Two legislation aimed at allowing Florida auto dealers more flexibility in transferring vehicle titles to customers fizzled last month.
According to Florida law, dealers “shall” obtain and transfer automobile titles within 30 days of sale. Earlier this year, a few Florida politicians proposed extending the deadline and easing penalties for COVID-19-affected dealers who missed it.
The bills made it to committees in the state Senate and House, but the Legislature was too busy, according to state Rep. Andrew Learned, a co-sponsor in the House.
“I don’t think [titling concerns] are top of mind for a lot of folks, so it definitely takes a little education,” said Learned, a Tampa Democrat. “You have 120 members who all need a little education.”
On Dec. 21, Republican state Sen. Tom Wright introduced S.B. 1346, the first version of the measure. On Jan. 10, Rep. David Smith introduced H.B. 1517 in the state House.
The legislative session finished March 11 with members focused on everyday concerns affecting Floridians and hyperpartisan issues, according to Learned. As a result, he claimed, automobile titling expenses were put on hold.
Regulators were concerned about the planned revisions in the bills. Originally, the bill said that dealers “should” apply for the titles within 30 days, not “must”.