The proposed bill introduces significant changes to Florida's gaming regulations, particularly focusing on the enforcement of gambling laws. It establishes a new section, 16.7165, which exempts the Florida Gaming Control Commission from certain state contracting provisions, allowing it to acquire property for the storage of seized slot machines and contraband. The bill amends existing statutes, including section 843.08, to include personnel from the Commission in prohibitions against false personation, and modifies section 849.01 to require that violations of keeping a gambling house be committed knowingly, thereby increasing penalties. Additionally, the bill repeals section 849.07, which previously permitted gambling by billiard or pool table licenseholders, and introduces new prohibitions against advertising illegal gambling.

Moreover, the legislation enhances penalties for various gambling-related offenses, particularly for repeat offenders, reclassifying certain violations from misdemeanors to felonies based on the number of offenses. It clarifies definitions related to gambling, such as "instant bingo," and establishes stricter regulations against illegal gambling advertisements. The bill also specifies that engaging in bookmaking constitutes a felony of the third degree, with subsequent violations escalating to a second-degree felony. Furthermore, it introduces criteria for bail determinations, requiring courts to consider the source of funds for bail, especially if linked to illegal gambling. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

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