The Hernando County Commission on March 24 directed staff to draft a proposed ordinance that would penalize brick-and-mortar businesses operating on a cashless basis. The discussion, which lasted nearly an hour, covered familiar ground, with Commissioner Steve Champion pushing for the ordinance, citing instances of businesses in the county refusing to accept cash and charging fees for debit or credit card transactions.
Champion called the practice a ripoff and noted that even jurisdictions he doesn’t politically admire , Miami-Dade County and New York state , have moved to require cash acceptance. The proposed ordinance would apply to businesses with a permanent physical location in unincorporated Hernando County, exempting telephone, mail and internet-based transactions; mobile vendors such as food trucks; temporary operations such as pop-up restaurants and tent sales; government entities; and wholesale membership clubs such as Sam’s Club, Costco and BJ’s. Questions remain about whether such an ordinance would be legally enforceable.
The commission’s discussion also touched on the issue of fees associated with debit and credit card transactions. While some commissioners expressed support for the ordinance, others raised concerns about the potential impact on businesses. The issue is expected to be revisited in future meetings.
Champion said he would take a close look at the proposed ordinance. The Hernando County Commission’s consideration of the ordinance comes as some businesses in the county have begun to adopt cashless models, sparking concerns among some residents and officials.
Originally reported by Suncoast News – Brooksville
Sources: Suncoast News – Brooksville
