This bill amends section 365.172 of the Florida Statutes to enhance penalties for the misuse of emergency communications systems, specifically 911, E911, and NG911 services. It establishes that individuals who misuse these services for non-emergency purposes, such as making false alarms or avoiding service charges, will be committing a first-degree misdemeanor. Additionally, if such misuse leads to bodily injury or property damage during an emergency response, the offender will face a third-degree felony charge. The bill also stipulates that repeat offenders, after four convictions for unauthorized use, will also be charged with a third-degree felony.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that courts order restitution for individuals convicted of these offenses, requiring them to cover the full costs incurred by public safety agencies due to their misuse of emergency services. This includes any bodily injury or property damage resulting from the emergency response. The effective date of the act is upon becoming law.

Statutes affected:
S 278 Filed: 365.172