Contrary to recent news reports that a ban on credit card surcharges ended Jan. 27, 2013, Florida law continues to prohibit the practice. A surcharge is the extra fee a merchant adds when purchasing goods or services by credit card.

The Pinellas County Office of Consumer Protection offers residents the following tips:

• Surcharge fees are prohibited in Florida

• Consumer protection laws vary by state

• Purchases made outside of Florida are not covered by the law

• A Florida merchant may offer a discount for paying by cash or check

• Always use caution when using credit cards and check your statements closely

To file a complaint (if you believe a merchant is not complying with Florida law concerning credit card surcharges), for tips about making smarter decisions in the marketplace, for assistance with a consumer issue or to check the complaint history of a business, call the Office of Consumer Protection at 727) 464-6200 or visit www.pinellascounty.org/consumer.

For more information on Pinellas County services and programs visit www.pinellascounty.org or create a shortcut to www.pinellascounty.org/mobile on any smartphone. Pinellas County government is on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Pinellas County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.