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HB 195

Watercraft; require probable cause for summonses and boarding vessels

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mitchell Horner and 5 co-sponsors

HB 195 establishes a Task Force on Payment Scams in Florida to enhance consumer protection, improve education, and coordinate efforts against payment fraud.

House Second Readers
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Bill Summary · HB 195

Summary of HB 195: Payment Scam Task Force

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HB 195
Title: Payment Scam Task Force
Introduced: October 16, 2025
Current Status: Now in Insurance & Banking Subcommittee
Classification: Bill
Subject: Executive branch, veterans

The purpose of HB 195 is to establish a Task Force on Payment Scams within the Florida Department of Financial Services. This task force aims to combat the growing issue of payment scams affecting consumers across various sectors.

Key Provisions

  • Creation of the Task Force:
    The bill creates a new section in Florida Statutes (s. 17.675) to establish the Task Force on Payment Scams, which will operate under the Department of Financial Services.

  • Administrative Support:
    The Department of Financial Services is required to provide administrative and staff support for the task force's functions.

  • Task Force Membership:
    The task force will be chaired by the Chief Financial Officer and will include representatives from various sectors, such as:

    • The Commissioner of Agriculture
    • The Attorney General
    • The Division of Treasury
    • The Department of Commerce
    • Law enforcement agencies
    • Financial institutions, credit unions, and consumer groups
  • Compensation and Expenses:
    Members will serve without compensation but will be entitled to per diem and travel expenses.

  • Meetings:
    The task force is required to meet at least three times in the first year after its establishment, with the option to use remote technology for meetings.

  • Duties of the Task Force:
    The task force will evaluate best practices for combating payment scams, assess prevention strategies from other jurisdictions, and develop consumer education programs. It will also coordinate with law enforcement to pursue scam perpetrators and identify potential legislative solutions.

  • Reporting Requirements:
    Within one year of its establishment, the task force must submit a report to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House detailing its findings, strategies, and any legislative recommendations.

Impact

The establishment of the Task Force on Payment Scams is expected to:
- Enhance the identification and prevention of payment scams affecting consumers.
- Provide a collaborative platform for stakeholders across various industries to share insights and strategies.
- Improve consumer education regarding payment scams, thereby reducing victimization.

Timeline

  • Establishment Deadline: The Chief Financial Officer must establish the task force by October 1, 2026.
  • Initial Report Due: The task force must submit its first report within one year of its establishment.

Conclusion

HB 195 aims to create a structured approach to combat payment scams in Florida, bringing together various stakeholders to address this critical issue. By fostering collaboration and developing effective strategies, the task force seeks to protect consumers and enhance the overall security of payment systems.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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