Florida Legislature Approves Bill Making it Illegal to Sell DMV Appointments
The state legislature has passed a bill that makes it illegal to sell service appointments with the DMV or tax collector offices, the office of the Miami-Dade Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez announced.
Background
Fernandez’s office issued a statement on Thursday that commended the state for its "unanimous passage of HB 0961." Miami-Dade has led the way in trying to stop people from overbooking DMV appointments in order to sell them, after scalping led to overnight lines and hours of waiting for residents trying to renew licenses and more.
Efforts to Stop Scalpers
"We took on the scalpers, exposed how they were profiting off the public, and now—thanks to this new law—the state has our back. I’m proud of the work we did alongside former Commissioner Kevin Cabrera, and grateful to the Legislature for sending a clear message: our public systems are not for sale," Fernandez wrote in the statement. "Every resident deserves a fair shot at services—no middlemen, no markups.”
Details of the New Law
The new law makes it a first-degree misdemeanor for any person to sell or offer to sell a service appointment with a DHSMV office or a tax collector’s office, unless specifically authorized in writing. Next, it moves to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk to be signed.
Conclusion
The passage of this bill is a significant step towards preventing the exploitation of residents by scalpers and ensuring that public services are accessible to all. By making it illegal to sell DMV appointments, the state is taking a strong stance against those who seek to profit from the public’s need for essential services.
FAQs
- Q: What does the new law make illegal?
A: The new law makes it a first-degree misdemeanor to sell or offer to sell a service appointment with a DHSMV office or a tax collector’s office, unless specifically authorized in writing. - Q: Why was this law passed?
A: The law was passed to prevent scalpers from profiting off the public by selling DMV appointments, which led to long lines and wait times for residents. - Q: What’s next for the bill?
A: The bill will be sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk to be signed. - Q: What are the consequences for violating the new law?
A: Violating the new law is a first-degree misdemeanor.
