KEN KIRSCHENBAUM, ESQ ALARM - SECURITY INDUSTRY LEGAL EMAIL NEWSLETTER / THE ALARM EXCHANGE You can read all of our articles on our website. Having trouble getting our emails? Change your spam controls and whitelist ken@kirschenbaumesq.com ****************************** surcharging credit cards / ISC meeting /Party Invite November 7, 2025 ******************************** You're invited: K&K 2025 HOLIDAY PARTY WILL BE ON DECEMBER 4, 2025 6 PM Old Westbury, NY. RSVP only if coming with Kathleen Lampert at 516 747 6700 x 319 or KLampert@Kirschenbaumesq.com or Diana Henriquez at 516 747 6700 x 328 or email dhenriquez@kirschenbaumesq.com. Space limited so be sure to RSVP if coming asap ********************************* Private meetings at ISC EAST ********************************* We are getting closer to ISC so if you're attending an want to make the time to meet please reserve an appointment time sooner than later. To arrange a private meeting with K&K and staff at ISC East on November 19 or 20 please contact Kathleen Lampert at 516 747 6700 x 319 or KLampert@Kirschenbaumesq.com or Stacy Spector,Esq at 516 747 6700 x 304 or SSpector@Kirschenbaumesq.com. We are planning half hour appointments between 10:30 and 4:30 on November 19 and 20. If you think you need more time let us know. We look forward to seeing you at ISC; meetings will be outside the hall at the food court area. *********************** surcharging credit cards *********************** Ken, What is your opinion regarding credit card fees? Is it legal in Florida to charge the processing fee for credit card purchases? Do we call it a convenience fee like we see at restaurants? We currently charge the 4% processing fee for charges over $500.00. For all other charges, we absorb the fee (take a loss) which is thousands of dollars every year. We would update our form to read; “I agree to a 4% convenience fee for charges.” We would be interested to know how other dealers here are handling the processing fees for all credit card charges. Thank you for your work in our industry. George ************************** Response ************************** Here's the latest on this continuing saga; you can charge the processing fee that you actually pay provided you adequately disclose the surcharge. Florida has a law on its books prohibiting merchants charging fees. Federal Court has held the law unconstitutional. However you must disclose the surcharge and you must not charge more than it costs you to process the credit card. Your idea to absorb the fees from charges under $500 is your decision. How you adequately disclose the surcharge on your service charge is also discretionary, though it will have to pass muster with a judge if challenged. Maybe you should just add a few bucks to your charges and absorb the entire processing fee. I also understand there are other electronic payment options that do not charge a processing fee. So, how do the rest of your handle this issue? ********************** STANDARD FORM AGREEMENTS: To order up to date Standard Form Alarm / Security / Fire and related Agreements click here: www.alarmcontracts.com *************************** CONCIERGE LAWYER SERVICE PROGRAM FOR THE ALARM INDUSTRY - You can check out the program and sign up here: https://www.kirschenbaumesq.com/page/concierge or contact our Program Coordinator Stacy Spector, Esq at 516 747 6700 x 304. *********************** WEBINARS: https://www.kirschenbaumesq.com/page/alarm-webinars *********************** ALARM ARTICLES: You can always read our Articles on our website at www.kirschenbaumesq.com/page/alarm-articles updated daily ******************** Wondering how much your alarm company is worth? Click here: https://www.kirschenbaumesq.com/page/what-is-my-alarm-company-worth *********************** THE ALARM EXCHANGE - the alarm industries leading classified and business exchange - updated daily ************************* PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ken-kirschenbaum-presents/id1794851477 ************************* Getting on our email list / Articles archived: Many of you are forwarding these emails to friends or asking that others be added to the list. Sign up for our daily newsletter here: Sign Up. ************************** Ken Kirschenbaum,Esq Kirschenbaum & Kirschenbaum PC Attorneys at Law 200 Garden City Plaza Garden City, NY 11530 516 747 6700 x 301 ken@kirschenbaumesq.com www.KirschenbaumEsq.com
