1. (a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:

   1. (1) CREDIT CARD. A line of credit issued by a domestic lender or credit card bank.
   2. (2) DEBIT CARD. A card issued by a bank in relation to a checking or savings account.
2. (b) The Sheriff of Escambia County, upon the establishment of and compliance with all procedures and other requirements set forth in this section, may make certain purchases through the use of a credit card or debit card issued to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.

3. (c) The sheriff shall adopt written policies and procedures governing the use of a credit card or debit card which, at a minimum, shall include all of the following:

   1. (1) A monetary limit on the amount of any individual purchase made with a credit card or debit card.
   2. (2) A monetary limit on the total monthly amount that may be purchased with a credit card or debit card, taking into consideration the monetary limit of the fund used.
   3. (3) Procedures to ensure that the sheriff, or his or her designee, has sole access to any credit card or debit card or any card numbers, access codes, or security codes.
   4. (4) Procedures to keep accurate records of all purchases made with a credit card or debit card which shall be periodically reviewed during required audits.
   5. (5) Procedures to ensure that all credit card or debit card bills are carefully reviewed by the sheriff each month to ensure that no unauthorized charges appear on the bill.
   6. (6) Procedures to ensure that all credit card or debit card bills are paid in full on a timely basis each month to avoid service charges, late fees, or interest payments.

4. (d) The sheriff, when selecting a credit card or debit card provider, shall consider all of the following factors:

   1. (1) Whether the credit card or debit card issuer requires an annual fee for using the card.
   2. (2) Whether the credit card or debit card issuer offers rewards or rebates based upon purchases made using the account.
   3. (3) The interest rate, service charges, finance charges, or late fees that may be assessed in the event a bill from the credit card or debit card issuer is paid late or the balance is not paid in full.
   4. (4) Whether penalties or fees may be assessed against the sheriff in the event he or she decides to terminate the credit card or debit card.
5. (e) In the event a credit card or debit card provides rewards or rebates based upon use of the card, any rewards or rebates earned shall be deposited in the discretionary account of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
6. (f) Nothing in this section shall authorize the sheriff to expend funds in excess of those otherwise validly appropriated under law nor to establish a debt of the Escambia County Commission.

(Act 2026-24, §1.)