This week, a Florida House committee approved multiple legislation to crack down on the illegal selling of alcoholic beverages, enhance punishments for street racing, and eliminate obstacles to owning firearms.
House Bill 1123, sponsored by state Rep. Doug Bankson, R-Apopka, and Rep. Taylor Yarkosky, R-Clermont, aims to ban the illegal selling of alcoholic beverages at commercial businesses and the operation of places where alcoholic beverages are sold.
Bankson stated to the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday that the bill aims to address the increasing prevalence of illicit clubs and lounges around the state.
Bankson informed committee members that communities around the state are seeing issues with illegal after-hours clubs or hookah lounges that operate without liquor licenses or in violation of their licenses. These venues often attract dangerous substances and violent activities such as sex trafficking, human trafficking, and organized gang operations.
Bankson stated that imposing fines on these places has been ineffectual due to their profitability, with some making an estimated total of $50,000 every night. Bankson observed that a $500 fine would be merely a symbolic punishment.
Penalties for unlawfully selling alcohol would be elevated from a misdemeanor to a felony, with fines ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 for a first conviction. Repeat infractions will result in escalated fees and penalties.
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HB 449, co-sponsored by Bankson and Rep. Kiyan Michael, R-Jacksonville Beach, aims to tackle problems associated with street racing, drag racing, stunt racing, and street takeovers. Michael introduced the bill, stating that it is necessary due to the public safety concerns caused by racing.
Michael stated that the existing sanctions for race stunt driving from Jacksonville to Orlando, Tampa, and Miami are not effective in deterring many folks.
Michael observed that the measure will impose consistent sanctions rather than individual fines for specific infractions. The legislation maintains normal infraction as a first-degree misdemeanor but raises the fine to a range of $2,500 to $4,000 and shortens the time period between violations.
HB 17, introduced by Representative and Doctor Joel Rudman, R-Navarre, aims to specify the maximum waiting period for the transfer of a legally bought handgun to a citizen. Rudman stated that the law does not eliminate background checks or the required three-day waiting time.