The Florida Senate
BILL ANALYSIS AND FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(This document is based on the provisions contained in the legislation as of the latest date listed below.)
Prepared By: The Professional Staff of the Committee on Regulated Industries
BILL: SB 1488
INTRODUCER: Senator Garcia
SUBJECT: Lottery Retailer Compensation
DATE: March 28, 2023 REVISED:
ANALYST STAFF DIRECTOR REFERENCE ACTION
1. Kraemer Imhof RI Favorable
2. AEG
3. FP
I. Summary:
SB 1488 establishes in Florida law the commission rate payable to retailers for lottery ticket
sales in Florida law at six percent of the purchase price of each ticket that is sold or issued as a
prize by a retailer.
For the current Fiscal Year 2022-2023 ending June 30, 2023, the lottery retailer commission rate
for ticket sales was set at 5.75 percent, pursuant to Chapter 2022-157, ss. 57-58, Laws of Florida
implementing the General Appropriations Act. Should the proposed six percent rate in the bill
not be adopted, the lottery retailer commission rate for ticket sales will revert on July 1, 2023 to a
rate determined by the Department of the Lottery (department) under its authority to regulate
“the manner and amount of retailer compensation,” with no specified commission rate stated in
Florida law and no limitation on other retailer compensation that may be paid.
Florida Administrative Code Rule 53ER22-30, Retailer Compensation, has been adopted by the
department to implement this provision and sets the commission rate at 5.75 percent.
See Section V, Fiscal Impact Statement.
The bill is effective July 1, 2023.
BILL: SB 1488 Page 2
II. Present Situation:
Department of the Lottery
Operations
Section 15 of Article X of the State Constitution authorizes state-operated lotteries. Pursuant to
this provision, the Florida Public Education Lottery Act1 establishes a state lottery system
intended primarily to generate revenue for public education of the state.2 The department is
charged with supervising and operating the lottery in accordance with the provisions of the
Florida Public Education Lottery Act and rules adopted pursuant thereto.3
Section 24.102(2), F.S., provides the intent of the Legislature that:
The net proceeds of lottery games must be used to support improvements in public education;
Lottery operations must be undertaken as an entrepreneurial business enterprise; and
The department must be accountable through audits, financial disclosure, open meetings, and
public records laws.
Lottery Revenues Attributable to Lottery Tickets
The department operates the Florida Lottery to maximize revenues “consonant with the dignity
of the state and the welfare of its citizens”4 for the benefit of public education.5
According to the Legislature’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research (EDR),6 lottery
tickets sale amounts per person have increased dramatically, with a remarkable $527.20 level in
Fiscal Year 2021-2022.7
Lottery ticket sales have been increasing year-over-year. On February 21, 2023, the Revenue
Estimating Conference reviewed lottery ticket sales and transfers occurring since the last
conference in July 2022, and found that ticket sales for this 30-week period were $630.7 million
(12.5%) over the prior estimate, with transfers from ticket sales to the Educational Enhancement
Trust Fund (EETF) of $195.3 million (18.4%) above the prior estimate.8
1
Sections 24.101 to 24.124, F.S.
2
Section 24.102, F.S.
3
Section 24.105(2), F.S.
4
See s. 24.104, F.S.
5
See s. 24.121(2), F.S.
6
EDR is a research arm of the Legislature that forecasts economic and social trends that affect policy making, revenues, and
appropriations and provides objective information to committee staffs and members of the Legislature in support of the
policy-making process. See http://www.edr.state.fl.us/Content/about/index.cfm (last visited Mar. 21, 2023).
7
See EDR publication Florida Gaming and the Lottery: Economics, Status and Impact, Feb. 7, 2023 at
http://www.edr.state.fl.us/Content/prat 19esentations/gaming/GamingandLottery_2-7-23.pdf (last visited Mar. 21, 2023).
8
Also noted was the fact that some draw games (tickets printed using the department’s gaming system for drawings at
specified times) have experienced abnormally large jackpots that significantly impacted ticket sales of those games. See
Executive Summary of the Revenue Estimating Conference (Lottery Revenues) (Feb. 21, 2023) at
http://www.edr.state.fl.us/Content/conferences/lottery/lotterysummary.pdf (last visited Mar. 21, 2023).
BILL: SB 1488 Page 3
Lottery Retailer Contracts and Compensation
The department contracts with retailers (e.g., supermarkets, convenience stores, gas stations, and
newsstands) to provide adequate and convenient availability of lottery tickets.9 According to the
Revenue Estimating Conference:
The Lottery currently contracts with over 13,400 retailers around the state
to sell draw and scratch-off tickets. Retailers receive a flat 5.75%
commission on all sales. There is no cap on the amount of sales
commission a retailer can receive – the more a retailer sells, the more the
retailer receives in commissions.10
The Revenue Estimating Conference determined that the increase in the retailer commission rate
under the bill reduces the department’s transfer to the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund from
lottery ticket sales, by $37.1 million for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.11
For Fiscal Year 2022-2023 ending June 30, 2023, the lottery retailer commission rate for ticket
sales was set at 5.75 percent for that fiscal year only, pursuant to Chapter 2022-157, ss. 57-58,
Laws of Florida implementing the General Appropriations Act,12 which eliminated the one
percent cashing bonus to retailers for redeeming winning tickets in amounts less than $600, and
limited additional retailer compensation to the Florida Lottery Retailer Bonus Commission
Program.13 Prior to Fiscal Year 2022-2023, retailers received commissions of five percent of the
ticket price, and the one percent cashing bonus. 14
The department selects retailers based on financial responsibility, integrity, reputation,
accessibility, convenience, security of the location, and estimated sales volume, with special
consideration for small businesses.15 Retailers must be at least 18 years old, and the sale of
lottery tickets must occur as part of an ongoing retail business. Contracting with a retailer with a
felony conviction or plea within the last 10 years is prohibited,16 and the authority to act as a
retailer may not be transferred.17
9
See s. 24.105(16), F.S.
10
See http://www.edr.state.fl.us/Content/conferences/revenueimpact/archives/2023/_pdf/impact0317.pdf at 252 (last visited
Mar. 21, 2023).
11
See the analysis of the bill made at the Impact Conference conducted Mar. 17, 2023, adopting the middle scenario for the
increase in retailer commissions and a 0/negative indeterminate impact for the removal of the restriction on other types of
retailer compensation, at http://www.edr.state.fl.us/Content/conferences/revenueimpact/archives/2023/_pdf/impact0317.pdf
at 252-255 (last visited Mar. 21, 2023).
12
See ch. 2022-157, s. 58, Laws of Florida and s. 24.105(9)(i), F.S.
13
The bonus commission program was funded by Specific Appropriation 2759U of the General Appropriations Act, in the
amount of $2,325,000.
14
See Office of Program Policy Analysis and Gov’t Accountability, Florida Legislature, Review of the Florida Lottery, 2022,
Report No. 23-02, (Jan. 2023), available at https://oppaga.fl.gov/Documents/Reports/23-02.pdf, at 1 (last visited
Mar. 21, 2023).
15
See s. 24.112(2), F.S., which also includes a statement of legislative intent that retailer selections be based on business
considerations and public convenience, without regard to political affiliation.
16
See s. 24.112(3)(c), F.S. There is an exception to this prohibition, when the department determines that the person has been
pardoned or has had his or her civil rights restored, he or she has engaged in lawful commerce and maintained good integrity
and citizenship within the community, or the person in question has terminated his or her relationship with the retailer.
17
See s. 24.112(4), F.S.
BILL: SB 1488 Page 4
Retailers may not extend credit or lend money to a person to purchase a lottery ticket. The use of
a credit or charge card or other instrument issued by a bank, savings association, credit union,
charge card company, or by a retailer (for installment sales of goods) is allowed, if the lottery
ticket purchase is part of a purchase transaction for other goods and services that cost $20 or
more.18
The department may establish by rule, a system to verify and pay winning lottery tickets:19
Any lottery retailer, as well as any department office, may redeem a winning ticket valued at
less than $600.20 Payments less than $50 are generally paid by a retailer in cash, depending
on store policy or local ordinance. Higher amounts may be paid by cash, check, or money
order at no cost to the winner.
Only a department office may redeem a winning ticket valued at $600 or more.21 Winning
tickets are paid at the claimant’s option in a combination of cash, check, or lottery tickets
(with a limitation of $200 payable in cash).
Prizes must be claimed within certain time limits, depending on the type of game played. Instant
lottery tickets (e.g., scratch-off tickets), must be redeemed within 60 days after the end of that
lottery game.22 Other lottery tickets (e.g., tickets for drawings) must be redeemed within 180
days after the winning drawing.
The department may adopt rules governing the types of lottery games to be conducted,23
including lottery terminals or devices that “may be operated solely by the player without the
assistance of the retailer.”24
The department promotes responsible lottery ticket play and directs persons struggling with a
gambling problem to contact the 1-888-ADMIT-IT telephone line for assistance.25
18
See s. 24.118(1), F.S.
19
See s. 24.115, F.S., and Fla. Admin. Code R. 53ER23-8.
20
Id. The winner has the option of presenting a winning ticket in person to any lottery retailer, any of the nine lottery district
offices, or to lottery headquarters in Tallahassee.
21
Id. Mega Millions® and Powerball® prizes up to $1 million may be claimed at any lottery district office. All other prizes
greater than $250,000 must be claimed at lottery headquarters.
22
See s. 24.115(1)(f), F.S.
23
See s. 24.105(9)(a), F.S.
24
Prior to 1996, there was no provision for player-activated lottery terminals or devices. Section 4 of ch. 96-341, Laws of
Fla., authorized such machines, subject to restrictions that they be: (1) designed solely for dispensing of instant lottery
tickets; (2) activated by coin or currency; (3) in the direct line of sight of on-duty retail employees; (4) capable of being
electronically deactivated for 5 minutes or more; and (5) incapable of redeeming winning tickets, though they may dispense
change. Chapter 2012-130, Laws of Fla., moved the restrictions on player-activated machines from s. 24.105(9)(a)4., F.S., to
s. 24.112(15), F.S. As amended, the law (1) authorizes lottery vending machines to dispense “online lottery tickets, instant
lottery tickets, or both,” and (2) prohibits use of mechanical reels or video depictions of slot machine or casino game themes
or titles (but does not prohibit use of casino game themes or titles on lottery tickets, signage, or advertising displays on the
vending machines).
25
See http://www.flalottery.com/playResponsibly (last visited Mar. 21, 2023).
BILL: SB 1488 Page 5
III. Effect of Proposed Changes:
SB 1488 establishes in Florida law the commission rate payable to retailers for lottery ticket
sales in Florida law at six percent of the purchase price of each ticket that is sold or issued as a
prize by a retailer.
For the current Fiscal Year 2022-2023 ending June 30, 2023, the lottery retailer commission rate
for ticket sales was set at 5.75 percent, pursuant to Chapter 2022-157, ss. 57-58, Laws of Florida
implementing the General Appropriations Act. The department implemented the increase in its
administrative rules.26 Should the proposed six percent rate in the bill not be adopted, the lottery
retailer commission rate for ticket sales will revert on July 1, 2023 to a rate determined by the
department under its authority to regulate “the manner and amount of retailer compensation,”
with no specified commission rate stated in Florida law and no limitation on other retailer
compensation that may be paid.
Prior to July 1, 2022, lottery retailers were compensated with a commission rate of five percent,
and a one percent cashing bonus amount for paying player prizes of amounts less than $600.
Should the commission rate not be increased to six percent, the department indicates it will
undertake rulemaking to restore the previous five percent retailer commission rate and the one
percent cashing bonus commission, to re-establish the blended commission rate of 5.6 percent
that existed prior to July 1, 2022.27
The bill is effective July 1, 2023.
IV. Constitutional Issues:
A. Municipality/County Mandates Restrictions:
None.
B. Public Records/Open Meetings Issues:
None.
C. Trust Funds Restrictions:
None.
D. State Tax or Fee Increases:
None.
26
See Fla. Admin. Code R. 53ER22-30, which set the commission rate at 5.75% and eliminated payment of a one percent
cashing bonus amount for paying player prizes of amounts less than $600.
27
See Department of the Lottery, 2023 Agency Legislative Bill Analysis for SB 1488 at 3 (Mar. 16, 2023) (on file with the
Senate Committee on Regulated Industries).
BILL: SB 1488 Page 6
E. Other Constitutional Issues:
None.
V. Fiscal Impact Statement:
A. Tax/Fee Issues:
None.
B. Private Sector Impact:
The bill sets the commission payable to retailers for lottery ticket sales in Florida law at a
rate of six percent of the purchase price of each ticket that is sold or issued as a prize by a
retailer. The bill increases this commission rate to six percent from the one-year increase
of 5.75 percent enacted for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 pursuant to legislation implementing
the General Appropriations Act.
Should the proposed six percent rate in the bill not be adopted, the lottery retailer
commission rate for ticket sales will revert on July 1, 2023 to a rate determined by the
DOL under its authority to regulate “the manner and amount of retailer compensation,”
with no specified commission rate stated in Florida law, possibly reducing the
commission amounts payable to retailers in future years.
C. Government Sector Impact:
The Revenue Estimating Conference considered the impact of the bill on state revenues
on March 17, 2023, finding that under the bill:
The limitation on other retailer compensation in current law is removed,
thereby allowing the Lottery discretion to implement additional forms of
retailer compensation such as the 1% cashing bonus commission which
was in effect in FY 2021-22. The department has yet to make a
determination on the additional 1% cashing bonus commission for FY
2023-24.
The retailer commission rate prior to FY 22-23 was 5%. Additionally, the
retailers earned 1% cashing bonus commission for winning ticket payouts
paid at location. The blended retailer commission rate for the base
commission and the cashing bonus commission was 5.6%. For Fiscal
Years 2023-24 and thereafter, the estimates adopted by the Revenue
Estimating Conference assume a blended retailer commission rate of
5.6%.28
28
See http://www.edr.state.fl.us/Content/conferences/revenueimpact/archives/2023/_pdf/impact0317.pdf at 252 (last visited
Mar. 21, 2023).
BILL: SB 1488