TALHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) – Nearly 30 new laws officially came into effect on October 1, covering everything from mental illness to leaving pets behind in hurricanes, one of which caught the driver’s attention.
House Bill 113, signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, will increase penalties for individuals who flee and law enforcement officials are trying to attract them.
Florida Super Pedder drives 107 mph.
State legislator Ryan Chamberlin (R-Berleubue), who is the building sponsor of the new law, said the previous penalties have not progressed well.
“You may remember last year when state trooper Zachary Fink bowed his head during a moment of silence,” Chamberlin said on the floor of his house.
Trooper Fink died in a crash crash during a high-speed pursuit in St. Lucie County in 2024, and he has put lawmakers on a rigorous look at possible solutions to these cases.
And while Democrats inside the Capitol agree that high-speed pursuits are a major problem statewide, there are some concerns about the bill’s language. What about people who are afraid of their safety? Are they punished for finding a place to slowly pull?
“But if they feel safe enough to attract in certain areas and rush into bright light with more people, will this bill still allow them the chances of felony?” State Sen. Angela Nixon (D-Jacksonville).
Bill sponsored MP Chamberlin emphasized that the law is only after “fast ships.”
Democrats still proposed solutions that allow lawmakers to consider the way.
“If they turn on the lights on their blinker, it gives them a clear resolve to law enforcement, and they’re trying to pull a safe and reasonable place and stop,” state Rep. Kevin Chambliss (D-Homestead) said.
But the idea didn’t make a final cut.
For those who choose to drive or run recklessly at high speeds, you can face anywhere from a first-degree felony, from 3rd to 1st degree felony, punished even by fines and prison time.
