Section 501.976(16) provides that it is an unlawful practice for a dealer to sell a vehicle at a price higher than the advertised cash price. The statute does contain qualifications — taxes, tags, registration, and title charges may be excluded from the advertised price — so whether a particular overcharge violates the provision depends on the specific facts of the transaction and what was included or excluded in the advertisement.

Dealers sometimes try to get around this rule by adding fees that were not disclosed in the advertised price. Common tactics include adding a "dealer fee" or "dealer prep fee" on top of the advertised price, charging for add-ons that were not disclosed, or presenting a final price that includes items the buyer never agreed to. Courts look at the total amount charged versus the total amount advertised or disclosed.

The advertised price rule applies to internet listings. If a dealer posts a vehicle on their website, on a third-party listing site, or in a digital advertisement at a specific price, that price is the baseline from which the statutory analysis begins. Whether a particular fee or charge is permissible depends on the statute's qualifications and the specific facts of the transaction.

If you were charged more than the advertised price, your damages may include the difference between what you paid and what you should have paid. You may also be entitled to attorney's fees under FDUTPA if you prevail. In some cases, where the overcharge was part of a broader pattern of deception, additional remedies may be available.

To build your case, preserve the advertisement — take a screenshot of the online listing, save any email or text communications with the dealer about the price, and keep your buyer's order and final contract. The contrast between the advertised price and the amount you actually paid is the core of the claim.