House Bill 753 amends various sections of the Florida Statutes to enhance the operation and regulation of the state lottery. A significant change is the removal of the requirement for the Governor to set the Secretary of the Department of the Lottery's compensation annually. The bill introduces new definitions such as "ball machine," "courier service," and "debit card," while also increasing the lottery retailer bond amount and allowing retailers to remit funds through a specified bank account. Additionally, it permits the use of debit cards for purchasing lottery tickets and authorizes the department to act as a courier service, establishing rules for these operations.
The bill also implements stricter security measures, including the requirement for courier services to maintain secure databases of stored lottery tickets and penalties for false claims and theft. It mandates comprehensive security evaluations every two years and outlines necessary disclosures for vendors involved in major procurements. Other key amendments include the discretion for the department to require performance bonds from vendors, the establishment of vending machines for ticket sales, and penalties for unlawful courier operations. The act aims to modernize lottery procedures, enhance security, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards, with an effective date set for July 1, 2025.
Statutes affected: H 753 Filed: 20.317, 24.113, 24.119, 24.120, 24.1215, 24.124