This bill proposes a transfer of the responsibilities of the Division of the Florida Highway Patrol and the Office of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to the Department of Law Enforcement. It amends several sections of Florida Statutes, including s. 20.24, which now mandates that the executive director of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The bill also establishes that the executive director of the Department of Law Enforcement will serve as the liaison with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and includes a representative from the latter in the Joint Task Force on State Agency Law Enforcement Communications. Additionally, it creates a new section defining "department" as the Department of Law Enforcement and incorporates the Division of the Florida Highway Patrol and the Office of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement within it.

Moreover, the bill introduces various amendments to enhance the operational efficiency of the Florida Highway Patrol, including the authorization for the department to enter into contracts with telecommunications companies for facility placement on state property, and the ability to charge reasonable fees for these services. It updates the authority and responsibilities of the Florida Highway Patrol, including prohibiting unauthorized imitation of patrol uniforms and clarifying the probationary status of new patrol officers. The bill also designates the Florida Highway Patrol as the primary law enforcement agency for the turnpike system and modifies the fee structure for towing-storage operators, ensuring that only reasonable fees authorized by local ordinances or the Division of the Florida Highway Patrol can be charged. These changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2026, aiming to streamline law enforcement operations and clarify regulations within the state.

Statutes affected:
S 1450 Filed: 20.24, 23.1231, 282.709, 110.205, 316.003, 316.640, 321.02, 321.03, 321.04, 321.05, 321.051, 321.245, 321.25, 338.239, 713.78