The bill amends Florida Statutes to enhance penalties for the misuse of emergency communication systems, specifically targeting violations that result in significant harm or death. It establishes that individuals who misuse 911, E911, or NG911 services for non-emergency purposes, such as making false alarms or avoiding service charges, will face a first-degree misdemeanor. If such misuse leads to great bodily harm, permanent disfigurement, or permanent disability, the offender will be charged with a third-degree felony. In cases where misuse results in death, the charge escalates to a second-degree felony. Additionally, individuals convicted of repeated offenses will face increased penalties.

The bill also mandates that courts order restitution for damages incurred by public safety agencies and victims as a result of the misuse. This includes full payment for costs incurred during emergency responses. The legislation further updates the offense severity ranking chart in the Criminal Punishment Code to reflect these changes, categorizing the misuse of emergency communication systems causing great bodily harm as a third-degree felony and those resulting in death as a second-degree felony. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

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