TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Internet cafes across the state could soon be forced to close their doors.
The Florida House on Friday overwhelming approved a ban on the gambling establishments.
The House voted 108-7 in favor of the measure. It now goes over to the Florida Senate, which is considering a similar measure.
Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, predicts the bill will be sent to Gov. Rick Scott before the session ends.
Those backing the ban called internet cafes a "cancer" that has spread throughout neighborhoods across the state.
The push for the ban comes in the wake of arrests and the resignation of Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll.
Carroll has not been accused of any wrongdoing but she did work for a company involved in the business while she was a legislator.
MARCH 21, 2013 1:58 P.M.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.(AP) - The Florida House is giving preliminary approval to a bill that would ban gambling establishments commonly known as Internet cafes.
State legislators briefly debated the measure (HB 155) on Thursday. They are poised to approve the bill on Friday and send it over to the Florida Senate.
Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville predicts the bill will be sent to Gov. Rick Scott before the session ends in early May. Scott has not said if he would sign it but has said "everything's on the table."
The Legislature is going after the storefront gambling dens in the wake of an investigation into the Allied Veterans of the World charity. It was accused of running a $290 million illegal gambling business that directed most of the proceeds into its owners' pockets.
