The bill amends Florida Statutes to impose enhanced criminal penalties for the misuse of emergency communication services, specifically addressing false reporting to 911, E911, or NG911 systems. It establishes that individuals who access these services for false alarms or complaints, or for non-emergency purposes, can be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor. If such misuse results in great bodily harm, permanent disfigurement, or permanent disability, the offense escalates to a third-degree felony, and if it results in death, it becomes a second-degree felony. The bill also clarifies the definition of "conviction" and mandates that individuals convicted of these offenses must pay restitution for damages incurred as a result of their actions.

Additionally, the bill requires courts to order convicted individuals to cover the costs of prosecution and investigation, as well as restitution to victims affected by the misuse of emergency services. It revises the offense severity ranking chart within the Criminal Punishment Code to reflect these changes, categorizing the misuse of emergency communication systems accordingly. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 279 Filed: 365.172
H 279 c1: 365.172
H 279 c2: 365.172
H 279 er: 365.172