Four Years After Florida Government Shutdown, Internet Cafes Make a Comeback (2024)

(TNS) — Four years after they were shut down by the government and a scandal led to the arrest of dozens of people and the resignation of a lieutenant governor, Internet cafes are cropping up again across Florida — including one in Volusia County.

The Hot Spot has been open since February at 1230 Hand Ave. and business is so good there is already talk of expansion. Each day for more than 14 hours, nearly every parking spot in front of the business is filled and most of the 80-plus seats inside are occupied. A security guard is routinely seen outside the door.

The owner of the plaza, the Greater Daytona Business Center, is Joe Daprile. He said the Internet cafe is "totally legal" and the person who runs the business, Jim Dougherty, is "a decent guy." When the opportunity came for him to sign Dougherty to a lease, he agreed without hesitation, he said.


Customers who regularly visited Internet cafes years earlier now get to relive those times — and so far there have been a lot of them. The Internet concern is one of two controversial businesses, the other a bottle club, that have re-emerged in the past year after legal action led to their closures.

"You see old friends here and you come to socialize," said Sue Parent, a regular Hot Spot customer. "We don't hurt anybody. We're enjoying ourselves."

Dougherty did not respond to messages left seeking comment.

Internet cafes, also known as sweepstakes rooms, were shut down in April 2013 across the state after Gov. Rick Scott signed a ban that had been approved by the Florida Legislature. The businesses contained machines that resembled casino-style slot machines. In recent months, Internet cafes have been making a comeback and so far local and state law enforcement officials have shown no interest in shutting them down.

"The Office of Statewide Prosecution's current priorities are fighting synthetic drugs, illegal opioids, human trafficking and gang violence," said Nick Cox, a statewide prosecutor with the Florida Attorney General's Office. "I feel that we should focus our resources on these priorities for the best interest in the state of Florida."

Cox made that statement March 14 after his office declined to retry Kelly Mathis, a Jacksonville-based attorney convicted in 2013 on racketeering and other charges related to the operation of Allied Veterans of the World, a chain of now-defunct Internet cafes that generated $300 million in revenue. Mathis won his case on appeal in October 2016 and the state dropped the case.

Mathis may have been the only one tried in the Allied Veterans scandal, but he wasn't the only casualty. Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll resigned in March 2013, the same day she was interviewed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement during the agency's criminal investigation. Carroll was a paid consultant for Allied Veterans. She was never charged.

During the past year, new Internet cafes have opened in Volusia, Putnam, Marion and Hernando counties. Questions still remain about their legality.

Cox stated in March that gaming laws have changed since his office started its case against Mathis. Daprile said Internet cafes are legal as long as they are located in unincorporated areas. His plaza is just outside the Ormond Beach boundary.

"Do you think the county issues licenses for Internet cafes if they're illegal?" Daprile said. "Why would they take my money?"

Records show the county hasn't collected any money from the owner of The Hot Spot.

All business in Volusia County are required to pay a business tax. Not doing so could lead to a fine of up to $250. The Hot Spot has not paid its business tax, according to the Volusia County Revenue Division website. A letter was sent to the business a week ago and so far there has been no response, county officials said.

Gary Davidson, a spokesman with the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, said his agency is looking into The Hot Spot, but didn't elaborate.

The Hot Spot is not the only business revving in that location. Coco's Night Club opened last November. It is owned by George Lopez, whose three prior bottle club businesses were shut down in 2015 after he drew the ire of local law enforcement. Bottle clubs are business that don't sell liquor, but allow customers to bring their own alcoholic beverages.

Coco's is at 1240 Hand Ave., a retail space behind The Hot Spot. Since Nov. 21, 2016, the Sheriff's Office has either conducted extra patrols or responded to calls at that address a total of 102 times, according to data obtained by The News-Journal. The most frequent call has been for noise complaints. Those complaints have been made a total of 12 times, records show.

Lopez, 61, has a criminal history. He was most recently arrested in 2015 on firearm charges. A trial date in that case is scheduled for July 5.

Daprile said he was happy to bring Lopez into the fold.

"There has not been one incident at the bottle club and there never will be because I run a good shop there," said Daprile, who added that everyone is out of the club by 2 a.m. and no ordinances are violated.

A few of the noise complaints were called in after 2 a.m., according to records. Additionally, deputies have responded to Coco's on calls about suspicious incidents, medical calls and thefts. On three occasions — twice on April 7 and once on May 6 — deputies responded to assault and battery calls, records show.

A News-Journal reporter tried interviewing Lopez outside his business last month, but he was hostile and kept it short. He accused the newspaper of "throwing me under the bus" after it reported on a fatal shooting in October 2015 that occurred on the Oakridge span of the Seabreeze bridge in Daytona Beach. The shooting occurred moments after a fight at one of Lopez's old, now-defunct bottle clubs. The shooting victim, Deandre Smith, was involved in the fight, deputies said. No one has been charged in the bridge incident.

During the interview last month, Lopez wanted a $40 cover charge for entry to Coco's. Lopez said a "famous woman" was appearing at his club that night, but declined to disclose her name.

"You're asking too many questions," said Lopez, who then ended the interview.

A number of calls also have been made to dispatch for The Hot Spot. Deputies responded to an assault and battery call on March 27 and a gambling complaint on April 5, according to the Sheriff's Office. Calls for extra patrols also were called in to dispatch.

Next to The Hot Spot is a "massage parlor," but no sign hangs above the door. The words "Body" and "Foot" are posted on a window to the right of the doors and the posted hours of operation on the left window. A woman working inside spoke little English, but took a message for the owner, who did not respond.

"It's a massage parlor, that's what it's called on the lease," Daprile said. "That's all I know."

Other tenants in Daprile's plaza include a dog-grooming business, an Irish pub, a cheesecake retailer, a tattoo parlor and a paint supply store. None generates a crowd like The Hot Spot and Coco's.

The pub, Fletchers Irish Pub, is moving out at the end of the month because Daprile declined to extend its lease. The owner, Bill Fletcher, said he has been a tenant there for 10 years and is being "forced out" because of Daprile's wishes to expand the Internet cafe next door.

"The whole thing is just disappointing," he said. "There wasn't even an opportunity to work out something."

Fletcher, who in addition to owning the pub is employed as the information technology director at The Daytona Beach News-Journal, is moving his business 3 miles away to the 300 block of West Granada Boulevard at the end of the month.

Daprile said he is unaware of any plans to expand The Hot Spot into that space. As of last week, there still wasn't a sign identifying the Internet cafe other than the words, "Win Cash & Prizes" above the door and the words "The Hot Spot" handwritten on a sheet of notebook paper taped to the door. The business occupies two suites and contains slot-machine-like games along the walls and on the main floor.

A reporter took a few seconds of video inside the business and a customer complained to the security guard who ordered the video stopped.

At one point, there were roughly 25 Internet cafes open throughout Volusia and Flagler counties. Some were raided and closed before the 2013 law that Scott signed, but most of them shut down when the law went into effect.

Spokesmen for Flagler County and its Sheriff's Office said they are unaware of any Internet cafes that have recently opened there.

©2017 The News-Journal, Daytona Beach, Fla. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Four Years After Florida Government Shutdown, Internet Cafes Make a Comeback (2024)

FAQs

Are Internet cafes illegal in Florida? ›

And that's exactly what this Task Force is delivering,” said Volusia County Sheriff Ben Johnson. “Businesses in Florida have been given ample warnings that internet cafés are illegal.

What is the purpose of Internet café? ›

An Internet café, also known as a cybercafé, is a café (or a convenience store or a fully dedicated Internet access business) that provides Internet access to the public. The fee for using a computer is generally charged as a time-based rate.

What services does an Internet café offer? ›

Internet Cafe, often called Cyber Cafe, is a place that offers customers hi-speed internet access, other computer services and variety of PC games. It deals with internet time that a customer buys and it can be sold per hour or minute and sometimes longer.

In which city was the first public commercial Internet café opened in the United States in which year did this cafe open what was the name of this cybercafé? ›

Currently there are two types of internet cafés: those that provide computer terminals with internet access, and those that provide Wi-Fi internet access only, to which users connect via their own computers. The first to install internet access in a café was Wayne Gregori, in 1991 in San Francisco.

Is showering illegal in Florida? ›

If you've ever done such a mundane thing as showering naked, you'll have already broken a Florida state law. It's illegal to shower without clothes on! Parking meters are for more than just cars and bikes.

Do you need a license to serve coffee in Florida? ›

Lastly, you will need to secure all necessary business licenses, including a Business License, a Certificate of Occupancy (Building Permit,) a Retail Food Establishment License, and a Liability License. Note that these licenses might vary depending on your location.

What are the benefits of a café? ›

Not only will it provide a boost of energy, but it's been found to assist in healthy digestion and positively impact overall physical and mental health. That should be more than enough reason to grab several coffees while working at a coffee shop.

What is the benefits of a café in the community? ›

Community cafes provide healthy eating options at low cost, as well as a range of other community benefits such as reduced social isolation, skills development and increased local spending.

Are Internet cafes profitable? ›

In a nutshell – yes, it is. In fact, besides of being profitable, cyber cafes have a short payback period. Depending on location and other factors, a gaming venue can pay off in 9 to 14 months.

Can you sleep at an internet cafe? ›

An internet café isn't officially a hostel or hotel, but it is very common for people to stay here overnight. This is true for salarymen who didn't make it home that night and party animals who just need a few hours of sleep. Or gaming youngsters who haven't seen daylight for a couple of days.

Why are Internet cafes not popular in America? ›

Internet cafes, also called cybercafes or net cafes, are establishments that offer computers with internet access for public use, usually for a small fee. Internet cafes aren't as popular in the U.S. as they once were, probably because of the abundance of free internet services available at restaurants and hotels.

What is needed to open a Internet café? ›

You need a software to run the internet user time limit, a number of PCs, a central internet server, a router, network cables, an Internet Service Provider (ISP), the chairs, workstation tables, a suitable place to do the business, legal licensing and of course labor.

When was the Internet first used for commercial purposes? ›

The first commercial dialup ISP in the United States was The World, which opened in 1989.

When did the Internet first open for commercial use? ›

On 6 August 1991, exactly twenty years ago, the World Wide Web became publicly available.

Is peeing outside illegal in Florida? ›

The Florida state legislature has passed laws that set consequences for lewdness and indecent exposure. Under these laws, it is a misdemeanor to expose sexual organs in public, or within view of others. Public urination charges often allege a violation of this statute.

Is it illegal to take pictures in the bathroom in Florida? ›

If a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy in a location, even if it's public, you cannot take photos there. This includes public bathrooms and sports club locker rooms.

Can you drive barefoot in FL? ›

Most individuals believe that driving barefoot is illegal in the U.S., but as it turns out, it is not. No law directly states driving barefoot is unlawful.

Can I cook food at home and sell it in Florida? ›

Cottage food operations do not require a license or permit from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and are not inspected by any state government entity. Gross sales for a cottage food operation must not exceed $250,000 annually.

What food can you sell without a license Florida? ›

Food Operators That Do Not Need Permits in Florida
  • Loaf of bread, rolls, and biscuits;
  • Cakes, pastries, and cookies;
  • Candies and confections;
  • Personally produced honey;
  • Jams, jellies, and preserves;
  • Fruit pies and dried fruits;
  • Dry herbs, seasonings, and mixtures;
  • Homemade pasta;

What license do I need to open a coffee shop in Florida? ›

Retail and hemp retail food establishments are considered the same permit; however, fees will vary. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) issues retail food permits to food establishments selling directly to customers.

Is a café a good business? ›

In short, coffee shops are extremely profitable due to the high profit margins and low cost of stock. Like any business, effective management of costs will ensure your café is a success.

Is coffee good for your liver? ›

Coffee also lowers the risk of other liver conditions including fibrosis (scar tissue that builds up within the liver) and cirrhosis. Drinking coffee can slow the progression of liver disease in some patients. Beneficial effects have been found however the coffee is prepared – filtered, instant and espresso.

What are the pros and cons of coffee? ›

Despite what you may have heard, there are plenty of good things to be said about coffee. It's high in antioxidants and linked to a reduced risk of many diseases. However, it also contains caffeine, a stimulant that can cause problems in some people and disrupt sleep.

What do people want in a café? ›

Visiting a café involves all of the senses – not just taste. When you get all of the senses right, your customers will enjoy the experience and keep coming back for more. This includes things like playing the right kind of music, keeping the café looking tidy and encouraging your staff to be presentable.

What are 4 ways to attract customers? ›

Here are 10 tried-and-true tips to help you attract more customers.
  • Offer new customers discounts and promotions. ...
  • Ask for referrals. ...
  • Recontact old customers. ...
  • Network. ...
  • Update your website. ...
  • Partner with complementary businesses. ...
  • Promote your expertise. ...
  • Take advantage of online ratings and review sites.
28 Feb 2020

What do you say to attract customers? ›

20 Marketing Phrases to Attract Customers and Increase ROI
  • Beautiful in Its Simplicity. ...
  • Artistically Inspired. ...
  • Enhance Your Life. ...
  • Enhance Your Beauty. ...
  • Looks so Good on the Outside, It'll Make You Feel Good Inside. ...
  • Never Looked so Good. ...
  • Simply Awesome. ...
  • Perfect From Beginning to End.
23 Nov 2020

How do you make a café stand out? ›

We've put together a list of 5 things that makes a coffee shop stand out.
  1. Offer something in return for your customers' loyalty. ...
  2. Show that you care. ...
  3. Welcome feedback or suggestions. ...
  4. Be active on social media. ...
  5. Be generous and friendly. ...
  6. If you own a coffee-shop;

How much does a cafe owner make a year? ›

Owners of small to medium-sized coffee shops can make anywhere from $60,000-$160,000 annually . Usually, the owner's salary is between 2% and 6% of the restaurant's sales. In a small operation, your salary may be a higher percentage of the profits, relative to how much labor you put in.

How much will it cost to start an internet cafe? ›

Low budget needed for start.

Main costs for launching an Internet cafe comprise computers, monitors and consoles. An average business with 15-20 computers, will require between $30,000 and $50,000. This is a rather small budget for business, which in time will bring you regular income.

What is the difference between internet cafe and Cyber Cafe? ›

There isn't any difference between an internet cafe and a cyber cafe in what they mean. They are both places where people can grab a cup of coffee, maybe get a light meal, while getting internet access at the same time. Internet cafe just happens to be the most commonly used term between those two.

What are the risks of Internet cafe? ›

  • 1 Identity Theft. Being public spaces, Internet cafes have the added risk someone could be shoulder-surfing -- watching over your shoulder, monitoring your activity. ...
  • 2 Keylogging. ...
  • 3 Network Sniffing. ...
  • 4 Negligent Practices.

How much can I earn from Internet cafe? ›

The highest salary for a Cyber Cafe in India is ₹44,645 per month. What is the lowest salary for a Cyber Cafe in India? The lowest salary for a Cyber Cafe in India is ₹44,645 per month.

How much you can earn from a cyber cafe? ›

The average Cyber Cafe salary ranges from approximately ₹0.6 Lakhs per year for a Computer Operator and Account Assistant to ₹ 2.2 Lakhs per year for a Self Owner.

Why do most cafés fail? ›

Coffee shops fail for reasons that vary from poor management, lack of sales to cover costs, bad employees and service, and having too much debt.

What is the number one coffee shop in the US? ›

Starbucks has the most number of locations with 15,466 locations across 52 states and territories. Dunkin' has 9,482 and Panera Bread has 2,165 locations in the US. These three together make 89.57% of the largest 10 coffee shops in the United States.

Does Florida allow internet gambling? ›

Online casinos are not permitted to operate from within Florida, but Floridians can gamble online at offshore casinos.

Are gaming rooms legal in Florida? ›

Gambling and casinos are completely legal in Florida.

What things are illegal in Florida? ›

15 Crazy Weird Laws in Florida You May Have Already Broken
  • You Cannot Skateboard Without a Liscense. ...
  • Men Cannot Wear Strapless Dresses. ...
  • You Cannot Gossip. ...
  • You Cannot Imitate an Animal. ...
  • You Cannot Sing in a Swimsuit. ...
  • You Cannot Shower Naked. ...
  • You Cannot Barrel Down the Street. ...
  • You Cannot Park in an Intersection.
11 Jan 2022

What is illegal in the state of Florida? ›

Here are 10 weird laws in Florida you may not know about:

In the state of Florida, it is illegal to sing in a public place while attired in a swimsuit. In the state of Florida, women may be fined for falling asleep under a hair dryer, as can the salon owner.

Is it legal to have slot machines in Florida? ›

Slot machines are legal at tribal casinos and pari-mutuels only in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Not only are slot machines illegal elsewhere, you are not permitted to own one or even part of one.

When did online gambling become legal in Florida? ›

In 1988, the Federal government passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which legalized any form of gambling in Florida. It also allowed playing the game through any electronic device. Because of this, the Seminole tribe started installing video lottery machines in tribal facilities.

Are slot machines legal to own in Florida? ›

Chapter 849, Chapter 550, and Chapter 551 govern gambling in Florida, and it is illegal to possess a slot machine outside the slot machine is not licensed under Chapter 551 of the Florida Statutes.

How are card rooms legal in Florida? ›

In July 2003, the Florida Legislature authorized the Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering to regulate card rooms in Florida after it found that poker was in line with pari-mutuel-style games and not casino gaming. Current law allows card rooms to be located at licensed pari-mutuel facilities.

Is card counting illegal in Florida? ›

Card counting is NOT illegal under federal, state and local laws in the United States as long as players don't use any external card-counting device or people who assist them in counting cards.

What type of gambling is illegal in Florida? ›

849.08 Gambling. —Whoever plays or engages in any game at cards, keno, roulette, faro or other game of chance, at any place, by any device whatever, for money or other thing of value, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s.

What light colors are illegal in Florida? ›

(1) A person may not drive or move or cause to be moved any vehicle or equipment upon any highway within this state with any lamp or device thereon showing or displaying a red, red and white, or blue light visible from directly in front thereof except for certain vehicles provided in this section.

What is illegal in Florida after 6pm? ›

It is illegal to fart in any public place in the state of Florida – but only after 6:00 PM.

Is it illegal to have edibles in Florida? ›

Although edible medical marijuana is legal in Florida, there are limits. Under the law, the following rules for edible medical marijuana apply: Edibles cannot have primary or bright colors to minimize attraction to children. Edibles can come in the form of lozenges, gelatins, baked goods, chocolates and drink powders.

Is it illegal for a man to wear a strapless dress in Florida? ›

Men Cannot Wear Strapless Gowns in Public

However, while men may not wear a strapless gown in public, there is nothing stopping them from wearing another style of gown.

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