The bill amends section 215.322 of the Florida Statutes to enhance the acceptance of electronic payments by local governments. It establishes a legislative intent to not only encourage but also require local government units to accept electronic payments online for various financial obligations owed to them. This includes payments made via credit cards, charge cards, bank debit cards, and electronic funds transfers. The bill specifies that local governments, including municipalities and special districts, must implement these electronic payment methods to improve convenience for the public.
Additionally, the bill allows local governments to impose a surcharge on individuals using electronic payment methods to cover service fees charged by financial institutions or credit card companies. It mandates that local governments verify the validity of the payment methods used and ensures that they do not incur liability from this verification process. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2026.