Florida bans credit card ‘swipe fees’ but it cant be enforced [Video]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Credit cards have become a convenient – and common – way for many to pay for goods and services.

But did you know that every time you swipe or tap your card at a business they are then charged a fee by the credit card company to process the payment? This is called an “interchange fee.”

Some businesses then opt to pass that fee onto you in the form of a surcharge.

Elaine S. in North Port, who used to own a small business, asked VERIFY how Florida merchants are allowed to do this because she found a state law prohibiting the practice of “swipe fees.”

THE QUESTION

Does Florida law ban credit card surcharges or “swipe fees?”

THE SOURCES

THE ANSWER

Yes, Florida law does ban credit card surcharges or “swipe fees,” but the law is not enforceable.

WHAT WE FOUND

Florida statutereads that a seller cannot impose …