This bill amends Florida Statutes to establish new requirements for veterans service organizations regarding the operation of amusement games or machines. Specifically, organizations that are uncertain whether a game or machine meets the definition of an amusement game must petition the Florida Gaming Control Commission for a declaratory statement before purchasing, installing, or operating such games. The bill prohibits these organizations from proceeding with any game or machine until the declaratory statement is issued and restricts them from petitioning if the game or machine is under criminal investigation. The Commission is required to issue a declaratory statement within 60 days and cannot deny a valid petition. The declaratory statement will be binding and can be used as evidence in future proceedings.

Additionally, the bill amends section 849.15 to define terms related to the manufacture, possession, and sale of slot machines, establishing criminal penalties for violations. It specifies that violations involving five or fewer slot machines are misdemeanors, while those involving six or more can escalate to felonies depending on prior convictions. The bill also clarifies that shipments of legal gaming devices to Indian lands are considered legal under certain conditions. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 204 Filed: 849.15
S 204 c1: 849.15