Florida restaurants are now required to disclose mandatory service charges and other required fees before customers place an order under a new state law that took effect July 1.
Senate Bill 606 expands existing disclosure requirements by requiring restaurants to clearly inform customers about any mandatory “operations charges,” including service charges, automatic gratuities, credit card surcharges, delivery fees, and similar required costs before an order is placed. The law does not prohibit restaurants from adding these charges but requires that they be disclosed in advance.
Restaurants must display the amount or percentage of each mandatory charge, along with its purpose, on printed and digital menus, ordering websites and mobile apps, written contracts, and customer bills. Businesses that do not use menus must post the information prominently on menu boards or signs near the point of sale. Receipts must also separately list gratuities, operations charges, and sales tax.
The legislation was amended during the 2025 legislative session after lawmakers considered a proposal to significantly restrict or eliminate mandatory restaurant service charges. Restaurant industry representatives argued that those fees help offset rising operating costs and employee compensation without substantially increasing menu prices.
Supporters of the final law said the measure is intended to improve transparency by allowing customers to know the full cost of a meal before deciding whether to dine at a restaurant. Bill sponsor Sen. Tom Leek said diners deserve to understand exactly what they are paying for before placing an order.
Some restaurant owners, including Orlando restaurateur Enrique Vuolo of Latin Square Cuisine, said they prefer to let customers decide whether to leave a voluntary tip rather than add mandatory fees. Customers interviewed for the story said they generally do not object to service charges as long as they are clearly disclosed before they order.
The new law does not eliminate mandatory service charges. Instead, it requires restaurants to provide clear, upfront disclosure so customers can make informed purchasing decisions before ordering.
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