Jacob Ogles
Pawn shops may soon be able to put away their binders of paper forms for good.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a measure (SB 678) that will allow second-hand retailers to transition to digital record-keeping.
State law previously required the use of letter-sized paper for any pawn transaction forms. But with the new law, pawn shop owners beginning in July will have the option of using paper forms or switching to digital ones.
Two Central Florida lawmakers carried the bipartisan legislation. Sen. Keith Truenow, a Tavares Republican, sponsored the bill in the Senate. Rep. Johanna López, an Orlando Democrat, ran the House companion (HB 139).
The bills maintain an existing statutory structure while explicitly authorizing digital and printed forms. The legislation aims to reduce unnecessary paperwork, improve operational efficiency and provide greater convenience for pawn shops and consumers, aligning the industry with modern financial practices.
López after filing the bill characterized it as an important step in bringing the retail space into line with other modernized financial sectors.
“This bill is important for our community because it allows pawn shops — essential businesses that provide critical financial support to people without access to traditional banking — to use digital transaction forms instead of relying only on paper,” López told Florida Politics.
“Pawn shops are often a lifeline during tough times, helping families meet urgent needs. By modernizing our systems, we can better serve our neighbors with faster, more secure, and more efficient services. This change also reduces paper waste, supports environmental sustainability, and reflects the digital practices many shops already use to share information with law enforcement. It’s a simple, smart update that strengthens the support we offer our community.”
Truenow, meanwhile, saw the bill as a move toward efficiency and eliminating bureaucracy.
“It’s time to pawn off outdated rules and unnecessary red tape. Government should encourage innovation and help businesses better serve their customers,” Truenow said when he filed the bill in February..
The proposal, which slightly evolved through amendments in committee stops, earned broad support in the Legislature. No vote was ever cast against it in House or Senate committee hearings, and the measure was ultimately passed 37-0 in the Senate and 115-0 in the House.
