and Use Tax” and then scroll down to GT-400400. This is the latest Tax Information for Motor Vehicle Dealers Manual. This is the manual that was developed for dealers and it is full of information regarding taxes you have to collect, how to fill out a return, how to handle out-of-state sales, other state tax rates and more.

As you can see, there are many compliance tools available to you to help keep your dealership running smoothly and, when necessary, to make any necessary repairs.

Most are just a few clicks away, so keep your “tool kit” handy.

The material contained in this article is for informational purposes only and not intended to serve as legal advice. Dealers are strongly encouraged to have all of their internal policies and procedures reviewed by their attorney.Larry Peters and Allen Monello are managing partners in the Automotive Industry Center for Excellence, LLC (AICE) and consultants to FIADA. If you have questions related to compliance issues or of a technical nature, you


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�0 — Independent Dealer — May 2010 www.fiada.com

When the Legislative season opened in Tallahassee, everyone knew it was going

to be a tough one. With a $3 billion dollar deficit to deal with, and more than 3,000 bills filed between both chambers Legislators would have to work quickly and efficiently to make it all happen. FIADA’s legislative team was prepared for a tough game, and ready to go to bat for SB 1182/HB 631 at every trip to the plate.

Rep. Rachel Burgin introduced HB 631 in the House and Sen. Victor Crist sponsored SB 1182 in the Senate. Both legislators took control of their bills, pitching them to committees for inclusion on their agendas, working with staffers and chairmen to steer them through committees and building consensus among members.

FIADA took to the field as the bills began their way through a total of six different committees between the House and Senate. Executive Director Steve Jordan and Lobbyist John Grant were there at every stop,

as was the voiced support of dealers through phone

calls to committee chairs and members.

Grant says that member involvement really made a

difference.

“People in the legislative arena know better now what we do and who we are,” FIADA Lobbyist John Grant said. “This victory helped us politically because our members got involved through our use of legislative alerts and calls to legislators from their voting constituency.”

The final votes on SB 1182/HB 631 were unanimous in both houses, which was an accomplishment in itself. Even in committee the bills were received favorably and had good support with only minimal concern. The critique from a few committee members helped

FIADA rewrite portions of the bill to address concerns, without losing the core objectives of the original legislation. The end result would be a long-awaited change in the law that helps level the playing field for

independent dealers in areas such as curbstoning, losing money on unpaid tag fees and streamlining processes

for records storage and title and registration paperwork.

As the session neared its end, and the budget issues became all-consuming for legislators, it looked as if there would not be enough time for SB 1182/HB 631 to complete the process and come to a vote in the house and senate floor. In the Legislature, there are no extra innings, so with only hours left before adjournment, it was now or never for the bills.

“From the first day of the session I knew that our worst enemy was the clock and we had to really fight to get our bill on committee agendas. As it was, we achieved final passage less than two hours before the legislature adjourned,” Grant said. “What we did in the passage of HB 631 was monumental and while I worked hard at getting it done, it would not have been possible without the constant help of Steve Jordan and the legislative committee,” Grant said. “The local calls and involvement from our members made a big difference. It was definitely a team effort.”

Heading into the off-season with a new “brand awareness” in Tallahassee, FIADA will not be sitting the summer out. If there is one adage that is especially true in politics it is that there is strength in numbers. Building membership will be crucial over the next year to continue the legislative momentum. The other strategy will be to shore up the FIADA PAC Fund, allowing the Association to support candidates who are friendly to its agenda—something particularly important in an election year.

“We need to let our presence be known in the August primary and in the November general elections,” Grant said. “Hopefully all our members will get involved at the local level and support candidates who, once elected, will support us and our industry.”

Sen. Victor D. Crist Rep. Rachel Burgin

May 2010 — Independent Dealer — ��www.fiada.com

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�� — Independent Dealer — May 2010 www.fiada.com

CARFAx LAUNChES NEW hISTORY IMPACT TOOL...Carfax has enhanced its Vehicle History Reports with a new tool – the Carfax History Impact. Every used car has a unique history that differentiates its value from other like vehicles. By analyzing market pricing and millions of used car transactions, the Carfax History Impact reflects the amount consumers have adjusted a vehicle’s retail book value based on the information in Carfax Vehicle History Reports. Dealers are using this tool to better determine the right price for their cars. “Before putting any car on our lot, it’s important for us to know what a customer might expect to pay for that car,” said John Donnelly of Findlay Automotive Group. “The Carfax History Impact gives a clear understanding of how information reported to Carfax adjusts the retail book value that our customers already use in their research. We’re confident that our vehicles are priced competitively in the market and we’re holding gross on each sale.” Dealers have long considered vehicle history as a key factor when evaluating and pricing used cars for their inventory. The Carfax History Impact gives dealers new insight about the market value to help stock the right cars at the right price. In addition, used car shoppers have more confidence during the buying process knowing how much the market value is adjusted based on vehicle history. Carfax worked with thousands of dealers to develop the Carfax History Impact. For the past several months, the Carfax History Impact has appeared on all Carfax Vehicle History Reports run by subscribing dealers. “For years used car shoppers have asked for help determining how vehicle history affects value,” said Larry Gamache, communications director at Carfax. “The Carfax History Impact shows you how much more or less than retail book value other consumers pay based on the reported history, taking the guesswork out. Having more information about what the customer expects to pay at retail helps dealers acquire vehicles at the right price and ultimately make more money.” Carfax subscribers are encouraged to contact their Carfax Account Manager for more information.

NIADA & AUTO SEARCh TEChNOLOGIES TEAM UP FOR A BRAND NEW ASSOCIATION WEB SITEAuto Search Technologies (AST), a National NIADA Member Benefit Program, has been chosen to create a brand new web site for NIADA. AST specializes in award winning dealership web site designs and search engine optimization for both franchise and independent dealers. AST has also graciously donated their time and resources with the design of many State Association web sites over the past few years. “Michael Jackson and his great creative team at AST has done some magnificent work for our members and state associations and have provided them with the most sophisticated yet easily manageable online tools,” said Mike Linn. “AST has many great ideas in store for our new national web site, including many applications and social network tools.” Development of the new site is already underway. Stay tuned for the new web site unveiling later this summer! In the meantime, visit www.autosearchtech.com/niada and see how AST can assist in developing or updating your dealership web site today!

NIADA’S OFFERS ADVANTAGE BENEFITS CARD TO MEMBERSAdvantage Benefits Card has joined the NIADA National Member Benefit Program to bring savings on Rx prescriptions, dental, vision, Lasik and hearing services to members, their employees and families. As an FIADA member, have access to this benefit because of your concurrent membership with NIADA. The ABC Card combines several non-insurance programs into one, easy to use, e-membership card. The program can save 10 – 65%, depending on the type of service and where the provider is located. Savings average 20% on prescriptions, 20 - 40% on dental, 10 – 50% on vision (including Lasik) and 35 – 65% on hearing services. There is no cost for the ABC Card and savings begin immediately. To enroll and print your ID card, go to http://www.theabccard.com/?groupID=NIADA. Enter NIADA as the Group name and enter your information to print your ID card. Then present the ABC eMembership card to a participating provider. Providers can be located on the website or by calling customer service, 888-908-8987, option 1. The ABC Card is NOT insurance, but provides discounts at certain providers for health care services. The member must pay for all health care services at the time of service, but will receive a discount from those providers who have contracted with the program operator, Executive Vision Benefits, Inc (EyeBenefits). They can be reached at 888-908-8987. Please see http://www.theabccard.com/?groupID=NIADA for more information on the Advantage Benefits Card.

(Excerpted from NIADA’s Association E-Notes)

May 2010 — Independent Dealer — �3www.fiada.com

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Sine Die!BY JOHN GRANT, F IADA LOBBYIST

The 2010 legislative session has concluded. It was fractious session to say the least and one that was almost entirely focused on the deficit

laden budget and related items, such as Medicaid reform. In the end, the legislature passed out and sent to the Governor an appropriations bill of slightly more than $70 billion that relied on a gambling pact signed with the Seminole Tribe of Florida and federal Medicaid funds, which may or may not be forthcoming.

Because of the attention to the budget, and Medicaid issues, FIADA knew it was going to be hard to achieve our goals this session. To recap, FIADA’s legislative plan was: 1. Pass our legislation on curbstoning and other

related matters 2. Get a partial or total rollback of last year’s

excessive fee increases 3. Defeat legislation that would be harmful to

our dealer members 4. Increase the political awareness and

involvement of our membership

With the passsage of HB 631, we were able to accomplish objectives 1, 3 and 4. HB 631 passed on the final day of the session, in the Senate 38-0 and the House 119-0. This bill contains items that the association has long advocated and the changes we made will help the industry, better protect every dealer in Florida.

We were able to convince the Senate that the fee increases should be totally or partially rolled back, but because the House could not agree, we will make this rollback a goal for next year’s session.

L E G I S L A T I V E U P D A T E

Not only did we pass our bill, but since it had to go through six different committees, our presence was made known to many legislators. We have made new friends with both legislators and staff who have a new awareness of who we are and what we do.

Often the legislative task is not so much what we pass, but rather what we keep from passing. For example, there legislation was presented this session that would have overregulated an already tightly regulated debt collection industry. While it is true there are a lot of debt collection scam services that this bill would have been appropriate for, the legislation was drafted in such a broad way that it would have included every buy here pay here dealer. We were successful in getting the legislation redrafted so that our dealers were not included. Problem solved.

Our success this year was in part due to the fact that we involved our members in a significant way. The Legislative Committee was deeply involved in the process every step of the way. We initiated the sending of legislative alerts asking our members to call their legislators and many did. There is nothing like a call from a home town voting citizen to get the attention of legislators. I want to thank every member who took the time to call and to tell you that you made a difference and that without you our bill might have died on the calendar.

Now that the legislative session is over for this year, it is time to turn to focus on member involvement that effects the election process. We are more likely to get the attention of members of the legislature if we have helped to get them there and we will be discussing that in next month’s Independent Dealer.


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Ph. 1-800-868-1235 • Fax 1-800-635-0704Florida Office Locations:

Orlando, FL • Boca Raton, FLCocoa Beach, FL • Pensacola, FL

www.wsins.com

Williams & Stazzone has been insuring Floridadealers since 1989 with the same insurance carrier.

We are very proud to be the Insurance Agent ofRecord for the FIADA.

For More Information Regarding Your

Specialized Insurance Needs...

Fax This Form Today!

1-800-635-0704

Yes! I want to talk with the “AUTO DEALER SPECIALISTS”

Stable Market:We have several “A” rated carriers that can provide insurance coverage for the auto dealer professional.

Competitive RatesFast, Easy QuotesA-Rated CompaniesDealer’s One Stop ShopEndorsed by the FIADA

Our Garage Liability Program Represents STABILITY

for your DealershipThe Dealers One Stop Shop:

• Garage Liability Package Policy• Dealer Bonds• Dealers Open Lot Coverage• Property & Crime Coverage• Workers Compensation• Group Health & Employee Benefits• Car Rental Association Program• Personal Lines Insurance

WS-full BW ad 4/10/08 2:28 PM Page 1


Make Your Hotel Reservations Now!Space is limited, so call today.

Tradewinds Reservations: 800.808.9833

Room Rate: $149/night (plus tax)You must mention you are part of the FIADA Annual Convention to receive group rate.

register nowfor the convention at www.FIada.com!

corporate registration

$249and then $195 for each

additional employee.

Family registration

$349

Special 2010 Convention Pricing:

Includes dealer, spouseand kiddos.

Ph. 1-800-868-1235 • Fax 1-800-635-0704Florida Office Locations:

Orlando, FL • Boca Raton, FLCocoa Beach, FL • Pensacola, FL

www.wsins.com

Williams & Stazzone has been insuring Floridadealers since 1989 with the same insurance carrier.

We are very proud to be the Insurance Agent ofRecord for the FIADA.

For More Information Regarding Your

Specialized Insurance Needs...

Fax This Form Today!

1-800-635-0704

Yes! I want to talk with the “AUTO DEALER SPECIALISTS”

Stable Market:We have several “A” rated carriers that can provide insurance coverage for the auto dealer professional.

Competitive RatesFast, Easy QuotesA-Rated CompaniesDealer’s One Stop ShopEndorsed by the FIADA

Our Garage Liability Program Represents STABILITY

for your DealershipThe Dealers One Stop Shop:

• Garage Liability Package Policy• Dealer Bonds• Dealers Open Lot Coverage• Property & Crime Coverage• Workers Compensation• Group Health & Employee Benefits• Car Rental Association Program• Personal Lines Insurance

WS-full BW ad 4/10/08 2:28 PM Page 1


comPany InFormatIonCompany: _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip: ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone: ______________________________________________ Fax: ______________________________________________

E-mail: ______________________________________________ Website: __________________________________________

reGIstratIon InFormatIon q CORPORATE REGISTRATION Badge Name: __________________________________________________ [ ] $249

Additional Attendee: _____________________________________________ [ ] $195

Additional Attendee: _____________________________________________ [ ] $195

Additional Attendee: _____________________________________________ [ ] $195 Dealership attendees will have access to all convention breakfast, lunch & dinner meal functions (including the Annual Banquet & Awards Ceremony and the Fast Cars & Freedom Gala Banquet), the Exhibit Hall, all Continued Education workshops, FIADA CertificatesofCompletionandallpartiesthroughouttheweekend.

q FAMILY REGISTRATION

Badge Name: __________________________________________________ [ ] $349

Spouse Name: __________________________________________________ [ ] Included

Child Name: ____________________________________________________ [ ] Included

Child Name: ____________________________________________________ [ ] Included Family Package attendees will have access to all convention breakfast, lunch & dinner meal functions (including the Annual Banquet & Awards Ceremony and the Fast Cars & Freedom Gala Banquet), the Exhibit Hall, all Continued Education workshops, FIADA CertificatesofCompletionandallpartiesthroughouttheweekend.

q CONTINUING EDUCATION ONLY

Badge Name: __________________________________________________ [ ] $195

Badge Name: ___________________________________________________ [ ] $195 Continuing Education Only attendees will have access to breakfast & lunch on Friday and Saturday, the Exhibit Hall, all ContinuedEducationworkshops,andaFIADACertificateofCompletion.

TOTAL REGISTRATION FEES: $__________

Payment metHod[ ] I have enclosed a check made payable to FIADA [ ] I will be using a credit cardCredit Card Type: [ ] Visa [ ] Master Card [ ] American Express [ ] DiscoverName (as it appears on card): ___________________________________ Company: ______________________________________Credit Card Billing Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________Credit Card Number: _______________________________________________ Exp Date: ________________________________Authorized Signature: X _________________________________________________ CC Security Code: _____________________CANCELLATION POLICY: Refunds may be honored with a 72-hour notice. Please submit cancellations in writing.

HoteL accommodatIonsPlease contact Tradewinds Resort directly at (800) 808-9833 and mention you are part of the FIADA Annual Convention to receive the group rate. Reservations must be made by Sept. 10, 2010 to receive the FIADA group discount of $149.00 per night, plus tax. This reduced group rate will not be guaranteed after this date. Reservations will be accepted upon a space available basis.

reGIster onLIne now at www.FIada.comOr Mail/Fax registration to: FIADA • 1840 Fiddler Court • Tallahassee, FL 32308 • PHONE (800) 237-0448 • FAX (850) 385-3251

(Please Note: fees in each category will increase by $100 after September 10, 2010.)

May 2010 — Independent Dealer — ��www.fiada.com

R E L I A B I L I T Y

The Industry Leader in GPS Tracking Solutions

866.655.8825www.GoldStarGPS.com

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�� — Independent Dealer — May 2010 www.fiada.com

FIADA MOURNS ThE LOSS OF LONG TIME OCALA DEALER

Joseph S. Curcio, 59, long time Ocala resident, died Tuesday, April 6, 2010 in Ocala. He was born July 30, 1950 in Brooklyn, NY. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and true family man. Joe was a devoted Catholic and is now with the Lord. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War in the US Army Air Cavalry, and received an honorable discharge. He was a highly regarded and truly respected automobile dealer and owner of Joe Curcio Auto Sales Inc. in Ocala. Joe was a true “car man,” one of the last of a dying breed.

M E M B E R N E W S & N O T E S

I N T E R N E T E X T R A S

Send us your news, announcements and photos to [email protected].

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U A R A N T E E

BUY BACK

PMS Lemon Yellow & Black 9.875”x 5” Decal

Auction GroupAmerican Auto

member of

7th ANNUAL LUAU,PIG PICKIN’ & CAR SALE

FTC ExTENDS ENFORCEMENT DEADLINE FOR IDENTITY ThEFT RED FLAGS RULE

At the request of Members of Congress, the Federal Trade Commission is delaying enforcement of the “Red Flags” Rule until June 1, 2010, for financial institutions and creditors subject to enforcement by the FTC.

The Rule was promulgated under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, in which Congress directed the Commission and other agencies to develop regulations requiring “creditors” and “financial institutions” to address the risk of identity theft. The resulting Red Flags Rule requires all such entities that have “covered accounts” to develop and implement written identity theft prevention programs to help identify, detect, and respond to patterns, practices, or specific activities – known as “red flags” – that could indicate identity theft.

You can download sample policies and procedures developed for dealers to be compliant with the FTC Red Flags Rule at www.FIADA.com. After log-in, click on Dealer Resources and then Federal Regulations to access the files in either PDF or Word format.

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May 2010 — Independent Dealer — �3www.fiada.comPAID ADVERTISING

�4 — Independent Dealer — May 2010 www.fiada.comPAID ADVERTISING

Highline every 4th Tuesday and Exotics every 2nd/4th Tuesday

Boat Sale 3rd Wednesday 10:00 a.m

Heavy Truck & Equipment sales – call for details

9:15

may 2010 independent dealer magazine

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