Service fees – Inside of a restaurant filled with guests — Courtesy: Shutterstock — Sharkshock
If approved, a bill in the Florida House would alter how customers and businesses interact with gratuities and service charges.
“Public Lodging and Public Food Service Establishments,” HB 535, explains the conditions under which patrons may be ejected from restaurants for nonpayment.
Additionally, automatic tipping and service fees are covered under a recently introduced amendment.
If diners were dissatisfied with the level of service they received, they would no longer be obligated to pay a gratuity or tip charge.
“A guest may not be required to pay an automatic gratuity or service charge if the guest complains … about the quality of service provided,” the language of the amendment states.
Only groups with six or more guests may be eligible for automatic gratuities or service fees.
Additionally, the law would mandate that eateries break down the percentages and reveal who is receiving the service fee or gratuity.
The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association is against the amendment, a representative for the group told Fox News Digital.
“We understand that customers may be experiencing ‘tip fatigue’ because they are feeling compelled to tip even when, historically, no tip would be warranted,” a spokeswoman stated.
“However, many restaurants in Florida and across the U.S. use service charges as a key tool for insuring service and success.”
According to a recent WalletHub survey, nine out of ten Americans think that the tipping culture in the US has “gotten out of control.”
About half of Americans stated that they frequently tip due to social pressure rather than for good service, and 83% of Americans think automatic service charges should be prohibited.
One member said in the Reddit site “r/TikTokCringe” that “Tipping culture is definitely insane in the U.S.”
Nearly 9,000 people responded to the ad, offering their opinions on “tipping culture.”
“I’m sorry, but I can’t do coffee, pick-up food orders, quick food, or farmers markets anymore. One person said, “It’s gotten so out of hand.”
“I tip if I’m sitting down and I need a server to order,” said another Redditor. 0% for anything else.
Another individual stated, “Tipping is so insane that now I always ask if tips will go to the person serving me or not.”
A user commented, “I stopped tipping a long time ago, pretty much as soon as I decided food was overpriced.”
The proposed law would go into effect on July 1st if it is approved.
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Melissa’s career in writing started more than 20 years ago. Today, she lives in South Florida with her husband and two boys.
