Section 413.0114, F.S., Consumer Disclosure for Blind-Related Services (Florida House Bill 1279)
New Requirements for Fee-Based Service Providers Serving Blind Individuals
Effective July 1, 2026, Florida law requires that before an individual, business, nonprofit or other entity charges money or enters into a contract for fee-based services with a person that is blind or visually impaired, the business must provide a written notice informing the individual whether similar services may be available at no cost through the Division of Blind Services (DBS) or another public agency.
WHO DOES THIS APPLY TO?
This requirement applies to an individual, business, nonprofit or any other entity offering fee-based services to an individual who is blind or visually impaired.
WHAT MUST PROVIDERS DO?
Before a provider accepts payment or enters a contract for fee-based services with a blind or visually impaired individual, they must:
- Provide a written disclosure notifying the individual that similar services may also be available for free through the Florida Division of Blind Services (DBS) or another public agency.
- Provide the disclosure upon request in plain language and an accessible format (large print, braille, audio, etc.).
- Include information about how to contact the Division of Blind Services.
- Obtain a signed or electronic acknowledgment from the individual (or their representative) confirming that the disclosure was received before accepting payment or entering a contract for fee-based services.
WHAT HAPPENS IF A PROVIDER DOES NOT COMPLY?
If a blind or visually impaired individual believes they did not receive the now required disclosure, they may be entitled to protections under Florida Statute 501.2077, which may include enforcement actions such as, civil penalties up to $15,000 per violation and/or restitution or reimbursement to the blind or visually impaired individual.
Know Your Rights
If you are blind or visually impaired and seeking access to services to build skills for daily living, education and employment, the Division of Blind Services (DBS) wants you to know your rights under Florida law.
Effective July 1, 2026, Florida law says that before a business charges you money or asks you to sign a contract, the business must tell you in writing whether similar services may be available at no cost through the Division of Blind Services (DBS) or another public agency.
This law helps you make informed decisions about services.
What Must Businesses Do?
Before you pay or sign anything, the business must:
- Give you a written disclosure notifying you that similar services may also be available to you for free through the Florida Division of Blind Services or another public agency.
- At your request, provide the disclosure in plain language and an accessible format (large print, braille, audio, etc.) of your choice.
- Include information about how to contact Division of Blind Services.
- Ask you (or your representative) to sign or electronically acknowledge that the required information was provided before accepting payment for their services or asking you to sign a contract for the provision of services.
What If I Did NOT Receive the Disclosure?
If you believe a business did not follow this law, you can do any of the following:
Ask the Business
You may ask the business to give you the required disclosure in writing and in plain language and an accessible format (large print, braille, audio, etc.) of your choice.
Contact the Division of Blind Services
DBS can help you:
- Learn if similar services are available at no cost to you.
- Understand your rights.
- Report concerns about a business.
DBS contact information:
Phone: 850-245-0300
Toll Free: 800-342-1828
Email: knowyourrights@dbs.fldoe.org
Website: https://dbs.fldoe.org
File a Consumer Complaint
Not providing the required disclosure may be an unfair or deceptive trade practice under Florida law. You may file a complaint with:
Office of the Attorney General, Dept. of Legal Affairs
State of Florida
Attn: ADA Complaint Coordinator
PL-01 Capitol
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1050
Telephone: 850-414-3990
Facsimile: 850-410-1630
Email: citizenservices@myfloridalegal.com
Website: https://www.myfloridalegal.com/how-to-contact-us/file-a-complaint
Disclosure of No-Cost Public Service
The disclosure form below is being presented as an example form. We are providing the disclosure form as a sample tool for businesses providing fee-based services.
413.0114 Consumer Disclosure Form for Blind-Related Services
