The Legislature has approved a measure requiring local governments across Florida to accept electronic payments and provide residents with the ability to pay certain fees online.
Lawmakers in both chambers advanced legislation requiring counties, municipalities and other local government entities to accept credit cards, debit cards and other electronic funds transfers for financial obligations like taxes, license fees, fines, civil penalties and court-ordered payments — and offer online payment options for them to do so.
The bill also allows local governments to impose a surcharge on electronic transactions to cover processing costs.
Amendments adopted during the legislative process shaped the final version of the measure. In the Senate, a “delete everything” amendment updated provisions establishing the electronic payment requirements. Sponsored by St. Petersburg Republican Sen. Nick DiCeglie, SB 1612 advanced alongside the House companion carried by Republican Rep. James Buchanan. An amendment in the House modified provisions in HB 967 related to payment verification and surcharges.
The Senate ultimately accepted the House version of the legislation during floor consideration Friday. DiCeglie told colleagues the differences between the proposals were “very minor.”
Since the Senate accepted the House version of the measure, the bill now heads to the Governor’s Office for final approval. If signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the legislation goes into effect Jan. 1.
