The bill amends Florida Statutes concerning the offenses of fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement officers, introducing new requirements for law enforcement vehicle markings and establishing provisions for the impoundment of vehicles involved in such violations. It mandates a minimum sentence of three years for individuals convicted of aggravated fleeing or eluding that results in serious bodily injury or death. Additionally, any vehicle involved in these violations may be impounded for 30 business days, with the impounding agency required to notify the registered owner and adhere to specific release procedures.

Moreover, the bill reclassifies certain offenses within the Criminal Punishment Code's offense severity ranking chart, increasing penalties for actions related to fleeing or eluding law enforcement. It removes previous language regarding offense classifications while inserting new language that adjusts the severity ranking for high-speed driving or reckless behavior while evading law enforcement. The bill also establishes "aggravated fleeing or eluding" as a second-degree felony and modifies sentencing guidelines to increase points for offenders with prior violations or those involved with criminal gangs. Additional adjustments include increased penalties for specific drug-related offenses and aggravated assault and theft, aiming to strengthen the legal framework and ensure harsher consequences for repeat offenders. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 468 c1: 921.0024