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House Gas Price Bill Survives First Challenge

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/NSF) – Gas stations who charge customers different prices for gas when purchased with cash or with a credit card, but which only post the lowest price on their signs, will have to change their ways in a new House bill is approved.

HB 391, which would require stations to post the credit card price for gas and diesel, survived its first committee stop despite a concerted effort by petroleum marketers and convenience store owners to stop it in its tracks.

"It's important that we let people know when they come into these stations, what they are going to pay," the bill's sponsor Rep. Jeff Clemens told members of the House Energy and Utilities Subcommittee.

Clemens added that  80 percent of consumers buy gas with credit or debit cards and them measure would give them a more accurate picture of the price at the pump.

David Mica, executive director of the Florida Petroleum Council, said the bill will increase signage costs for local business owners and franchisees who own the bulk of the stations, despite an amendment that would allow most stations to use existing signage.

The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.

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