House Bill 591 amends several sections of Florida Statutes to enhance regulations and penalties related to gambling activities. The bill introduces new legal language that establishes specific penalties for offenses such as agents or employees of keeper of gambling house, 3rd or subsequent offense and renting house for gambling purposes. It also addresses the manufacture, sale, or possession of slot machines, with penalties for those in authority who possess five or more machines or have two or more prior convictions, as indicated by the insertions regarding manufacture, sale, or possession of a slot machine and false or misleading statement to facilitate sale of slot machines or devices. The bill aims to tighten regulations and enforce stricter penalties to combat illegal gambling activities in Florida. In addition to gambling-related provisions, the bill also addresses drug trafficking and other criminal activities by introducing new definitions and penalties for trafficking in controlled substances. It specifies the quantities that constitute different degrees of trafficking offenses and modifies the definition of "criminal activity" to encompass a broader range of offenses. The bill updates penalties for various offenses, including money laundering and sexual offender reporting requirements, to reflect stricter enforcement measures. Overall, HB 591 seeks to strengthen law enforcement's ability to address and prosecute a variety of criminal activities in Florida, with an effective date set for October 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 591 Filed: 16.71, 838.12, 843.08, 849.01, 849.02, 849.03, 849.08, 849.11, 849.13, 849.14, 849.15, 849.23, 895.02