Non-Discrimination in Tipping/Gratuity - Laws

Food service establishments where tipping normally occurs or a tipping policy is in effect cannot require tipping or establish discriminatory tipping policies.

Businesses where tipping consists of having a "tip jar," take-out counters where tips are accepted, or businesses where customers ordinarily leave their change after payment of the bill are subject to this law. If your business meets these conditions, your business must post notice of your tipping policy and the required statement discussed below in English, Spanish and Creole.

• It is illegal in Miami-Dade County for any business to condone in any manner tipping based on the race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, marital status or familial status of the person or persons giving or receiving the tip. If you have a complaint, you may call the Consumer Protection Mediation Center hotline at 786-469-2333.
• Es ilegal en cualquier condado de Miami-Dade aprobar de cualquier manera las propinas basadas en la raza, el color, la religión, la ascendencia, el origen nacional, la edad, el sexo, la orientación sexual, el embarazo, la discapacidad, el estado civil o el estado familiar del Estado. persona o personas que dan o reciben la propina. Si tiene una queja, puede llamar a la línea directa del Centro de Mediación al Consumidor al 786-469-2333.
• Li ilegal nan Konte Miami-Dade pou nenpòt ki biznis ka apresye nan nenpòt ki fason baskil ki baze sou ras la, koulè, relijyon, zansèt, orijin nasyonal, laj, sèks, oryantasyon seksyèl, gwosès, andikap, eta sivil oswa estati familyal nan la. moun oswa moun ki bay oswa k ap resevwa tip la. Si ou gen yon plent, ou ka rele Konsomatè Sant Medyasyon an liy dirèk nan 786-469-2333.

It must state in English, Spanish and Creole whether you include an automatic tip in the bill, and if so, the amount or method of calculation. For example, if your policy is to automatically add a tip of 15 percent, the notice would state this fact and any special conditions (such as applying to parties of a certain size). If you do not add an automatic tip and leave the tip up to the customer, the notice would disclose that you do not add an automatic tip or that tipping is left to the discretion of the customer.

The notice must be posted in a conspicuous place, either on a sign or in a statement on the menu or price list. If placed on a menu, price list or price board, it must be in the same form and manner as other items on the menu or list. Notice only on the customer's check is not acceptable since the check is received after the fact. Notice about the automatic tipping policy and the required statement can be posted together, or they can be posted separately, as long as each notice is conspicuous.

Discrimination in tipping carries a $1,000 fine for each violation. Failing to post the required notices carries a fine of $500 for each violation.

Food service establishments that do not accept tips, such as fast food restaurants, have no obligations under the law.