The bill amends Florida Statutes concerning offenses related to fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement officers. It removes the requirement for law enforcement vehicles involved in pursuits to display "insignia and other jurisdictional markings" prominently. Additionally, the bill establishes a mandatory minimum sentence of three years for individuals convicted of aggravated fleeing or eluding that results in serious bodily injury or death, while allowing courts the discretion to impose greater sentences as permitted by law. It also reclassifies certain offenses within the Criminal Punishment Code, specifically elevating the severity of the offense for high-speed driving or reckless behavior while fleeing from law enforcement.
Moreover, the bill introduces a new provision for "Aggravated fleeing or eluding" under section 316.1935(4)(a), categorizing it as a second-degree felony. It modifies the sentencing scoring system by adding a multiplier that increases sentence points by 1.5 for offenders with prior violations of the same statute. The bill also updates the Criminal Punishment Code to adjust points for community sanction violations and prior serious felonies, ensuring that repeat offenders face more severe penalties. These changes aim to enhance public safety and accountability for dangerous driving behaviors during police pursuits, with the act set to take effect on October 1, 2025.
Statutes affected: H 113 c1: 921.0024
H 113 c2: 921.0024
H 113 er: 921.0024