The Florida Senate approves a bill for state regulation of food delivery services

©2024 The News Service of Florida

The Florida Senate on Thursday approved a bill that would give the state control of regulation of food delivery platforms.

The Senate voted 39-0 to approve the measure (SB 676), which would “preempt” local regulations.

It has the backing of groups and businesses such as the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Associated Industries of Florida and Uber Technologies.

The bill would prevent food-delivery companies from taking orders or arranging deliveries of food from restaurants without the consent of the restaurants.

Also, delivery platforms could not unilaterally offer prices different from what are listed on restaurant menus.

Businesses that provide their own food delivery would not be affected by the measure.

A similar House bill (HB 1099) has moved through committees and is ready to go to the full House.