  We consider phenomenological aspects of a natural class of Standard
Model-like supersymmetric F-theory vacua realized through flux breaking of
rigid $E_7$ gauge factors. Three generations of Standard Model matter are
realized in many of these vacua. We further find that many other Standard
Model-like features are naturally compatible with these constructions. For
example, dimension-4 and 5 terms associated with proton decay are ubiquitously
suppressed. Many of these features are due to the group theoretical structure
of $E_7$ and associated F-theory geometry. In particular, a set of approximate
global symmetries descends from the $E_7$ group, leading to exponential
suppression of undesired couplings.

High Energy Physics - Theory;High Energy Physics - Phenomenology;Algebraic Geometry