This bill amends Florida Statutes to prohibit pyramid promotional schemes by creating a new section, 849.0913, while deleting existing provisions related to pyramid sales schemes in section 849.091. The new section defines key terms such as "pyramid promotional scheme," "compensation," and "consideration," and explicitly prohibits individuals from establishing, promoting, operating, or participating in such schemes. The bill outlines that compensation must primarily be based on recruiting others rather than on the sale of products or services, and it includes exceptions for legitimate business operations that do not require excessive inventory purchases.

Penalties for violating this new law include felony charges for those who establish or promote a pyramid scheme and misdemeanor charges for participants. The court is mandated to order restitution for victims, which includes investigation and prosecution costs. Additionally, the bill clarifies that these penalties are supplementary to any other civil, administrative, or criminal actions available under existing law. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 265 Filed: 849.091
H 265 c1: 849.091