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 due to the emergency response, the offense escalates to a third-degree felony. The bill also introduces a provision that after four convictions for unauthorized use, further violations will also be classified as 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 as a result of their misuse, including any bodily injury or property damage caused. This change aims to hold individuals accountable for the misuse of emergency services and ensure that public safety agencies are compensated for their responses to false alarms or non-emergency calls. The act is set to take effect upon becoming law.

Statutes affected:
S 278 Filed: 365.172