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Commissioners press staff to explore merchant credit‑card fee limits and CDD disclosures
Summary
Commissioners discussed consumer protections after concerns that customers are being charged avoidable credit‑card fees and debated the county’s role in regulating Community Development District (CDD) fees and disclosures. The board asked staff and legal to return with options and information.
Hernando County commissioners on Jan. 13 directed staff and county attorneys to gather facts and return with options after an extended discussion about merchant credit‑card fees and Community Development District (CDD) disclosures.
Commissioner Champion framed the issue as consumer protection, saying customers are “getting ripped off” when businesses charge card fees and asking whether the county can take action. Champion said he had spoken with local officials and planned to pursue the matter in Tallahassee if local remedies are insufficient: “Consumers should not be ripped off, and we need to do something.”
County staff and legal counsel explained limits and options. Attorney John Jovan told the board that CDDs are created by local ordinance under state statute and that "you could probably amend or change the way that the ordinance that we approve to include some sort of limitation." He recommended the board ask staff to compile facts and potential ordinance language so the board can decide on next steps.
Commissioners discussed practical tradeoffs: some members said businesses that choose card‑only operations should provide a cash option if they impose a surcharge; others warned of unintended consequences for credit access or housing affordability if developers or financing structures change. The board expressed interest in stronger disclosure for prospective homebuyers and asked staff to return with comparative examples from other counties, legal constraints, and possible draft ordinance language.
No motion to adopt new rules was made at the meeting; the board’s direction was to research options and return with information. The county administrator and legal staff will prepare background material for a future workshop or agenda item so the board can consider whether to pursue local ordinance changes, stronger disclosure requirements, or to refer the issue to state legislators.
