House Bill 1017 seeks to amend Florida's gambling laws by enhancing the authority of the Florida Gaming Control Commission and increasing penalties for various gambling-related offenses. The bill introduces a new section, 16.717, allowing the Commission to acquire property for the purpose of securing seized slot machines and contraband without adhering to certain provisions. It also prohibits the false impersonation of Commission officers, specifies that prohibited games must involve chance, and increases penalties for violations such as renting premises for gambling and allowing minors to gamble. Additionally, the bill reclassifies certain offenses, repeals outdated provisions, and introduces new definitions and penalties related to illegal gambling activities.

Furthermore, HB 1017 establishes stricter regulations for lottery and gambling activities, including requiring manufacturers of instant bingo tickets to provide winner protection and maintain detailed invoices for three years. It reclassifies violations related to lottery tickets from third-degree to second-degree felonies and creates a new felony for trafficking illegal slot machines. The bill also enhances scrutiny of bail determinations to prevent the acceptance of funds linked to illegal gambling and expands the definition of "criminal activity" to include violations of gambling laws. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen regulatory oversight, enhance enforcement measures, and address social concerns surrounding illegal gambling in Florida.

Statutes affected:
H 1017 Filed: 843.08, 849.01, 849.03, 849.04, 849.07, 849.09, 849.13, 849.14, 849.15, 849.16, 849.23, 849.25, 895.02