_{EDUCATE YOURSELF}

_{Before engaging in a costly consumer transaction, or even deciding where to make your routine purchases, learn as much as you can about the consumer product or products involved. There are several ways of doing this:}

_{1. Discuss the matter with relatives, friends, or neighbors who may have expert knowledge of the product or service in which you are interested or who may be able to make suggestions based on their own experiences.}

_{2. A Consumer Information Catalog that lists over 200 selected Federal consumer publications can be obtained free by writing to:}

_{Consumer Information Center Pueblo, Colorado 81009}

_{The publications listed in this catalog provide information on a wide variety of subjects of consumer interest, such as:}

_{3. The Better Business Bureau of West Florida has a wide variety of booklets on consumer topics. You can obtain the booklets by calling (727) 535-5522.}

_{4. Much information of interest to consumers can be easily obtained at local libraries. Such periodicals as Consumer Reports contain data on specific products, and there are many other books and periodicals with valuable information and consumer tips. Library personnel will help you locate the material you need. A LITTLE RESEARCH CAN SAVE YOU A LOT OF MONEY!}

_{5. Ascertain your legal rights! Almost every type of consumer transaction is regulated by one or more consumer protection laws. Many laws are easily understood, and they are available at public libraries. The principal Florida Consumer Protection Law is the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, Part II, Chapter 501, Florida Statutes. This Act prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices in trade or commerce, and a series of administrative rules, promulgated under the authority of this Act, defines prohibited acts with specificity. The rules are to be found in Chapter 2-7 through 2-28 of the Florida Administrative Code and cover the following subjects:}

• _{General Definitions, 2-7}
• _{Procedural Rules, 2-8}
• _{Advertising & Sales, 2-9}
• _{Motor Vehicle Rental or Lease, 2-10}
• _{Rental Housing & Mobile Home Parks, 2-11}
• _{Mobile Home Sales & Service, 2-12}
• _{Sale of Real Property, 2-13}
• _{Air Conditioners, Heat Pumps, Operating Efficiencies, 2-14}
• _{Home Construction & Improvements, 2-15}
• _{Condominiums & Cooperatives, 2-16}
• _{Franchises, Distributorships, Referral Sales & Multilevel}
• _{Distribution or Pyramid Sales Marketing Schemes, 2-17}
• _{Contracts for Future Consumer Services, 2-18}
• _{Motor Vehicles, Sales, Repairs, Maintenance & Service, 2-19}
• _{Gasoline & Fuel Sales, 2-20}
• _{Department of Legal Affairs, Organization, 2-21}
• _{Lodging Certificates, 2-22}
• _{Vacation Time Sharing, 2-23}
• _{Electronic Service, Maintenance and Repair, 2-28}

_{Other consumer protection statutes of interest are:}

• _{Condominiums, Chapter 718, Florida Statutes}
• _{Fraudulent Practices, Chapter 817, Florida Statutes}
• _{Home Solicitation Sales, Chapter 501, Florida Statutes}
• _{Landlord-Tenant, Chapter 83, Florida Statutes}
• _{Motor Vehicle Repair, Part VIII, Chapter 559, Florida Statutes}
• _{Pest Control, Chapter 482, Florida Statutes}
• _{Securities, Chapter 517, Florida Statutes}