Businesses in Florida are adopting cashless payment options, raising concerns about cash-only customers being excluded.
Photo from Google
Florida Considers Legislation Against Cashless Businesses
Delray Beach’s Arts Garage no longer accepts cash for tickets, drinks, or snacks. Individuals who prefer cash transactions or are not tech-savvy face issues with this transformation. Lower-income and older people who aren’t tech-savvy find the cashless society inconvenient.
A Florida bill banning businesses from refusing cash payments has been discussed due to the trend. Most Florida businesses could not refuse cash purchases in 2024 under legislation supported by State Senator Shevrin Jones and State Representative Joel Rudman. Not everyone has credit cards or electronic payment methods, so leaving some populations behind is a concern.
Jones stressed that everyone, regardless of income, should participate in the economy. He said eliminating cash could marginalize those without electronic payment choices. Rudman added that denying cash splits communities.
Arts Garage Embraces Cashless Transactions for Improved Efficiency
Despite worries, Arts Garage president and CEO Marjorie Waldo believes cashless payments would improve visitors’ experience. By eliminating cash transactions, the 200-person performance venue hopes to streamline operations. Waldo stressed that tap or swipe payments are faster than cash. She noted that counting currency from the bartender to the senior level takes longer than digital transactions.
Waldo explained that while the location is cashless, they will accept cash payments. As clients choose their payment option, the venue benefits from digital transactions’ efficiency.
The move to cashless companies in Florida has spurred legislative debate around demographic exclusion. While the move intends to improve efficiency and streamline operations, the discussion centers on balancing technology advances with inclusivity for cash-based transactions.
