The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners voted 3-1 to reject a proposed ordinance that would have required all businesses in the county to accept cash payments. Commissioner Steve Champion brought the measure forward for the fourth time, but the board again declined to regulate private business practices.
The latest version of the ordinance included a provision prohibiting businesses from charging a surcharge on debit card transactions, as long as the establishment also accepts cash. However, County Attorney Jon Jouben pointed out that state regulations already ban surcharges on debit card usage, since debit cards act as a direct intermediary between the business and the customer’s bank account, making them “essentially the same as cash.”
Champion argued that legal tender includes only coins, bills, silver, and gold. “Credit cards, debit cards, they are not money. So why do certain businesses not take cash and charge a fee on the card?” he said. Champion had previously cited a local coffee shop as an example of a business engaging in the practice. Commissioner John Allocco pushed back, saying that same coffee shop does not charge a fee when cash is accepted. Allocco added that he is unaware of any business in Hernando County that charges an extra fee for debit card use when cash is also an option.
Allocco reiterated his opposition to the ordinance on philosophical grounds. “I don’t know that it’s our place to regulate private business. I don’t think it’s a conservative policy if we don’t have an issue with it in our county,” he said. Allocco also noted that the ordinance would create inconsistency because wholesale clubs, professional services, and membership establishments would all be exempt from the requirement. “It creates a government bureaucracy that wouldn’t be consistent across the board,” he said. Despite the repeated rejections, Champion made clear he intends to bring the issue before the board again. “You can put that on a campaign flyer; we’ll be coming back,” he said. Residents can follow Hernando County commission activity through the Hernando County BOCC website or read more coverage from the Hernando Sun.
Originally reported by Hernando Sun
Sources: Hernando Sun
