As a cultural and etiquette expert, I'm here to shed some light on the tipping practices in Florida, which can indeed be quite nuanced. Tipping is a customary practice in the United States, and it's an important part of the service industry workers' income. In Florida, as in the rest of the country, tipping is not just a nice gesture; it's a significant component of service staff wages.

First and foremost, it's essential to understand that tipping is a reflection of the quality of service you've received. A good rule of thumb is to tip 15% to 20% of the pre-tax bill for sit-down meals at restaurants. This percentage can vary depending on the level of service. If the service is exceptional, you might consider tipping more than 20%. Conversely, if the service is subpar, you might tip less, but it's generally not advisable to tip less than 15% unless there's a significant issue.

Now, let's delve into the specifics. If you're dining in a group, it's customary to tip on the total bill, including the cost of all the meals and beverages for the entire table. When it comes to tipping in establishments that offer buffet-style dining, the expectation might be slightly different. In such cases, a tip of 10% is often considered appropriate, but this can vary based on the level of service provided.

Importantly, when you tip with a credit card, the tip is typically added to the total bill. However, if you're paying with cash, it's up to you to calculate the tip and ensure that it's included in the cash you leave on the table. It's also worth noting that in some cases, restaurants may have a service charge included in the bill, which can sometimes be mistaken for a tip. Be sure to check your bill to avoid double tipping.

As for the scenario you mentioned, where a server might tip out a portion of their tips, this is a common practice in the industry. It's a way for servers to share a portion of their earnings with other staff members, such as bussers or hosts, who contribute to the overall dining experience. If you tip with a $100 bill and calculate a 15% gratuity, that would indeed be $15. If the server then tips out 3%, they would contribute $3 to the "tip out" fund and keep $12 for themselves.

In conclusion, tipping in Florida, as in the rest of the United States, is a reflection of the service you've received and an important part of the service staff's income. While 15% to 20% is the norm, the quality of service and the specific circumstances of your dining experience should guide your tipping decision.

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So, if you have a $100 bill, and you tip 15%, then $15 will be the gratuity; though if the waiter tips out 3%, they'll only keep $12 of it, since they need to put $3 into the "tip out" fund. In most parts of the US, 20% is the standard tip, by my experience.read more >>