Bill > H0959

This bill creates a new Florida law that allows businesses holding retail installment contracts for motor vehicle purchases, or their agents, to charge a fee for processing electronic payments, such as those made by credit card, debit card, or electronic funds transfer, under specific conditions. An "ACH payment" is defined as an electronic transfer directly from a buyer's bank account. The fee must be reasonably related to the actual costs incurred by the business and cannot exceed $10 or 3% of the payment amount, whichever is less. Crucially, businesses must still offer a way for buyers to pay without a fee, such as by cash, check, money order, or an ACH payment, and they cannot present electronic payment as the only or expected method. Before a buyer agrees to an electronic payment that incurs a fee, the business must clearly disclose the fee amount and the availability of alternative, fee-free payment options. This new law is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Business and Industry

Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee (House)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/959