A new legislation signed Monday by Governor Ron DeSantis will force restaurants in Florida to disclose to patrons any automated tips or service fees when they place an order, starting July 1.
The goal of the bill, which is a component of Senate Bill 606, is to increase pricing transparency and lessen misunderstanding about unstated fees during the eating experience.
The bill has a crucial clause for food service companies, even though its main goal is to remove unpaid visitors from hotels.
According to the new rule, any “public food service establishments” that charge a “operations charge”—which is any automated cost added to a bill that isn’t a tax—must make sure that customers can easily find the information on their menus, websites, or mobile applications.
The rule also applies to signage at the point of payment, like a menu board or sign beside the register, for businesses that don’t utilize printed menus or apps.
Growing worries about unanticipated costs at restaurants, especially those that are placed on top of customary tipping, have prompted the law.
During a parliamentary session earlier this year, Coral Gables Republican Representative Demi Busatta, who supported the bill and has experience in the restaurant industry, gave a personal example.
She explained how clients were left in the dark about how much they were actually being asked to pay and where that money was going when they received a statement that included a service charge, a preset gratuity, and a blank line for an additional tip.
Not all restaurants have made these fees obvious, but many currently use automated tips for big events or as part of their regular service model.
The goal of the new rule is to remove any uncertainty and guarantee that customers are fully informed before completing their dining transactions.
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The measure’s proponents contend that it encourages equity and openness in a sector where tipping traditions and fees can differ greatly.
Although the law permits restaurants to convey the fees anyway they see fit, as long as they are clear and unambiguous, opponents have expressed worries about the possible compliance costs for small enterprises.
This summer, patrons dining out in Florida should be aware of the changes and watch for notifications about posted service fees while placing their orders.
