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Sumter County affirms revocation of multiple Internet-cafe operating permits after sheriffs inspections
Summary
The Sumter County Board of County Commissioners on Sept. 9 affirmed staff revocations of operating permits for multiple Internet-cafe businesses after Sumter County Sheriff's Office inspections, and authorized the county attorney to seek injunctions and open code enforcement cases if businesses remain open.
The Sumter County Board of County Commissioners on Sept. 9 affirmed staff determinations to revoke several Internet-cafe operating permits in the unincorporated county after inspections by the Sumter County Sheriff's Office and training provided by the Florida Gaming Commission.
County Administrator Bradley Arnold told the board the revocations follow a July 26, 2025, sheriffs inspection that found machines the Florida Gaming Commission described as slot machines and that those findings form the basis for revocation under the Sumter County Land Development Code. Arnold said revocation letters were emailed Aug. 21 and sent by certified mail Aug. 22, placards were posted on-site Aug. 22, and staff set appeal hearings for Sept. 9 so permit holders could be heard.
Attorney Kelly Mathis, representing several permit holders, disputed the county's characterization of the machines and urged the board to delay action so his clients could pursue review. Mathis argued the devices in question are electronic "sweepstakes" systems and said: "What we have here is a drastic, drastic…
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