This bill amends Florida Statutes concerning the offense of fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement officers. It removes the requirement for law enforcement patrol vehicles to display agency insignia and jurisdictional markings during such incidents. The bill introduces a provision for the impoundment of vehicles involved in these violations for 30 business days, with specific conditions for their release and notification to the registered owner. Additionally, any vehicle involved in a violation is classified as contraband and may be seized by law enforcement. The bill also reclassifies the offense of driving at high speed or with wanton disregard for safety while fleeing from law enforcement, raising its severity within the Criminal Punishment Code.

Moreover, the bill establishes a minimum sentence of three years imprisonment for aggravated fleeing or eluding that results in serious bodily injury or death, while allowing courts to impose greater sentences as permitted by law. It introduces new legal language defining "aggravated fleeing or eluding" as a second-degree felony and modifies the sentencing scoring system by adding a multiplier for repeat offenders of the fleeing statute. The bill emphasizes stricter penalties for offenses committed in the presence of minors or for the benefit of criminal gangs, aiming to enhance public safety and strengthen the legal framework surrounding serious crimes. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 468 c1: 921.0024