JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- In just a few hours, a State Senate committee will vote on a bill to outlaw Internet cafes.
The recent $300 million Allied Veteran sandal has prompted Tallahassee to take quick action. Friday, when the Florida House Committee on Gaming voted 15-1 on a separate bill to ban Internet cafes. The State Senate will vote on a separate bill today.
Internet cafes operate in a legal gray area, under laws that permit sweepstakes and drawings for charity.
Representative Charles McBurney supports a move to further define existing laws. "This makes it clear to all jurisdictions that internet cafes are what they already are - a banned activity in the state of Florida," says McBurney, a District 16 Republican representing Jacksonville.
In 2010, Jacksonville was the first Florida city to somewhat regulate them, but they're not regulated in many other places.
We have a crew on the way to Tallahassee this morning and we'll bring you the latest on this vote later on today.
