As our industry evolves and adapts to the new norm, we have to watch out for key changes that if not forecasted can create devastating outcomes. From fluctuating insurance policies to proposed legislation, the dynamics shaping our field are evolving quickly. Many shop owners in my state believe, “It can’t get much worse than this.” But that mindset is a dangerous trap. If we sit back and complain, major decisions are being made behind closed doors that could severely negatively impact our businesses and our customers.
The good news? We’re not powerless. By staying informed and proactive, we can adapt and even influence changes to protect and grow our businesses.
Why Staying Updated on Legislative and Market Changes Matters
Did you know that a proposed bill, Florida SB 92, could introduce significant administrative and legal challenges for collision shops? Brought forth with the honorable intent to address hit-and-run incidents, the bill would require repair shops to obtain and file crash reports for jobs exceeding $2,500. Here’s the catch: a routine bumper repair often surpasses that amount. This legislation places unnecessary liability on shop owners, turning repair facilities into quasi-investigators. It introduces delays, additional costs, and potential customer privacy violations. Even worse, it establishes a dangerous precedent that could expand to other states.
If passed, this bill could drastically increase your administrative duties and erode customer trust. For instance, shops may face several weeks of long delays waiting for crash reports, disrupting workflows, and increasing storage costs. Databases created for repair estimates could expose customer data to third parties like insurance companies, violating privacy rights. Many small shops without robust administrative teams could struggle to meet new requirements, risking fines or even license revocation.
Right now, however, there’s still time to act.
What Can You Do? Actionable Steps for Shop Owners
To truly future-proof our businesses, we need to proactively monitor and respond to industry changes. Here’s how you can stay ahead of the curve and protect our operations:
1. Network with Peers
Collaborate with fellow shop owners, industry associations, and repair coalitions. By sharing experiences and strategies, you'll build stronger defenses against legislative and market challenges. Organizations like the Florida Auto Body Association (FABA) offer valuable resources and platforms for unified advocacy.
2. Stay Updated on Policies
Sign up for newsletters, attend industry workshops, and follow key legislative developments. Bills like SB 92 often have a direct impact on your shop's operations, and knowing about them early allows time to prepare.
3. Engage in Advocacy
Don’t wait until laws are passed to voice your opinion. Connect with your local representatives and educate them on the unintended consequences of proposed legislation. A quick conversation with a legislative aide or a written submission can make all the difference.
4. Scenario Planning for Change
Evaluate your current business systems and ask, “How would this new rule affect my shop?” Create contingency plans for potential changes to reduce operational disruptions.
5. Invest in Operational Flexibility
Streamline your processes so you can adapt to new requirements with minimal friction. Whether it’s investing in software platforms or training staff, agile businesses will always have the upper hand.
The Risks
The unfortunate reality is that regulatory changes rarely prioritize the needs of small businesses like ours. If we don’t take the initiative to shape the outcomes of these decisions, we’ll be the ones left dealing with the fallout. It’s far easier to educate decision-makers before a bill passes than to reverse its effects later.
For example, if every shop owner called Florida Senator Gruters’ office today to oppose the inclusion of repair facilities in SB 92, we could create a wave of opposition strong enough for legislators to reconsider. While it might seem like a small act, collective efforts build momentum.
This isn’t the first challenge our industry has faced, and it won’t be the last. However, the difference between thriving and struggling lies in our willingness to evolve with the times. By coming together to engage with decision-makers, staying informed about industry trends, and building adaptable operations, we can transform challenges into opportunities.
There’s no sitting this one out. The future of our industry is shaped by the actions we take today.
Need help navigating these changes? Connect with your local industry associations or join FABA’s advocacy efforts. Together, we can ensure our businesses remain resilient for years to come.
Editor’s note: Drew is president of the Florida Auto Body Association. For more information, go to floridaautobodyassociation.com. Reach Senator Gruters by calling his legislative aide, Spencer White, at (850) 487-5022.
