Florida Gift Card Rules at a Glance
Quick-reference table. Always verify current terms with the card issuer.
| Rule | What Florida Law Says | Key Notes |
|---|
| Expiration of funds | Florida Statutes § 501.95 prohibits issuers from placing expiration dates on the value of gift certificates sold to consumers | Promotional cards and certain loyalty instruments may be exempt |
| Card expiry date | The plastic card may have an expiry date, but the underlying funds remain valid. Issuer must keep funds accessible. | Request a replacement card from the issuer |
| Dormancy/service fees | Service fees are prohibited on Florida gift certificates unless the terms are clearly disclosed before purchase | Federal CARD Act: 12-month inactivity minimum |
| Cash-out right | Florida does not mandate cash redemption of small balances. Redemption is per issuer terms. | Some national issuers offer voluntary cash-out policies |
| Federal CARD Act overlay | Funds cannot expire for at least 5 years. Inactivity fees only after 12 months of no use. | Applies to open-loop (Visa/MC/Amex) prepaid and gift cards |
| Official legal source | FL Stat. § 501.95 | Florida Legislature Online |
Expiration Protections in Florida
Florida law (§ 501.95) is consumer-friendly on fund expiration: issuers cannot set an expiration date on the value of a gift certificate sold to a consumer.
The physical card itself may have a printed expiration date — this typically refers to the magnetic stripe or chip, not the funds. The issuer must provide a way to access the remaining balance even after that date (e.g., replacement card, phone redemption).
If an issuer refuses to honor valid funds citing card expiry, you have grounds to file a complaint with the Florida AG.
Service Fees Under Florida Law
Florida prohibits dormancy or service fees on gift certificates unless:
- The fee terms are clearly and conspicuously disclosed before the consumer purchases the card
- The consumer could have made an informed choice knowing about the fees
If fees appear that were not disclosed at purchase, file a complaint with the Florida Attorney General or the CFPB.
What to Watch Out for in Florida
Tampered cards in stores
Florida is a high-tourism state. Inspect card packaging carefully before purchase. Look for signs of scratched PINs or resealed packaging.
Fees not disclosed upfront
Always photograph the card packaging before discarding it. If fees appear later, your packaging photo can document what was (or wasn't) disclosed.
Online scam sites
Only check your balance on the official issuer website. Florida consumers are frequently targeted by fake balance-check websites that steal card data.
Steps if Something Goes Wrong with Your Florida Gift Card
1
Check balance on the issuer's official site only
Use the phone number on the card or the URL from the packaging.
2
Contact the issuer directly with your receipts
Keep the original packaging, receipt, and any balance check screenshots as evidence.
About this guide
This page summarizes Florida gift card law as of March 2026. Laws can change. Always verify current rules on the official Florida Legislature site and check current issuer terms. This is educational information only — not legal advice.