The bill amends Florida's lottery laws to enhance operational efficiency and security. It eliminates the annual requirement for the Governor to set the Secretary of the Department of the Lottery's compensation and revises the definition of "major procurement." New definitions are introduced for terms such as "ball machine," "courier service," and "debit card." The bill establishes operational rules for courier services, including the necessity for written agreements with retailers and conditions under which courier services can redeem winning tickets. Additionally, it increases the bond amount for lottery retailers and permits the use of debit cards for purchasing lottery tickets, while mandating that courier services maintain a secure database of stored lottery tickets.

Further changes include the requirement for vendors to disclose felony convictions, bankruptcies, or pending litigations, with contracts becoming unenforceable if disclosures are not made. The bill also allows the leasing of vending machines for both online and instant lottery tickets and permits the department to act as a courier service. It establishes penalties for unlawful courier service operations and introduces new requirements for lottery retailers, including accessibility for disabled persons. The act clarifies the responsibilities of purchasers regarding online game ticket accuracy and limits liability for errors. It also addresses corporate naming regulations related to the word "lottery" and authorizes sales incentive programs for department employees, with an effective date of July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 896 Filed: 20.317, 24.113, 24.119, 24.120, 24.1215, 24.124