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Bill > H0953


FL H0953

FL H0953
Gambling


summary

Introduced
02/24/2025
In Committee
03/02/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/16/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

An act relating to gambling; amending s. 16.71, F.S.; deleting obsolete provisions; deleting language concerning factors to be considered in appointments to the Florida Gaming Control Commission; amending s. 551.104, F.S.; revising hiring and procurement policy and reporting requirements for slot machine gaming licensure; amending s. 838.12, F.S.; prohibiting betting on athletic contests with knowledge that the results are prearranged or predetermined; providing criminal penalties; amending s. 843.08, F.S.; prohibiting false personation of personnel of the Florida Gaming Control Commission; providing criminal penalties; amending s. 849.01, F.S.; revising criminal penalties for offenses involving keeping a gambling house; amending s. 849.02, F.S.; increasing criminal penalties for specified offenses by agents or employees of a keeper of a gambling house; amending s. 849.03, F.S.; revising criminal penalties for offenses involving renting a house for gambling purposes; amending s. 849.08, F.S.; defining the terms "Internet gambling" and "Internet sports wagering"; prohibiting Internet gambling and Internet sports wagering and related offenses; providing criminal penalties; providing an exception; amending s. 849.086, F.S.; hb953-00 prohibiting specified actions relating to manipulation of card games; providing criminal penalties; amending s. 849.11, F.S.; prohibiting certain offenses related to games of chance involving the Internet; providing criminal penalties; amending s. 849.13, F.S.; providing enhances criminal penalties for second or subsequent violations of certain provisions; amending s. 849.14, F.S.; revising the criminal penalties for betting or wagering on certain activities; amending s. 849.15, F.S.; providing definitions; providing criminal penalties for specified offenses relating to the manufacture, possession, and sale of slot machines or devices; creating s. 849.155, F.S.; prohibiting trafficking in slot machines, devices, or parts thereof; providing criminal penalties; providing for the deposit of fines into a specified trust fund for specified purposes; creating s. 849.157, F.S.; prohibiting the making of a false or misleading statement regarding the legality of slot machines or devices for specified purposes; providing criminal penalties; repealing s. 849.23, F.S., relating to penalties for violations of specified sections; creating s. 849.47, F.S.; defining the term "illegal gambling"; prohibiting the transportation of specified numbers of persons, persons of certain ages, or a hb953-00 certain number of persons for the purpose of facilitating illegal gambling; providing criminal penalties; creating s. 849.48, F.S.; defining the term "illegal gambling"; prohibiting specified gambling or gaming advertisements; providing criminal penalties; providing construction; creating s. 849.49, F.S.; preempting to the state the regulation of gaming, gambling, lotteries, or any activities described in specified provisions; amending s. 903.046, F.S.; providing for consideration of the amount of currency seized connected to or involved in specified gambling or gaming offenses when determining whether to release a defendant prior to trial; amending s. 921.0022, F.S.; ranking offenses for purposes of the offense severity ranking chart of the Criminal Punishment Code; amending ss. 772.102 and 895.02, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; providing an effective date.

AI Summary

This bill comprehensively updates Florida's gambling and gaming laws, introducing several significant changes and new provisions. The bill redefines and strengthens criminal penalties related to various gambling activities, including Internet gambling, sports wagering, and gambling-related offenses. Key provisions include creating new definitions for Internet gambling and Internet sports wagering, prohibiting these activities with escalating criminal penalties for repeat offenses, and establishing new crimes such as trafficking in slot machines and making false statements about gambling devices. The bill also increases criminal penalties for existing gambling-related offenses, creates new reporting requirements, and preempts local governments from creating their own gambling regulations. Additionally, the bill adds provisions related to gambling advertisements, transportation of persons for illegal gambling, and manipulation of card games. The legislation aims to comprehensively regulate and restrict gambling activities in Florida, with a focus on preventing illegal gambling operations and protecting consumers. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, giving state agencies and stakeholders time to prepare for the new regulations.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Died in Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee (on 06/16/2025)

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