Florida Statutes

Fla. Stat. § 501.203 (2025)

Definitions.

✓ 2025 Florida Statutes — current through the 2025 Regular Session

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501.203 Definitions.—As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the term:

(1) “Final judgment” means a judgment, including any supporting opinion, that determines the rights of the parties and concerning which appellate remedies have been exhausted or the time for appeal has expired.

(2) “Enforcing authority” means the office of the state attorney if a violation of this part occurs in or affects the judicial circuit under the office’s jurisdiction. “Enforcing authority” means the Department of Legal Affairs if the violation occurs in or affects more than one judicial circuit or if the office of the state attorney defers to the department in writing, or fails to act upon a violation within 90 days after a written complaint has been filed with the state attorney.

(3) “Violation of this part” means any violation of this act or the rules adopted under this act and may be based upon any of the following as of July 1, 2017:

(a) Any rules promulgated pursuant to the Federal Trade Commission Act, 15 U.S.C. ss. 41 et seq.;

(b) The standards of unfairness and deception set forth and interpreted by the Federal Trade Commission or the federal courts; or

(c) Any law, statute, rule, regulation, or ordinance which proscribes unfair methods of competition, or unfair, deceptive, or unconscionable acts or practices.

(4) “Department” means the Department of Legal Affairs.

(5) “Order” means a cease and desist order issued by the enforcing authority as set forth in s. 501.208.

(6) “Interested party or person” means any person affected by a violation of this part or any person affected by an order of the enforcing authority.

(7) “Consumer” means an individual; child, by and through its parent or legal guardian; business; firm; association; joint venture; partnership; estate; trust; business trust; syndicate; fiduciary; corporation; any commercial entity, however denominated; or any other group or combination.

(8) “Trade or commerce” means the advertising, soliciting, providing, offering, or distributing, whether by sale, rental, or otherwise, of any good or service, or any property, whether tangible or intangible, or any other article, commodity, or thing of value, wherever situated. “Trade or commerce” shall include the conduct of any trade or commerce, however denominated, including any nonprofit or not-for-profit person or activity.

(9) “Thing of value” may include, without limitation, any moneys, donation, membership, credential, certificate, prize, award, benefit, license, interest, professional opportunity, or chance of winning.

History.—s. 1, ch. 73-124; s. 1, ch. 79-386; s. 1, ch. 90-190; s. 2, ch. 93-38; s. 24, ch. 97-98; s. 1, ch. 2001-39; s. 22, ch. 2001-214; s. 1, ch. 2006-196; s. 3, ch. 2013-207; s. 4, ch. 2015-92; s. 3, ch. 2017-155.

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 166 cases (36 in the last 5 years), 1976–2026 · leading case: State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co. v. Performance Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, LLC, 278 F. Supp. 3d 1307 (S.D. Fla. 2017).

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State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co. v. Performance Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, LLC, 278 F. Supp. 3d 1307 (S.D. Fla. 2017). · cites it 6× “” Fla. Stat. Ann. § 501.203 (8). “As such language clearly indicates, the definition of ‘trade or commerce’ is quite broad.”

Caribbean Cruise Line, Inc. v. Better Bus. Bureau of Palm Beach Cnty., Inc., 169 So. 3d 164 (Fla. 4th DCA 2015). · cites it 6× “” Compare § 501.203(7), Fla. Stat. (2000) (“ ‘Consumer’ means an individual; child, by and through its parent or legal guardian; firm; association; joint venture; partnership; estate; trust; business trust; syndicate; fiduciary; corporation; or any other group or combination.”

Diamond Aircraft Indus., Inc. v. Horowitch, 107 So. 3d 362 (Fla. 2013). · cites it 4× “See § 501.203(3), Fla. Stat. (2011) (defining “[vjiolation of this part” as “any violation of [FDUTPA] or the rules adopted under [FDUTPA] ” (emphasis added)).”

Delgado v. Jw Courtesy Pont. Gmc-truck, 693 So. 2d 602 (Fla. 2d DCA 1997). · cites it 9× “…legislature amended some of these provisions. Ch. 93-38, § 1, at 207 (amending § 501.202); § 2, at 207-209 (amending § 501.203); § 3, at 209 (amending § 501.204); § 11, at 212 (amending § 501.2105); § 12, at 212 (amending § 501.211); § 13, at 212 (amending § 501.212), Laws of…”

Kelly v. Palmer, Reifler, & Assocs., P.A., 681 F. Supp. 2d 1356 (S.D. Fla. 2010). · cites it 5× “” Fla. Stat. § 501.203 (8). Plaintiffs contend that their dealings with the Palmer Law Firm constituted “trade or commerce” because, through the demand letters, the firm solicited and offered them a release, a “thing of value,” in exchange for money.”

Michael T. Angelo d/b/a Orange Park Auto Mall v. Timothy Parker, individually & on behalf of those similarly situated, 275 So. 3d 752 (Fla. 1st DCA 2019). · cites it 8× “The class action complaint alleged two FDUTPA violations: one of FDUTPA generally and the other of section 501.203(3)(c), Florida Statutes (2016).”

Siever v. BWGaskets, Inc., 669 F. Supp. 2d 1286 (M.D. Fla. 2009). · cites it 5× “” 2 Fla. Stat. § 501.203 (3)(c). *1293 Whether particular conduct constitutes such an unfair or deceptive trade practice is a question of fact.”

Cornette v. I.C. Sys., Inc., 280 F. Supp. 3d 1362 (S.D. Fla. 2017). · cites it 6× “Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (“FDUTPA”), Fla. Stat. §§ 501.203 (3), 501.204(1) The FDUTPA prohibits “[ujnfair methods of competition, unconscionable acts or practices, and unfair or deceptive ácts or practices in the conduct of any trade or commerce .”

KC Leisure, Inc. v. Haber, 972 So. 2d 1069 (Fla. 5th DCA 2008). · cites it 4× “" § 501.203(3), Fla. Stat. (2005), Thus, if the claims of KC Leisure fall within these parameters, a cause of action may be stated against appellees.”

Schauer v. Gen. Motors Acceptance Corp., 819 So. 2d 809 (Fla. 4th DCA 2002). · cites it 6× “" § 501.203(3)(c), Fla. Stat. (1999). Construing the Act liberally as we must, Cummings v.”

Rollins, Inc. v. Butland, 951 So. 2d 860 (Fla. 2d DCA 2006). · cites it 2× “Disciplinary procedures, fines, and criminal sanctions are available to address the behavior of pest control operators who will not operate in accordance with the rules.”

Alhassid v. Bank of Am., N.A., 60 F. Supp. 3d 1302 (S.D. Fla. 2014). · cites it 4× “” Fla. Stat. § 501.203 (8). Nationstar argues that neither loan servicing or debt collection qualify as “trade or commerce” under FDUTPA.”

Show all 166 citing cases →

— 501.203(1) — 22 cases

Delgado v. Jw Courtesy Pont. Gmc-truck, 693 So. 2d 602 (Fla. 2d DCA 1997). “…legislature amended some of these provisions. Ch. 93-38, § 1, at 207 (amending § 501.202); § 2, at 207-209 (amending § 501.203); § 3, at 209 (amending § 501.204); § 11, at 212 (amending § 501.2105); § 12, at 212 (amending § 501.211); § 13, at 212 (amending § 501.212), Laws of…”

United Pac. Ins. Co. v. Berryhill, 620 So. 2d 1077 (Fla. 5th DCA 1993).

Beacon Prop. Mgmt. v. Pnr, Inc., 890 So. 2d 274 (Fla. 4th DCA 2004).

Bryant Heating & Air Conditioning Corp. v. Carrier Corp., 597 F. Supp. 1045 (S.D. Fla. 1984).

State, Dept. of Legal Affairs v. Jackson, 576 So. 2d 864 (Fla. 3d DCA 1991).

— 501.203(2) — 4 cases

State v. Beach Blvd Auto., Inc., 139 So. 3d 380 (Fla. 1st DCA 2014).

Rogers v. Cisco Sys., Inc., 268 F. Supp. 2d 1305 (N.D. Fla. 2003).

Kingswharf, Ltd. v. Kranz, 545 So. 2d 276 (Fla. 3d DCA 1989).

Sarah Lee Sanders v. Drivetime Car Sales Co., LLC, etc., 221 So. 3d 718 (Fla. 1st DCA 2017).

— 501.203(3) — 19 cases

KC Leisure, Inc. v. Haber, 972 So. 2d 1069 (Fla. 5th DCA 2008). “" § 501.203(3), Fla. Stat. (2005), Thus, if the claims of KC Leisure fall within these parameters, a cause of action may be stated against appellees.”

State v. Com. Com. Leasing, LLC, 946 So. 2d 1253 (Fla. 1st DCA 2007).

Diamond Aircraft Indus., Inc. v. Horowitch, 107 So. 3d 362 (Fla. 2013). “See § 501.203(3), Fla. Stat. (2011) (defining “[vjiolation of this part” as “any violation of [FDUTPA] or the rules adopted under [FDUTPA] ” (emphasis added)).”

Siever v. BWGaskets, Inc., 669 F. Supp. 2d 1286 (M.D. Fla. 2009). “” 2 Fla. Stat. § 501.203 (3)(c). *1293 Whether particular conduct constitutes such an unfair or deceptive trade practice is a question of fact.”

MacK v. Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., 673 So. 2d 100 (Fla. 1st DCA 1996).

— 501.203(3)(a) — 1 case

Millennium Commc'ns & Fulfillment, Inc. v. Off. of Atty. Gen., 761 So. 2d 1256 (Fla. 3d DCA 2000).

— 501.203(3)(b) — 1 case

Porsche Cars North Am., Inc. v. Diamond, 140 So. 3d 1090 (Fla. 3d DCA 2014).

— 501.203(3)(c) — 13 cases

Michael T. Angelo d/b/a Orange Park Auto Mall v. Timothy Parker, individually & on behalf of those similarly situated, 275 So. 3d 752 (Fla. 1st DCA 2019). “The class action complaint alleged two FDUTPA violations: one of FDUTPA generally and the other of section 501.203(3)(c), Florida Statutes (2016).”

Rollins, Inc. v. Butland, 951 So. 2d 860 (Fla. 2d DCA 2006). “Disciplinary procedures, fines, and criminal sanctions are available to address the behavior of pest control operators who will not operate in accordance with the rules.”

Cross v. Point & Pay, LLC, 274 F. Supp. 3d 1289 (M.D. Fla. 2017).

Schauer v. Gen. Motors Acceptance Corp., 819 So. 2d 809 (Fla. 4th DCA 2002). “" § 501.203(3)(c), Fla. Stat. (1999). Construing the Act liberally as we must, Cummings v.”

Edgewater by the Bay LLLP v. Gaunchez (In Re Edgewater by the Bay, LLLP), 419 B.R. 511 (Bankr. S.D. Florida 2009).

— 501.203(3)(e) — 1 case

Edgewater by the Bay LLLP v. Gaunchez (In Re Edgewater by the Bay, LLLP), 419 B.R. 511 (Bankr. S.D. Florida 2009).

— 501.203(4) — 1 case

Shevin v. Cenville Communities, Inc., 338 So. 2d 1281 (Fla. 1976).

— 501.203(5) — 3 cases

Bert Smith Oldsmobile, Inc. v. Franklin, 400 So. 2d 1235 (Fla. 2d DCA 1981).

Gardner v. Nimnicht Chevrolet Co., 532 So. 2d 26 (Fla. 1st DCA 1988).

Jones v. Orlando Second Car Ctr., Inc., 30 Fla. Supp. 2d 105 (Fla. Cir. Ct. 1988).

— 501.203(6) — 2 cases

Millennium Commc'ns & Fulfillment, Inc. v. Off. of Atty. Gen., 761 So. 2d 1256 (Fla. 3d DCA 2000).

Sarah Lee Sanders v. Drivetime Car Sales Co., LLC, etc., 221 So. 3d 718 (Fla. 1st DCA 2017).

— 501.203(7) — 11 cases

Caribbean Cruise Line, Inc. v. Better Bus. Bureau of Palm Beach Cnty., Inc., 169 So. 3d 164 (Fla. 4th DCA 2015). “” Compare § 501.203(7), Fla. Stat. (2000) (“ ‘Consumer’ means an individual; child, by and through its parent or legal guardian; firm; association; joint venture; partnership; estate; trust; business trust; syndicate; fiduciary; corporation; or any other group or combination.”

Kelly v. Palmer, Reifler, & Assocs., P.A., 681 F. Supp. 2d 1356 (S.D. Fla. 2010). “” Fla. Stat. § 501.203 (8). Plaintiffs contend that their dealings with the Palmer Law Firm constituted “trade or commerce” because, through the demand letters, the firm solicited and offered them a release, a “thing of value,” in exchange for money.”

Schauer v. Gen. Motors Acceptance Corp., 819 So. 2d 809 (Fla. 4th DCA 2002). “" § 501.203(3)(c), Fla. Stat. (1999). Construing the Act liberally as we must, Cummings v.”

Shibata v. Lim, 133 F. Supp. 2d 1311 (M.D. Fla. 2000).

— 501.203(8) — 21 cases

Williams v. Nationwide Credit, Inc., 890 F. Supp. 2d 1319 (S.D. Fla. 2012).

Schauer v. Morse Operations, Inc., 5 So. 3d 2 (Fla. 4th DCA 2009).

Schauer v. Gen. Motors Acceptance Corp., 819 So. 2d 809 (Fla. 4th DCA 2002). “" § 501.203(3)(c), Fla. Stat. (1999). Construing the Act liberally as we must, Cummings v.”

Shibata v. Lim, 133 F. Supp. 2d 1311 (M.D. Fla. 2000).

— 501.203(9) — 7 cases

Shibata v. Lim, 133 F. Supp. 2d 1311 (M.D. Fla. 2000).

Warren v. Monahan Beaches Jewelry Ctr, 548 So. 2d 870 (Fla. 1st DCA 1989).

Montero ex rel. W.P.M. v. Duval Cnty. Sch. Bd., 153 So. 3d 407 (Fla. 1st DCA 2014).

CRMSuite Corp. v. Gen. Motors Co. (M.D. Fla. 2020).

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