The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding the Florida Gaming Control Commission and gambling activities. It deletes obsolete language regarding the appointment process and diversity considerations for commission members, while introducing new requirements for the commission's annual reports to include detailed summaries of investigations and complaints. The bill also establishes new restrictions on employment for commissioners and employees, prohibiting them from engaging with entities involved in regulated activities, including fantasy sports contests. Additionally, it creates a process for organizations to seek declaratory statements regarding the legality of gaming machines and revises criminal penalties for gambling-related offenses, increasing penalties for violations involving gambling houses and prohibiting Internet gambling and sports wagering.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new definitions and penalties for various gambling-related offenses, reclassifying certain misdemeanors to felonies, such as the operation of gambling houses. It establishes penalties for promoting illegal gambling activities and clarifies that advertisements related to legal gambling in other jurisdictions are not prohibited. The bill also preempts local governments from enacting ordinances related to gaming unless expressly allowed by state law and updates the offense severity ranking chart to include various gambling-related offenses as third-degree felonies. Overall, the proposed changes aim to strengthen the enforcement of gambling laws, clarify legal definitions, and enhance public safety in Florida.

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
S 1404 c1: 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
S 1404 c2: 16.71, 550.09512, 550.09515, 551.104, 551.114, 838.12, 843.08, 849.01, 849.02, 849.03, 849.08, 849.086, 849.11, 849.13, 849.14, 849.15, 849.23, 895.02