Will Businesses Stop Accepting Cash Payments?

The world has changed a lot since 2020. Movie theaters aren’t as packed as they used to be. Department stores are shutting down left and right. But something most curious is how cash payments have almost disappeared in less than 2 years. Will businesses stop accepting cash payments? A Florida Bill introduced would ban most businesses from going cashless.

There’s nothing more annoying than checking out at a store and the employee saying, “card payments only.” Just a few years ago, 'Cash' was the word that made the world go round, but recently it’s seeming to go extinct.

For starters, this bill that is going through lawmakers in Tallahassee to offer cash as a form of payment, when the customer is physically present at the time of purchase. Under the bill HB 35, businesses are prohibited from charging a fee or placing any sort of conditional on cash payments.

If this bill passes through, it would go into effect on July 1, 2024. Bill HB 35 states, “Requires certain businesses to accept cash payments for certain transactions; prohibits fees or conditions for such transactions; provides applicability & civil penalties; requires DACS to adopt rules.”

Some companies or businesses that would be exempt from this bill are attorneys, insurance agents and medical services/providers. There is a similar bill in the senate that has already passed through one committee. 

According to a survey done by Visa, 51% of small businesses have plans to become cashless within 2 years. Another 95% plan to go completely cashless someday in the future.

Another survey done last May by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, 18% of consumers had reported that they carry cash. This figure is down 31% from 2016. 

You might ask yourself, “why does it matter if businesses go cashless? Doesn’t that make it easier and more efficient to pay?” Over the past few years more and more businesses have denied my cash payments because they can’t provide sufficient change. That’s concerning considering cold hard cash was and should be taken over any form of electronic payment.

Will businesses stop accepting cash in the future? Let us know your thoughts and for more information on bill HB 35, click here.

Can you believe that 2024 is almost here? With that being said this article will give you "5 Florida laws that go into effect January 1st, 2024." It's Florida so you may think these new laws are going to be bizarre but they're honestly not that bad.

House Bill 543 went into effect on July 1st  and it has caused a lot of controversy. This bill states that a person who wishes to carry a concealed weapon or firearm can do so without obtaining and maintaining a concealed weapon or concealed firearm license.

Even though you no longer need a permit, I still recommend that everyone take the class. Taking the class has made me a responsible gun owner, I learned about gun safety and the proper protocols of when to use it. If you want to own a gun but have never used one, do yourself a favor and take the class! While there are people against this law, others think that this law going to effect is one of the best things to happen in our state.

I think I already know what you're going to say. Most of us do want recreational marijuana passed in Florida. I thought this law would be passed before the permit-less carry but I guess not. Do you think it will ever pass? I think we can expect to see it on the ballot in the 2024 elections. Feel free to email me Babs@wild941.com.

I also wish there was a law where the rent prices in Florida could be capped. It seems like rent goes up every year and our places are not being upgraded. If you're going to keep raising the rent, at least upgrade the fridge, television, washer, etc.

Below are 5 new Florida laws that will go into effect January 1st, 2024! Be safe and Happy Holidays.

House Bill 7071 will require the transfer of child protective investigation services from the seven sheriff’s offices that provide those services back to the Department of Children and Families. DCF currently has contracts with Walton, Seminole, Hillsborough, Pasco Broward, Manatee and Pinellas counites. This transfer will make the DCF the only entity performing child protective investigations in Florida. Read More

House Bill 109 allows Florida residents to reserve state park campsites and cabins one month before non Florida residents. Florida residents can reserve an RV, tent, boat, and equestrian camping up to 11 months in advance. Non Florida Residents can reserve up to 10 months in advance. Florida residents mush show proof that they live in the state.  Read More

House Bill 1627  says that only a judge may set, reduce or otherwise alter a defendant's bail. Also requires that the Florida Supreme Court adopt a uniform statewide bond schedule.  Read More

House Bill 1275 which is also known as the “Protect Our Loved Ones” Act, will allow local law enforcement agencies to develop and maintain a database, known as a “Persons with Disabilities Registry.” This bill may assist officers in their official duties by preparing them to respectfully and appropriately interact with an individual enrolled in the registry who has a relevant disability or condition. Read More 

House Bill 1277 personal identifying information relating to enrollment of people in the special persons registry & persons enrolled in special persons registry will be exempt from public records. The bill authorizes local law enforcement agencies to disclose confidential & exempt information to certain persons under certain circumstances; provides for exempt status of such information held by those individuals. Read More