Florida gift cards deserve a date and fee check
A gift card bought or credit memo issued in Florida generally cannot expire or carry a post-sale fee, but special card types follow different rules.
A gift card bought in Florida usually cannot expire or lose money to later fees. The same rule covers a store credit given for returned goods.
This Florida rule fits many cards from one store. Other cards can follow different rules. The main group covers cards from a bank or money business that work at unrelated stores. Special terms can also cover charity cards, work rewards, free offers, short events, and prepaid calls.
Federal law also covers many gift cards. It generally protects the funds for at least five years and limits idle-account fees. Read both the card and its package before putting them away.
The issuer name and the places that accept the card are key. Keep the receipt, card number, and a photo of the terms apart from the card. If an old card shows a date or fee, check its balance with the issuer. Then confirm the type of card before deciding that the printed term is valid.
Sources
- Florida Statutes - Gift certificates and credit memos
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau - Gift card rules
Last checked against these sources: July 27, 2026.
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