The Florida Senate

559.9221  Motor Vehicle Repair Advisory Council.--The Motor Vehicle Repair Advisory Council is created to advise and assist the department in carrying out this part.

(1)  The membership of the council may not exceed 11 members appointed by the Commissioner of Agriculture.

(a)  Eight industry members of the council must be chosen from individuals already engaged in the motor vehicle repair business who are eligible to be registered under this part. Such members must become registered by October 1, 1993. Thereafter, the professional members of this council must be licensed under this part. The commissioner shall select one industry member from each of the following categories:

1.  Independent automotive mechanics shops.

2.  Franchise or company-owned automotive mechanics shops.

3.  Independent automotive collision shops.

4.  Franchise or company-owned automotive collision shops.

5.  Independent tire dealer.

6.  Franchise or company-owned tire dealer.

7.  Independent motor vehicle dealer licensed under s. 320.27.

8.  Franchise motor vehicle dealer licensed under s. 320.27.

(b)  One member of the council must be chosen from persons already engaged solely in minor repair service.

(c)  Two consumer members of the council must be residents of this state and must not be connected with the motor vehicle repair business.

(d)  Within 30 days after July 1, 1993, the commissioner shall appoint one consumer member and four industry members for terms of 2 years and one consumer member, one minor repair shop member, and four industry members for terms of 4 years. As terms of the members expire, the commissioner shall appoint successors for terms of 4 years. Members shall serve from the time of their appointment until their successors are appointed.

(2)(a)  The council shall annually elect from its members a chair and a vice chair.

(b)  The council shall meet at the call of its chair, at the request of a majority of its membership, or at the request of the department.

(c)  In conducting its meetings, the council shall use accepted rules of procedure. The department shall keep a complete record of each meeting, which must show the names of members present and the actions taken. These records and other documents about matters within the jurisdiction of the council must be kept on file with the department.

(3)  The members of the council shall receive no compensation for their services, except that they may receive per diem and travel expenses as provided in s. 112.061.

(4)  The department shall be responsible for providing administrative and staff support services relating to the functions of the council.

(5)  The council shall review the rules relating to the Florida Motor Vehicle Repair Act which are adopted by the department and shall advise the department on matters relating to educational grants, advancements in industry standards and practices, and other issues that require technical expertise and consultation or that promote better consumer protection in the motor vehicle repair industry.

History.--s. 15, ch. 93-219; s. 830, ch. 97-103; s. 30, ch. 97-250.