Short answer: no.
As of July 1, 2024, California’s “Honest Pricing Law” (SB 478) forbids listing any price that omits mandatory fees other than government taxes or shipping. The Attorney General’s FAQ brands hidden charges as an unfair-competition practice, and each violation may cost up to $2,500 in civil penalties plus restitution and attorneys’ fees.
What counts as a “junk fee”?
Any unavoidable fee added after the initial price display—processing, facility, “resort,” or “service” fees—must be baked into the headline price. Optional add-ons (e.g., upgrades) are still permitted, but the base price must truly be the amount a consumer must pay to obtain the advertised good or service. The rule applies online, in print, and even on menu boards, so point-of-sale software, website checkout flows, and printed marketing all need updates.
Penalties pile up fast. A Huntington Beach boutique hotel that shows “Room $179/night” but adds a $35 “amenity fee” at booking could face a class action. In a recent suit against ReserveCalifornia, campers alleged an $8.25 hidden fee per campsite; plaintiffs are seeking restitution for every transaction since August 2024.
Compliance tips.
- Re-price listings so mandatory fees are rolled in.
- Train staff to quote “all-in” figures on calls or at the counter.
- Audit third-party booking engines and POS terminals—vendors can create liability for you.
Worried about legacy ads, rate cards, or online funnels? AEI Law, P.C. in Huntington Beach can perform a fast-track pricing audit, update your terms, and—if a demand letter has already landed—craft a defense strategy before penalties snowball.
