Title:
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Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute a Resolution amending the Seminole County Administrative Code by revising section 20.1 (Acceptance of Credit Cards, Charge Cards, Debit Cards or Electronic Funds Transfers) and providing an effective date. Countywide (Stephen Koontz, Assistant County Manager)
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Division:
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Administrative Services
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Authorized By:
Stephen Koontz, Assistant County Manager
Contact/Phone Number:
Lorie Bailey Brown/407-665-7172
Background:
The proposed revisions to Section 20.1 modernize and clarify the County’s policies regarding the acceptance of credit cards, debit cards, and electronic funds transfers. The updates focus on ensuring compliance with current Florida Statutes, increasing transparency in cost-recovery practices, and incorporating clearer terminology for public understanding. The current policy imposes a fixed rate of $2.50 for transactions up to $1,500 and a combination of the fixed rate and 2.8% on transactions exceeding $1,500. The total amount paid by the County in merchant fees for accepting the credit payments has exceeded the surcharges collected for the past five years and the difference has increased each year. In fiscal year 2025, Seminole County paid over $700k in merchant fees and collected approximately $500k in surcharges.
The proposed revision to the administrative code authorizes 2.8% surcharge beginning with the first dollar of transaction. This will increase the amount of the surcharge collected for transactions to be aligned with the merchant fees charged.
Requested Action:
Staff requests the Board approve and authorize the Chairman to execute a Resolution amending the Seminole County Administrative Code by revising section 20.1 (Acceptance of Credit Cards, Charge Cards, Debit Cards or Electronic Funds Transfers) and providing an effective date.