On June 28, 2007 Governor Charlie Crist signed into law Senate Bill 1638 as Florida Statute Section 501.95, “Relating to Gift Certificates and similar Credit Items”.

 In essence the law states that any Gift Certificate or similar credit item that is sold CANNOT carry an EXPIRATION DATE.

 There are a few exceptions, but they are basically relate to freebees given to garner additional business, or those offered by financial institutions in the process of carrying out their daily business activities.

In addition the law prohibits the charging of FEES by the provider for GCs that are redeemed.  Service, dormancy, administration, account maintenance or cash-out fees are expressly prohibited.

 For a more detailed explanation of this new law, please click on the following link to review a summary of the exceptions or to read the law in its entirety.

 With the holiday season now upon us, your FSMTA Board and Lobby Team wanted to remind and inform you of this change to an important segment of the business of massage.

Senate 1638: Relating to Gift Certificates & Similar Credit Items