Escambia County; sheriff authorized to establish procedures for use of credit or debit card

Escambia sheriff gains card purchasing with safeguards

Beginning June 1, 2026, the Escambia County Sheriff can make purchases with credit or debit cards issued to the Sheriff's Office. The sheriff must first adopt and follow written rules for card use. These rules must limit each purchase and total monthly spending, taking into account the fund's spending limit. Only the sheriff or a designated person can access card numbers and access or security codes. Accurate purchase records must be kept and reviewed during required audits. Bills must be checked monthly for unauthorized charges and paid fully and on time to avoid fees and interest. When choosing a provider, the sheriff must consider annual fees, rewards, rebates, interest, service charges, finance charges, late fees, and cancellation penalties. Rewards and rebates must go into the Sheriff's Office discretionary account. Card use cannot exceed legally approved funding or create debt for the Escambia County Commission.