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SECTION 12: ELECTRONIC BENEFITS TRANSFER (EBT) RESTRICTIONS AND ASSURANCE OF ADEQUATE ACCESS TO CASH ASSISTANCE

In accordance with section 4004(c) of Public Law 112-96 this section of the TANF State Plan describes Florida’s policies and procedures to prevent access to the TANF/TCA benefits through electronic fund transactions at casinos, liquor stores, and establishments providing adult-orientated entertainment. This section also explains how the state ensures that recipients have adequate access to their TCA and can withdraw the TCA with minimal fees or charges, including the opportunity to access the TCA with no fee or charge and how information on fees are communicated to recipients.

In July 2015, Florida Statute 402.82(4)(a) prohibit the use or acceptance of an electronic benefit transfer card for the purchase of an alcoholic beverage as defined in section 561.01 and sold pursuant to the Beverage Law.

In October 2013, Florida Statute 402.82(4) (b) through (f) prohibiting use or acceptance of an EBT card at the following locations: • An adult entertainment establishment as defined in section 847.001 • A pari-mutuel facility as defined in section 550.002 • A slot machine facility as defined in section 551.102 • A commercial bingo facility that operates outside the provisions of section 849.0931 or • A casino, gaming facility, or gambling facility, or any gaming activities authorized under part II of chapter 285

Procedures to prevent access to TCA through use of EBT cards at the above locations will require the EBT vendor to block both Point of Sale (POS) machines and Automated Teller Machines (ATM) at the prohibited locations.

The vendor will block POS transactions from businesses identified by the Merchant Category Code (MCC), developed by the “Card Association,” at package stores (beer, wine, and liquor), high risk adult entertainment, and betting, which includes lottery/casino/wagers. The state will identify which MCC codes the vendor should block. If the MCC code is present and on the vendor’s “no process” list, the transaction will be declined.

The EBT vendor will block ATM transactions by programming a block on the specific ATM terminal ID. ATM transactions are reviewed monthly through a data analysis process to identify ATM terminal IDs in prohibited locations. The EBT vendor will then enter this terminal ID into their system to block any EBT cash transactions from the ATM machine at the prohibited location.

Retail stores, other than liquor stores where use of the EBT card is prohibited, will be responsible for ensuring the EBT card is not used for the purchase of an alcoholic beverage as defined in section 561.01. The Florida Retail Association has advised all retail stores of the state law.