Florida Department of Financial Services rules in favor of Cash Bail by Credit Card Program

06/01/2008

In a May 22 decision, the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) concluded that Government Payment Service, Inc. (GovPayEXP) can lawfully continue providing credit and debit card services for the purpose of posting cash bond by defendants in the State of Florida. Additionally, DFS concluded that GovPayEXP is not required to be licensed as a bail bond agent to conduct these activities. As a result, jails and sheriff departments can now take full advantage of GovPayEXP to streamline their collection process and increased efficiency.

GovPayEXP, is a leading provider in processing remote payments for government agencies. There is no hardware to install for the agency and services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, enabling constituents to use their credit or debit card to pay a fee even after government offices are closed. The service allows agencies to collect payments for cash bail/bond, traffic citations, child support, taxes, fines, and other fees ordered by the court. All major bank cards are accepted and the service can even be used to pay utility fees, park reservations, library donations and various permit fees.

At no cost to government agencies, GovPayEXP’s remote payment service provides many benefits to government agencies and to the public served by those agencies, including:
  • Increased efficiency and control – There is less cash to be handled by employees, no additional equipment is needed, and real-time reporting is available. 
  • Improved cost efficiency – There are no fees or chargeback liabilities, holding costs are reduced with accelerated defendant release, and funds are available quicker.
  • Enhanced constituent satisfaction – With improved payment hours and options, the service is easy and convenient to use. 
  • Helps reduce jail population – Bail can be paid at any time of day, therefore reducing holding time for non-violent offenders. Additionally, booking and holding costs, such as clothing, feeding or medicating prisoners can also be reduced with quicker releases.

For more company information, visit the website at www.GovPayEXP.com or call GovPayEXP toll-free at (888) 561-7888.

CONTACT
Debby Conrad
info@govpayexp.com
317-713-6554

"...Thanks for your excellent support. The implementation and day to day use of GovPayEXP services has been superb. This court is experiencing faster payments with fewer telephone queries and a reduction in correspondence costs. Usage has been on the increase from day one. My Canadian defendants have especially found it quite useful in not having to worry about converting dollars. It is not often that an organization has access to a free, effective and efficient service such as GovPayEXP"

- Justice D.B. Bulger, Colton Town Justice Court, New York