The bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes related to public lodging and food service establishments, primarily focusing on definitions and notification requirements. It revises the definitions of "transient" and "nontransient" public lodging establishments, specifying that a transient establishment is rented for periods of less than 30 consecutive days, while a nontransient establishment is rented for at least 30 consecutive days. Additionally, the bill updates the notification process for removing guests from these establishments, requiring written notice for certain situations, such as failure to check out or pay, and clarifying the penalties for guests who do not comply with removal requests.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new requirements for public food service establishments that charge an operations charge. It mandates that these establishments provide clear notice of the operations charge on menus and receipts, and prohibits them from charging an automatic gratuity if the operations charge is intended to compensate employees. The bill also specifies that receipts must clearly delineate gratuity, operations charges, and sales tax. Importantly, it states that there is no private cause of action for compliance with these requirements, ensuring that enforcement is managed through regulatory channels rather than individual lawsuits. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 535 Filed: 509.141
H 535 c1: 509.141, 509.214
H 535 c2: 509.141, 509.214