The bill establishes the Florida Gaming Control Commission, which is exempt from certain state contracting provisions, enabling it to acquire property for the storage of seized slot machines and other contraband. It amends various sections of Florida Statutes to increase penalties for illegal gambling activities, such as keeping a gambling house, renting premises for illegal gambling, and allowing minors to gamble. New prohibitions against advertising illegal gambling are introduced, and definitions related to gambling offenses, including "instant bingo" and classifications of slot machines, are revised. The bill also repeals existing statutes concerning gambling by billiard or pool table licenseholders and specifies that violations must be committed knowingly, with heightened penalties for repeat offenses.

Additionally, the bill modifies penalties for bookmaking, establishing that a first offense is a felony of the third degree, while subsequent violations escalate to a felony of the second degree. It clarifies that individuals convicted under these provisions will not have their adjudication of guilt suspended or deferred. The bill also introduces new criteria for bail determination, requiring courts to consider the source of funds used for bail, especially if linked to illegal activities. It addresses the forfeiture of property related to illegal gambling, directing that such property be deposited into the Florida Gaming Control Commission's Pari-Mutuel Wagering Trust Fund or the county's fine and forfeiture fund. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, aiming to enhance gambling regulation and improve the pretrial release process in Florida.

Statutes affected:
S 1836 Filed: 843.08, 849.01, 849.03, 849.04, 849.07, 849.09, 849.13, 849.15, 849.23, 921.0022