Chapter 501 Section 164 - 2018 Florida Statutes (2024)

I'm a legal expert deeply immersed in the intricacies of consumer protection laws, particularly within the state of Florida. My extensive knowledge stems from years of practical experience and a thorough understanding of relevant statutes and regulations. Now, let's delve into the information provided in the article related to the 2018 Florida Statutes, Title XXXIII, Chapter 501, Section 164.

The article pertains to the regulation of trade, commerce, investments, and solicitations in Florida, specifically focusing on consumer protection. The relevant statute is F.S. 501.164, which deals with civil penalties. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts:

2018 Florida Statutes

The statutes mentioned refer to the legal provisions in force during the year 2018. It's crucial to note that laws can evolve, so staying updated with the latest amendments is essential.

Title XXXIII - REGULATION OF TRADE, COMMERCE, INVESTMENTS, AND SOLICITATIONS

This title of the statutes encompasses laws related to the regulation of various aspects of trade, commerce, investments, and solicitations within the state of Florida.

Chapter 501 - CONSUMER PROTECTION

Chapter 501 specifically addresses consumer protection. It outlines the rules and regulations designed to safeguard consumers from deceptive and unfair trade practices.

Section 164 - Civil Penalties

F.S. 501.164 introduces the concept of civil penalties as a means of enforcing the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. In addition to other available remedies, the court has the authority to impose civil penalties for violations of the provisions specified in Section 501.160.

Civil Penalty Amount

The statute allows the court to levy a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation. Moreover, there's an aggregate total cap of $25,000 for any 24-hour period. This provides a clear framework for the financial consequences that individuals or entities may face for breaching the regulations outlined in Section 501.160.

Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act

Reference is made to this act as the legal basis for imposing civil penalties. This Act likely contains a broader set of provisions related to deceptive and unfair trade practices, and violations of these provisions trigger the penalties outlined in Section 164.

Enforcement and Penalties

The collected penalties are earmarked for the enforcing authority to further consumer enforcement efforts. This indicates a commitment to using the financial consequences of violations to fund ongoing efforts to protect consumers.

Historical Context

The history section at the end notes that this particular provision, Section 501.164, was added as part of legislative changes in 1992 (s. 2, ch. 92-353).

In summary, the article outlines the legal framework for imposing civil penalties under Section 501.164 of the 2018 Florida Statutes, emphasizing consumer protection and enforcement efforts against deceptive and unfair trade practices. The specifics of the penalties serve as a deterrent to potential violators while contributing to the resources available for consumer protection initiatives.