The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes concerning gambling, with a primary focus on increasing penalties for gambling-related offenses and clarifying definitions. It removes outdated provisions and modifies the criteria for appointments to the Florida Gaming Control Commission by eliminating the requirement for diversity considerations. New criminal penalties are introduced for activities such as betting on predetermined athletic contests, impersonating gaming commission personnel, and operating illegal gambling activities, including Internet gambling and sports wagering. The bill also establishes stricter penalties for keeping gambling houses, with first-time offenders facing misdemeanors and repeat offenders facing felonies.

Additionally, the bill includes new provisions that classify actions associated with illegal gambling as felonies of the third degree and reclassifies repeat offenses to higher degrees, enhancing penalties for offenders. It defines terms related to slot machines and devices, prohibits advertisements promoting illegal gambling, and mandates that fines collected under these regulations be directed to the Pari-mutuel Wagering Trust Fund. The legislation aims to strengthen Florida's regulatory framework surrounding gambling, ensuring that illegal activities are met with appropriate legal consequences while updating operational standards for licensed gaming entities. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1404 Filed: 16.71, 551.104, 838.12, 843.08, 849.01, 849.02, 849.03, 849.08, 849.11, 849.13, 849.14, 849.15, 849.23, 895.02