EBT restrictions (Florida)

Vanessa Nason filed this request with the Department of Children and Families of Florida.
Status
Completed

Communications

From: Vanessa Nason

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to Florida's Sunshine Law (Fla. Stat. secs. 119.01 to 119.15 (1995)), I hereby request the following records:

–Specific foods, products, or services that cannot be purchased using EBT cards
–Types of establishments that do not accept EBT cards (for example, jewelry stores, firearms dealers, etc.)

I also request that, if appropriate, fees be waived as we believe this request is in the public interest, as suggested but not stipulated by the recommendations of the Massachusetts Supervisor of Public Records. The requested documents will be made available to the general public free of charge as part of the public information service at MuckRock.com, processed by a representative of the news media/press and is made in the process of news gathering and not for commercial usage.

I expect the request to be filled in an accessible format, including for screen readers, which provide text-to-speech for persons unable to read print. Files that are not accessible to screen readers include, for example, .pdf image files as well as physical documents.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 10 business days, as the statute requires.

Please note that I am a citizen of Arkansas, and am using MuckRock's services to help manage and track my request.

Sincerely,

Vanessa Nason

From: Jackson, John

Ms Nason,

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to your questions. As stated in 402.82, Florida Statues, EBT cards are restricted from being used to purchase goods or services from the following locations:

4. Use or acceptance of an electronic benefits transfer card is prohibited at the following locations or for the following activities:

a. The purchase of an alcoholic beverage as defined in s. 561.01 and sold pursuant to the Beverage Law.

b. An adult entertainment establishment as defined in s. 847.001.

c. A pari-mutuel facility as defined in s. 550.002.

d. A slot machine facility as defined in s. 551.102.

e. A commercial bingo facility that operates outside the provisions of s. 849.0931.

f. A casino, gaming facility, or gambling facility, or any gaming activities authorized under part II of chapter 285.

Retailers who have not been authorized by USDA FNS to accept Food Assistance (SNAP) or retailers who have not agreed to the Quest Operating Rules are not allowed to accept EBT.

John M. Jackson
Deputy General Counsel
Department of Children and Families
(850) 488-2381

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