This bill amends Florida Statutes concerning the offense of fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer. It removes the requirement for law enforcement patrol vehicles to display "insignia and other jurisdictional markings" prominently during such incidents. A new provision is introduced that allows for the impoundment of vehicles involved in these violations for up to 30 business days, with specific conditions for their release and notification to the vehicle's registered owner. Additionally, vehicles involved in these offenses may be classified as contraband and subject to forfeiture. The bill also reclassifies certain offenses within the Criminal Punishment Code, elevating the severity of the offense for high-speed driving while fleeing from law enforcement and mandating a minimum three-year prison sentence for aggravated fleeing or eluding that results in serious bodily injury or death.

Moreover, the bill establishes a new legal classification for "aggravated fleeing or eluding" as a second-degree felony under section 316.1935(4)(a) and modifies the sentencing scoring system by adding a multiplier for repeat offenders of fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement. Other adjustments include increased penalties for drug-related offenses near schools and childcare facilities and clarifications on scoring points for community sanction violations. These changes aim to strengthen the legal framework surrounding serious crimes and enhance penalties for repeat offenders, particularly in drug, violence, and gang-related cases. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 468 c1: 921.0024