summary
Introduced
02/25/2025
02/25/2025
In Committee
04/28/2025
04/28/2025
Crossed Over
04/09/2025
04/09/2025
Passed
04/29/2025
04/29/2025
Dead
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to fraudulent use of gift cards; creating s. 817.091, F.S.; defining terms; providing criminal penalties for persons who, with the intent to defraud, commit specified prohibited acts related to gift cards; providing criminal penalties for persons who, with the intent to defraud, use for certain purposes gift cards or gift card redemption information; providing enhanced criminal penalties; authorizing the aggregating of specified values to determine the degree of an offense; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill creates a new law in Florida to address fraudulent activities involving gift cards by establishing clear definitions and criminal penalties. The legislation defines key terms such as "cardholder" (the person to whom a gift card is sold or issued), "gift card" (a prepaid card for personal use redeemable at one or multiple merchants), and "gift card redemption information" (unique information that allows accessing or spending funds on a gift card). The bill makes it illegal for a person to fraudulently acquire, retain, or use gift cards or their redemption information without consent, including actions like altering gift card packaging, devising schemes to obtain cards through false pretenses, or using fraudulently obtained gift cards to acquire money, goods, or services. Depending on the circumstances, violations can be classified as a first-degree misdemeanor or a third-degree felony, with more severe penalties for repeat offenders or when the value of fraudulently obtained items exceeds $750. The law allows for aggregating the value of multiple fraudulent transactions to determine the offense's degree, and it is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, providing merchants and consumers with enhanced protection against gift card fraud.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (2)
Other Sponsors (1)
Criminal Justice (S)
Last Action
Ordered enrolled (on 04/29/2025)
Official Document
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bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
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