Florida plans to change how restaurants display additional charges on dining bills. This initiative introduces one of the most rigorous transparency laws in the U.S., as policymakers address growing frustration over hidden fees. Governor Ron DeSantis has signed the new law, set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

What the Law Requires

The new legislation mandates that restaurants and other food-service businesses clearly disclose any mandatory fees added to the standard menu prices. These can include service fees, automatic gratuities, credit card surcharges, or delivery fees. The law stipulates the following:

• All extra charges must be displayed before a customer orders, including on menus, websites, and apps.
• The exact percentage or dollar amount of each fee should be stated.
• The purpose of the fee should be explained in clear, readable text.
• Bills and receipts must clearly identify and itemize these charges separately.

While the rule does not ban restaurant surcharges, it requires businesses to show them upfront so customers know the full cost of a meal before committing.

Why the Crackdown Was Introduced

The push for this change reflects rising complaints from diners who often encounter unexpected charges at the end of a meal. As one individual expressed on Facebook, diners are tired of surprise fees at the end of a meal. They demand transparency, advocating for clear communication of charges on menus.

Customers frequently report encountering multiple overlapping fees such as a service charge and a preset gratuity, while still being asked to leave an additional tip. Lawmakers believe the lack of transparency has eroded trust and made it difficult for consumers to compare prices accurately. The new rules aim to eliminate what critics call “bait-and-switch” pricing, where menu prices appear lower than the final bill.

What It Means for Consumers

For diners, these changes aim to bring clarity to restaurant pricing. From July 1, consumers should be able to:

• See the true total cost upfront, rather than just at the end of a meal.
• Understand what each fee is for and where the money goes.
• Make more informed decisions about where to eat.

Supporters believe the law will reduce confusion and prevent unexpected costs while giving consumers more control over their spending.

Could Other States Follow?

Florida’s regulation is part of a growing patchwork of state-level pricing transparency laws. Many of these already impact restaurants, though few are as targeted as Florida’s rule. At the federal level, the Federal Trade Commission’s Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees took effect in May 2025, but it does not cover restaurants. This leaves states to lead the charge, prompting legislation to enforce clearer pricing.

States with Similar or Overlapping Rules to Florida

Several states have laws mirroring or extending beyond Florida’s approach:

• California: It has an aggressive framework for transparent pricing across industries. Its “honest pricing” law (SB 478) requires the inclusion of all mandatory fees in advertised prices, effective July 1, 2024. A follow-up law (SB 1524) also requires clear disclosure of service charges.
• Massachusetts: Since September 2025, a regulation mandates businesses disclose the total price and explain fees clearly at the initial price point.
• Colorado and Connecticut: Both states have introduced laws requiring clear disclosure of mandatory charges before purchase.
• Minnesota and Oregon: These states have broader consumer protection laws targeting hidden fees and misleading pricing, requiring upfront disclosure of total costs in advertising.

Together, these laws show a trend toward requiring businesses to display fees upfront or include them in headline prices.

New York’s Unique Approach

New York focuses more on worker protections and disclosure rules. State law presumes service charges are tips, with the entire amount going to workers unless clearly explained otherwise. New York City rules mandate conspicuous disclosure of any surcharge before ordering, similar to avoiding misleading customers.

The Key Takeaway

Florida’s law stands out due to its specific, prescriptive nature for restaurants, detailing how and where fees must be displayed. It may serve as a test case. If it reduces consumer complaints without harming restaurant operations, lawmakers elsewhere might consider similar rules tailored to dining, rather than relying on broader consumer protection laws. For now, the movement toward “all-in pricing” or upfront disclosure continues, and Florida’s law aligns with this broader initiative to eliminate surprise charges at checkout.