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Florida’s Proposed Tipping Law Could Change How You Dine at Disney and Universal
If you’ve ever dined at a table-service restaurant in Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando, you might soon notice a big change on your receipt. The Florida House is working on amending CS/HB 535, a law that governs Public Lodging and Public Food Service Establishments within the state. The initial updates to the bill were primarily focused on guest removal policies for hotels and restaurants, but a recent amendment has put automatic gratuities and service charges in the spotlight.
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What’s Changing?
The amendment clarifies how automatic gratuities (typically added for large parties) and service charges (often seen at prix fixe dining or special events) are handled. Here’s what the proposed law would require:
- Clearer Disclosures – Restaurants that include an automatic gratuity must explicitly state who is receiving it and what percentage they are getting on the menu, bill, and any receipt requiring a signature.
- Gratuities Can’t Be Forced for Poor Service – If a guest complains about the quality of service, they cannot be required to pay an automatic gratuity or service charge.
- Limited Auto-Gratuities – Restaurants may only apply an automatic gratuity for parties of six or more. Smaller groups will not be subject to automatic charges.
- Pre-Tax Calculations – If an automatic tip is added, it must be calculated before taxes are applied.
How Will This Affect Dining at Disney and Universal?
Many popular table-service restaurants at Disney and Universal already apply automatic gratuities for larger parties. Under this new law, guests would receive more transparency about how service charges are distributed, and smaller groups wouldn’t be automatically charged extra.
It’s unclear how restaurants at signature dining locations (like Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian or Mythos at Universal’s Islands of Adventure) might adjust their policies, but expect clearer explanations on your bill.
Additionally, the provision allowing guests to refuse an automatic gratuity due to poor service could lead to more discussions between diners and restaurant managers.
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When Will This Take Effect?
If passed, the new rules would take effect July 1, 2025. In the meantime, keep an eye out for updates—and always check your bill before you pay!
Would this change how you tip at Disney or Universal? Let us know in the comments!
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