Florida Statutes
Mar. 15, 2007
777.04 Attempts, solicitation, and conspiracy.--
(1) A person who attempts to commit an offense prohibited by law and in such attempt does any act toward the commission of such offense, but fails in the perpetration or is intercepted or prevented in the execution thereof, commits the offense of criminal attempt, ranked for purposes of sentencing as provided in subsection (4). Criminal attempt includes the act of an adult who, with intent to commit an offense prohibited by law, allures, seduces, coaxes, or induces a child under the age of 12 to engage in an offense prohibited by law.
(2) A person who solicits another to commit an offense prohibited by law and in the course of such solicitation commands, encourages, hires, or requests another person to engage in specific conduct which would constitute such offense or an attempt to commit such offense commits the offense of criminal solicitation, ranked for purposes of sentencing as provided in subsection (4).
(3) A person who agrees, conspires, combines, or confederates with another person or persons to commit any offense commits the offense of criminal conspiracy, ranked for purposes of sentencing as provided in subsection (4).
(4)
(a) Except as otherwise provided in ss. 104.091(2), 370.12(1), 828.125(2), 849.25(4), 893.135(5), and 921.0022, the offense of criminal attempt, criminal solicitation, or criminal conspiracy is ranked for purposes of sentencing under chapter 921 and determining incentive gain-time eligibility under chapter 944 one level below the ranking under s. 921.0022 or s. 921.0023 of the offense attempted, solicited, or conspired to. If the criminal attempt, criminal solicitation, or criminal conspiracy is of an offense ranked in level 1 or level 2 under s. 921.0022 or s. 921.0023, such offense is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(b) If the offense attempted, solicited, or conspired to is a capital felony, the offense of criminal attempt, criminal solicitation, or criminal conspiracy is a felony of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in s. 893.135(5), if the offense attempted, solicited, or conspired to is a life felony or a felony of the first degree, the offense of criminal attempt, criminal solicitation, or criminal conspiracy is a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(d) Except as otherwise provided in s. 104.091(2), s. 370.12(1), s. 828.125(2), or s. 849.25(4), if the offense attempted, solicited, or conspired to is a:
1. Felony of the second degree;
2. Burglary that is a felony of the third degree; or
3. Felony of the third degree ranked in level 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 under s. 921.0022 or s. 921.0023,
the offense of criminal attempt, criminal solicitation, or criminal conspiracy is a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(e) Except as otherwise provided in s. 104.091(2), s. 370.12(1), s. 849.25(4), or paragraph (d), if the offense attempted, solicited, or conspired to is a felony of the third degree, the offense of criminal attempt, criminal solicitation, or criminal conspiracy is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(f) Except as otherwise provided in s. 104.091(2), if the offense attempted, solicited, or conspired to is a misdemeanor of the first or second degree, the offense of criminal attempt, criminal solicitation, or criminal conspiracy is a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(5) It is a defense to a charge of criminal attempt, criminal solicitation, or criminal conspiracy that, under circumstances manifesting a complete and voluntary renunciation of his or her criminal purpose, the defendant:
(a) Abandoned his or her attempt to commit the offense or otherwise prevented its commission;
(b) After soliciting another person to commit an offense, persuaded such other person not to do so or otherwise prevented commission of the offense; or
(c) After conspiring with one or more persons to commit an offense, persuaded such persons not to do so or otherwise prevented commission of the offense.
Chapter 849: Gambling
This chapter was amended effective July 1, 2007 to permit higher limits in certain poker games offered by licensed cardrooms.
See: http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_s0752e2.html&DocumentType=Bill&BillNumber=0752&Session=2007
Florida has not yet published an update of its online statutes to incorporate this material.
849.01 Keeping gambling houses, etc.--Whoever by herself or himself, her or his servant, clerk or agent, or in any other manner has, keeps, exercises or maintains a gaming table or room, or gaming implements or apparatus, or house, booth, tent, shelter or other place for the purpose of gaming or gambling or in any place of which she or he may directly or indirectly have charge, control or management, either exclusively or with others, procures, suffers or permits any person to play for money or other valuable thing at any game whatever, whether heretofore prohibited or not, shall be guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
849.02 Agents or employees of keeper of gambling house.--Whoever acts as servant, clerk, agent, or employee of any person in the violation of s. 849.01 shall be punished in the manner and to the extent therein mentioned.
849.03 Renting house for gambling purposes.--Whoever, whether as owner or agent, knowingly rents to another a house, room, booth, tent, shelter or place for the purpose of gaming shall be punished in the manner and to the extent mentioned in s. 849.01.
849.04 Permitting minors and persons under guardianship to gamble.--Whoever being the proprietor, owner or keeper of any E. O., keno or pool table, or billiard table, wheel of fortune, or other game of chance, kept for the purpose of betting, willfully and knowingly allows any minor or any person who is mentally incompetent or under guardianship to play at such game or to bet on such game of chance or whoever aids or abets or otherwise encourages such playing or betting of any money or other valuable thing upon the result of such game of chance by any minor or any person who is mentally incompetent or under guardianship shall be guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. For the purpose of this section, a "mentally incompetent person" is one who because of mental illness, mental retardation, senility, excessive use of drugs or alcohol, or other mental incapacity is incapable of either managing his or her property or caring for himself or herself or both.
849.05 Prima facie evidence.--If any of the implements, devices or apparatus commonly used in games of chance in gambling houses or by gamblers, are found in any house, room, booth, shelter or other place it shall be prima facie evidence that the said house, room, booth, shelter or other place where the same are found is kept for the purpose of gambling.
849.07 Permitting gambling on billiard or pool table by holder of license.--If any holder of a license to operate a billiard or pool table shall permit any person to play billiards or pool or any other game for money, or any other thing of value, upon such tables, she or he shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
849.08 Gambling.--Whoever plays or engages in any game at cards, keno, roulette, faro or other game of chance, at any place, by any device whatever, for money or other thing of value, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
849.085 Certain penny-ante games not crimes; restrictions.--
(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, it is not a crime for a person to participate in a game described in this section if such game is conducted strictly in accordance with this section.
(2) As used in this section:
(a) "Penny-ante game" means a game or series of games of poker, pinochle, bridge, rummy, canasta, hearts, dominoes, or mah-jongg in which the winnings of any player in a single round, hand, or game do not exceed $10 in value.
(b) "Dwelling" means residential premises owned or rented by a participant in a penny-ante game and occupied by such participant or the common elements or common areas of a condominium, cooperative, residential subdivision, or mobile home park of which a participant in a penny-ante game is a unit owner, or the facilities of an organization which is tax exempt under s. 501(c)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code. The term "dwelling" also includes a college dormitory room or the common recreational area of a college dormitory or a publicly owned community center owned by a municipality or county.
(3) A penny-ante game is subject to the following restrictions:
(a) The game must be conducted in a dwelling.
(b) A person may not receive any consideration or commission for allowing a penny-ante game to occur in his or her dwelling.
(c) A person may not directly or indirectly charge admission or any other fee for participation in the game.
(d) A person may not solicit participants by means of advertising in any form, advertise the time or place of any penny-ante game, or advertise the fact that he or she will be a participant in any penny-ante game.
(e) A penny-ante game may not be conducted in which any participant is under 18 years of age.
(4) A debt created or owed as a consequence of any penny-ante game is not legally enforceable.
(5) The conduct of any penny-ante game within the common elements or common area of a condominium, cooperative, residential subdivision, or mobile home park or the conduct of any penny-ante game within the dwelling of an eligible organization as defined in subsection (2) or within a publicly owned community center owned by a municipality or county creates no civil liability for damages arising from the penny-ante game on the part of a condominium association, cooperative association, a homeowners' association as defined in s. 720.301, mobile home owners' association, dwelling owner, or municipality or county or on the part of a unit owner who was not a participant in the game.
849.086 Cardrooms authorized.--
(1) LEGISLATIVE INTENT.--It is the intent of the Legislature to provide additional entertainment choices for the residents of and visitors to the state, promote tourism in the state, and provide additional state revenues through the authorization of the playing of certain games in the state at facilities known as cardrooms which are to be located at licensed pari-mutuel facilities. To ensure the public confidence in the integrity of authorized cardroom operations, this act is designed to strictly regulate the facilities, persons, and procedures related to cardroom operations. Furthermore, the Legislature finds that authorized games as herein defined are considered to be pari-mutuel style games and not casino gaming because the participants play against each other instead of against the house.
(2) DEFINITIONS.--As used in this section:
(a) "Authorized game" means a game or series of games of poker which are played in a nonbanking manner.
(b) "Banking game" means a game in which the house is a participant in the game, taking on players, paying winners, and collecting from losers or in which the cardroom establishes a bank against which participants play.
(c) "Cardroom" means a facility where authorized card games are played for money or anything of value and to which the public is invited to participate in such games and charged a fee for participation by the operator of such facility. Authorized games and cardrooms do not constitute casino gaming operations.
(d) "Cardroom management company" means any individual not an employee of the cardroom operator, any proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or other entity that enters into an agreement with a cardroom operator to manage, operate, or otherwise control the daily operation of a cardroom.
(e) "Cardroom distributor" means any business that distributes cardroom paraphernalia such as card tables, betting chips, chip holders, drop boxes, banking supplies, playing cards, card shufflers, and other associated equipment to authorized cardrooms.
(f) "Cardroom operator" means a licensed pari-mutuel permitholder which holds a valid permit and license issued by the division pursuant to chapter 550 and which also holds a valid cardroom license issued by the division pursuant to this section which authorizes such person to operate a cardroom and to conduct authorized games in such cardroom.
(g) "Division" means the Division of Pari-mutuel Wagering of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
(h) "Gross receipts" means the total amount of money received by a cardroom from any person for participation in authorized games.
(i) "House" means the cardroom operator and all employees of the cardroom operator.
(j) "Net proceeds" means the total amount of gross receipts received by a cardroom operator from cardroom operations less direct operating expenses related to cardroom operations, including labor costs, admission taxes only if a separate admission fee is charged for entry to the cardroom facility, gross receipts taxes imposed on cardroom operators by this section, the annual cardroom license fees imposed by this section on each table operated at a cardroom, and reasonable promotional costs excluding officer and director compensation, interest on capital debt, legal fees, real estate taxes, bad debts, contributions or donations, or overhead and depreciation expenses not directly related to the operation of the cardrooms.
(k) "Rake" means a set fee or percentage of the pot assessed by a cardroom operator for providing the services of a dealer, table, or location for playing the authorized game.
(3) CARDROOM AUTHORIZED.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, it is not a crime for a person to participate in an authorized game at a licensed cardroom or to operate a cardroom described in this section if such game and cardroom operation are conducted strictly in accordance with the provisions of this section.
(4) AUTHORITY OF DIVISION.--The Division of Pari-mutuel Wagering of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation shall administer this section and regulate the operation of cardrooms under this section and the rules adopted pursuant thereto, and is hereby authorized to:
(a) Adopt rules, including, but not limited to: the issuance of cardroom and employee licenses for cardroom operations; the operation of a cardroom; recordkeeping and reporting requirements; and the collection of all fees and taxes imposed by this section.
(b) Conduct investigations and monitor the operation of cardrooms and the playing of authorized games therein.
(c) Review the books, accounts, and records of any current or former cardroom operator.
(d) Suspend or revoke any license or permit, after hearing, for any violation of the provisions of this section or the administrative rules adopted pursuant thereto.
(e) Take testimony, issue summons and subpoenas for any witness, and issue subpoenas duces tecum in connection with any matter within its jurisdiction.
(f) Monitor and ensure the proper collection of taxes and fees imposed by this section. Permitholder internal controls are mandated to ensure no compromise of state funds. To that end, a roaming division auditor will monitor and verify the cash flow and accounting of cardroom revenue for any given operating day.
(5) LICENSE REQUIRED; APPLICATION; FEES.--No person may operate a cardroom in this state unless such person holds a valid cardroom license issued pursuant to this section.
(a) Only those persons holding a valid cardroom license issued by the division may operate a cardroom. A cardroom license may only be issued to a licensed pari-mutuel permitholder and an authorized cardroom may only be operated at the same facility at which the permitholder is authorized under its valid pari-mutuel wagering permit to conduct pari-mutuel wagering activities.
(b) After the initial cardroom license is granted, the application for the annual license renewal shall be made in conjunction with the applicant's annual application for its pari-mutuel license. If a permitholder has operated a cardroom during any of the 3 previous fiscal years and fails to include a renewal request for the operation of the cardroom in its annual application for license renewal, the permitholder may amend its annual application to include operation of the cardroom. In order for a cardroom license to be renewed the applicant must have requested, as part of its pari-mutuel annual license application, to conduct at least 90 percent of the total number of live performances conducted by such permitholder during either the state fiscal year in which its initial cardroom license was issued or the state fiscal year immediately prior thereto. If the application is for a harness permitholder cardroom, the applicant must have requested authorization to conduct a minimum of 140 live performances during the state fiscal year immediately prior thereto. If more than one permitholder is operating at a facility, each permitholder must have applied for a license to conduct a full schedule of live racing.
(c) Persons seeking a license or a renewal thereof to operate a cardroom shall make application on forms prescribed by the division. Applications for cardroom licenses shall contain all of the information the division, by rule, may determine is required to ensure eligibility.
(d) The annual cardroom license fee for each facility shall be $1,000 for the first table and $500 for each additional table to be operated at the cardroom. This license fee shall be deposited by the division with the Chief Financial Officer to the credit of the Pari-mutuel Wagering Trust Fund.
(6) BUSINESS AND EMPLOYEE OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE REQUIRED; APPLICATION; FEES.--
(a) A person employed or otherwise working in a cardroom as a cardroom manager, floor supervisor, pit boss, dealer, or any other activity related to cardroom operations while the facility is conducting card playing must hold a valid cardroom employee occupational license issued by the division. Food service, maintenance, and security employees with a current pari-mutuel occupational license and a current background check will not be required to have a cardroom employee occupational license.
(b) Any cardroom management company or cardroom distributor associated with cardroom operations must hold a valid cardroom business occupational license issued by the division.
(c) No licensed cardroom operator may employ or allow to work in a cardroom any person unless such person holds a valid occupational license. No licensed cardroom operator may contract, or otherwise do business with, a business required to hold a valid cardroom business occupational license, unless the business holds such a valid license.
(d) The division shall establish, by rule, a schedule for the annual renewal of cardroom occupational licenses. Cardroom occupational licenses are not transferable.
(e) Persons seeking cardroom occupational licenses, or renewal thereof, shall make application on forms prescribed by the division. Applications for cardroom occupational licenses shall contain all of the information the division, by rule, may determine is required to ensure eligibility.
(f) The division shall promulgate rules regarding cardroom occupational licenses. The provisions specified in s. 550.105(4), (5), (6), (7), (8), and (10) relating to licensure shall be applicable to cardroom occupational licenses.
(g) The division may deny, declare ineligible, or revoke any cardroom occupational license if the applicant or holder thereof has been found guilty or had adjudication withheld in this state or any other state, or under the laws of the United States of a felony or misdemeanor involving forgery, larceny, extortion, conspiracy to defraud, or filing false reports to a government agency, racing or gaming commission or authority.
(h) Fingerprints for all cardroom occupational license applications shall be taken in a manner approved by the division and then shall be submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a criminal records check upon initial application and every 5 years thereafter. The division may by rule require an annual record check of all renewal applications for a cardroom occupational license. The cost of processing fingerprints and conducting a record check shall be borne by the applicant.
(i) The cardroom employee occupational license fee shall be $50. The cardroom business occupational license fee shall be $250.
(7) CONDITIONS FOR OPERATING A CARDROOM.--
(a) A cardroom may be operated only at the location specified on the cardroom license issued by the division, and such location may only be the location at which the pari-mutuel permitholder is authorized to conduct pari-mutuel wagering activities pursuant to such permitholder's valid pari-mutuel permit or as otherwise authorized by law.
(b) A cardroom may be operated at the facility only when the facility is authorized to accept wagers on pari-mutuel events during its authorized meet. A cardroom may operate between the hours of 12 noon and 12 midnight on any day a pari-mutuel event is conducted live as a part of its authorized meet. However, a permitholder who holds a valid cardroom license may operate a cardroom between the hours of 12 noon and 12 midnight on any day that live racing of the same class of permit is occurring within 35 miles of its facility if no other holder of that same class of permit within 35 miles is operating a cardroom at such time and if all holders of the same class of permit within the 35-mile area have given their permission in writing to the permitholder to operate the cardroom during the designated period. Application to operate a cardroom under this paragraph must be made to the division as part of the annual license application.
(c) A cardroom operator must at all times employ and provide a nonplaying dealer for each table on which authorized card games which traditionally utilize a dealer are conducted at the cardroom. Such dealers may not have any participatory interest in any game other than the dealing of cards and may not have an interest in the outcome of the game. The providing of such dealers by a licensee shall not be construed as constituting the conducting of a banking game by the cardroom operator.
(d) Each cardroom operator shall conspicuously post upon the premises of the cardroom a notice which contains a copy of the cardroom license; a list of authorized games offered by the cardroom; the wagering limits imposed by the house, if any; any additional house rules regarding operation of the cardroom or the playing of any game; and all costs to players to participate, including any rake by the house. In addition, each cardroom operator shall post at each table a notice of the minimum and maximum bets authorized at such table and the fee for participation in the game conducted.
(e) The cardroom facility shall be subject to inspection by the division or any law enforcement agency during the licensee's regular business hours. The inspection will specifically encompass the permitholder internal control procedures approved by the division.
(f) A cardroom operator may refuse entry to or refuse to allow to play any person who is objectionable, undesirable, or disruptive, but such refusal shall not be on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, physical handicap, or age, except as provided in this section.
(8) METHOD OF WAGERS; LIMITATION.--
(a) No wagering may be conducted using money or other negotiable currency. Games may only be played utilizing a wagering system whereby all players' money is first converted by the house to tokens or chips which shall be used for wagering only at that specific cardroom.
(b) The cardroom operator may limit the amount wagered in any game or series of games, but the maximum bet may not exceed $2 in value. There may not be more than three raises in any round of betting. The fee charged by the cardroom for participation in the game shall not be included in the calculation of the limitation on the bet amount provided in this paragraph.
(9) BOND REQUIRED.--The holder of a cardroom license shall be financially and otherwise responsible for the operation of the cardroom and for the conduct of any manager, dealer, or other employee involved in the operation of the cardroom. Prior to the issuance of a cardroom license, each applicant for such license shall provide evidence of a surety bond in the amount of $50,000, payable to the state, furnished by a corporate surety authorized to do business in the state or evidence that the licensee's pari-mutuel bond required by s. 550.125 has been expanded to include the applicant's cardroom operation. The bond shall guarantee that the cardroom operator will redeem, for cash, all tokens or chips used in games. Such bond shall be kept in full force and effect by the operator during the term of the license.
(10) FEE FOR PARTICIPATION.--The cardroom operator may charge a fee for the right to participate in games conducted at the cardroom. Such fee may be either a flat fee or hourly rate for the use of a seat at a table or a rake subject to the posted maximum amount but may not be based on the amount won by players. The rake-off, if any, must be made in an obvious manner and placed in a designated rake area which is clearly visible to all players. Notice of the amount of the participation fee charged shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the cardroom and at each table at all times.
(11) RECORDS AND REPORTS.--
(a) Each licensee operating a cardroom shall keep and maintain permanent daily records of its cardroom operation and shall maintain such records for a period of not less than 3 years. These records shall include all financial transactions and contain sufficient detail to determine compliance with the requirements of this section. All records shall be available for audit and inspection by the division or other law enforcement agencies during the licensee's regular business hours. The information required in such records shall be determined by division rule.
(b) Each licensee operating a cardroom shall file with the division a report containing the required records of such cardroom operation. Such report shall be filed monthly by licensees. The required reports shall be submitted on forms prescribed by the division and shall be due at the same time as the monthly pari-mutuel reports are due to the division, and such reports shall contain any additional information deemed necessary by the division, and the reports shall be deemed public records once filed.
(12) PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES.--
(a) No person licensed to operate a cardroom may conduct any banking game or any game not specifically authorized by this section.
(b) No person under 18 years of age may be permitted to hold a cardroom or employee license, or engage in any game conducted therein.
(c) No electronic or mechanical devices, except mechanical card shufflers, may be used to conduct any authorized game in a cardroom.
(d) No cards, game components, or game implements may be used in playing an authorized game unless such has been furnished or provided to the players by the cardroom operator.
(13) TAXES AND OTHER PAYMENTS.--
(a) Each cardroom operator shall pay a tax to the state of 10 percent of the cardroom operation's monthly gross receipts.
(b) An admission tax equal to 15 percent of the admission charge for entrance to the licensee's cardroom facility, or 10 cents, whichever is greater, is imposed on each person entering the cardroom. This admission tax shall apply only if a separate admission fee is charged for entry to the cardroom facility. If a single admission fee is charged which authorizes entry to both or either the pari-mutuel facility and the cardroom facility, the admission tax shall be payable only once and shall be payable pursuant to chapter 550. The cardroom licensee shall be responsible for collecting the admission tax. An admission tax is imposed on any free passes or complimentary cards issued to guests by licensees in an amount equal to the tax imposed on the regular and usual admission charge for entrance to the licensee's cardroom facility. A cardroom licensee may issue tax-free passes to its officers, officials, and employees or other persons actually engaged in working at the cardroom, including accredited press representatives such as reporters and editors, and may also issue tax-free passes to other cardroom licensees for the use of their officers and officials. The licensee shall file with the division a list of all persons to whom tax-free passes are issued.
(c) Payment of the admission tax and gross receipts tax imposed by this section shall be paid to the division. The division shall deposit these sums with the Chief Financial Officer, one-half being credited to the Pari-mutuel Wagering Trust Fund and one-half being credited to the General Revenue Fund. The cardroom licensee shall remit to the division payment for the admission tax, the gross receipts tax, and the licensee fees. Such payments shall be remitted to the division on the fifth day of each calendar month for taxes and fees imposed for the preceding month's cardroom activities. Licensees shall file a report under oath by the fifth day of each calendar month for all taxes remitted during the preceding calendar month. Such report shall, under oath, indicate the total of all admissions, the cardroom activities for the preceding calendar month, and such other information as may be prescribed by the division.
(d) Each greyhound and jai alai permitholder that operates a cardroom facility shall use at least 4 percent of such permitholder's cardroom monthly gross receipts to supplement greyhound purses or jai alai prize money, respectively, during the permitholder's next ensuing pari-mutuel meet. Each thoroughbred and harness horse racing permitholder that operates a cardroom facility shall use at least 50 percent of such permitholder's cardroom monthly net proceeds as follows: 47 percent to supplement purses and 3 percent to supplement breeders' awards during the permitholder's next ensuing racing meet.
(e) The failure of any licensee to make payments as prescribed in paragraph (c) is a violation of this section, and the licensee may be subjected by the division to a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for each day the tax payment is not remitted. All penalties imposed and collected shall be deposited in the General Revenue Fund. If a licensee fails to pay penalties imposed by order of the division under this subsection, the division may suspend or revoke the license of the cardroom operator or deny issuance of any further license to the cardroom operator.
(f) The cardroom shall be deemed an accessory use to a licensed pari-mutuel operation and, except as provided in chapter 550, a municipality, county, or political subdivision may not assess or collect any additional license tax, sales tax, or excise tax on such cardroom operation.
(g) All of the moneys deposited in the Pari-mutuel Wagering Trust Fund, except as set forth in paragraph (h), shall be utilized and distributed in the manner specified in s. 550.135(1) and (2). However, cardroom tax revenues shall be kept separate from pari-mutuel tax revenues and shall not be used for making the disbursement to counties provided in former s. 550.135(1).
(h) One-quarter of the moneys deposited into the Pari-mutuel Wagering Trust Fund pursuant to paragraph (g) shall, by October 1 of each year, be distributed to counties in which the cardrooms are located; however, if two or more pari-mutuel racetracks are located within the same incorporated municipality, the cardroom funds shall be distributed to the municipality. If a pari-mutuel facility is situated in such a manner that it is located in more than one county, the site of the cardroom facility shall determine the location for purposes of disbursement of tax revenues under this paragraph. The division shall, by September 1 of each year, determine: the amount of taxes deposited into the Pari-mutuel Wagering Trust Fund pursuant to this section from each cardroom licensee; the location by county of each cardroom; whether the cardroom is located in the unincorporated area of the county or within an incorporated municipality; and, the total amount to be distributed to each eligible county and municipality.
(14) SUSPENSION, REVOCATION, OR DENIAL OF LICENSE; FINE.--
(a) The division may deny a license or the renewal thereof, or may suspend or revoke any license, when the applicant has: violated or failed to comply with the provisions of this section or any rules adopted pursuant thereto; knowingly caused, aided, abetted, or conspired with another to cause any person to violate this section or any rules adopted pursuant thereto; or obtained a license or permit by fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment; or if the holder of such license or permit is no longer eligible under this section.
(b) If a pari-mutuel permitholder's pari-mutuel permit or license is suspended or revoked by the division pursuant to chapter 550, the division may, but is not required to, suspend or revoke such permitholder's cardroom license. If a cardroom operator's license is suspended or revoked pursuant to this section, the division may, but is not required to, suspend or revoke such licensee's pari-mutuel permit or license.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the division may impose an administrative fine not to exceed $1,000 for each violation against any person who has violated or failed to comply with the provisions of this section or any rules adopted pursuant thereto.
(15) CRIMINAL PENALTY; INJUNCTION.--
(a)1. Any person who operates a cardroom without a valid license issued as provided in this section commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
2. Any licensee or permitholder who violates any provision of this section commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. Any licensee or permitholder who commits a second or subsequent violation of the same paragraph or subsection within a period of 3 years from the date of a prior conviction for a violation of such paragraph or subsection commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(b) The division, any state attorney, the statewide prosecutor, or the Attorney General may apply for a temporary or permanent injunction restraining further violation of this section, and such injunction shall issue without bond.
(16) COUNTY COMMISSION APPROVAL.--The Division of Pari-mutuel Wagering shall not issue any license under this section except upon proof in such form as the division may prescribe that a majority of the county commissioners in the county where the applicant for such license desires to conduct cardroom gaming has voted to approve such activity within the county.
(17) CHANGE OF LOCATION; REFERENDUM.--
(a) Notwithstanding any provisions of this section, no cardroom gaming license issued under this section shall be transferred, or reissued when such reissuance is in the nature of a transfer, so as to permit or authorize a licensee to change the location of the cardroom except upon proof in such form as the division may prescribe that a referendum election has been held:
1. If the proposed new location is within the same county as the already licensed location, in the county where the licensee desires to conduct cardroom gaming and that a majority of the electors voting on the question in such election voted in favor of the transfer of such license. However, the division shall transfer, without requirement of a referendum election, the cardroom license of any permitholder that relocated its permit pursuant to s. 550.0555.
2. If the proposed new location is not within the same county as the already licensed location, in the county where the licensee desires to conduct cardroom gaming and that a majority of the electors voting on that question in each such election voted in favor of the transfer of such license.
(b) The expense of each referendum held under the provisions of this subsection shall be borne by the licensee requesting the transfer.
849.09 Lottery prohibited; exceptions.--
(1) It is unlawful for any person in this state to:
(a) Set up, promote, or conduct any lottery for money or for anything of value;
(b) Dispose of any money or other property of any kind whatsoever by means of any lottery;
(c) Conduct any lottery drawing for the distribution of a prize or prizes by lot or chance, or advertise any such lottery scheme or device in any newspaper or by circulars, posters, pamphlets, radio, telegraph, telephone, or otherwise;
(d) Aid or assist in the setting up, promoting, or conducting of any lottery or lottery drawing, whether by writing, printing, or in any other manner whatsoever, or be interested in or connected in any way with any lottery or lottery drawing;
(e) Attempt to operate, conduct, or advertise any lottery scheme or device;
(f) Have in her or his possession any lottery wheel, implement, or device whatsoever for conducting any lottery or scheme for the disposal by lot or chance of anything of value;
(g) Sell, offer for sale, or transmit, in person or by mail or in any other manner whatsoever, any lottery ticket, coupon, or share, or any share in or fractional part of any lottery ticket, coupon, or share, whether such ticket, coupon, or share represents an interest in a live lottery not yet played or whether it represents, or has represented, an interest in a lottery that has already been played;
(h) Have in her or his possession any lottery ticket, or any evidence of any share or right in any lottery ticket, or in any lottery scheme or device, whether such ticket or evidence of share or right represents an interest in a live lottery not yet played or whether it represents, or has represented, an interest in a lottery that has already been played;
(i) Aid or assist in the sale, disposal, or procurement of any lottery ticket, coupon, or share, or any right to any drawing in a lottery; or
(j) Have in her or his possession any lottery advertisement, circular, poster, or pamphlet, or any list or schedule of any lottery prizes, gifts, or drawings.
(k) Have in her or his possession any so-called "run down sheets," tally sheets, or other papers, records, instruments, or paraphernalia designed for use, either directly or indirectly, in, or in connection with, the violation of the laws of this state prohibiting lotteries and gambling.
Provided, that nothing in this section shall prohibit participation in any nationally advertised contest, drawing, game or puzzle of skill or chance for a prize or prizes unless it can be construed as a lottery under this section; and, provided further, that this exemption for national contests shall not apply to any such contest based upon the outcome or results of any horserace, harness race, dograce, or jai alai game.
(2) Any person who is convicted of violating any of the provisions of paragraph (a), paragraph (b), paragraph (c), or paragraph (d) of subsection (1) is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(3) Any person who is convicted of violating any of the provisions of paragraph (e), paragraph (f), paragraph (g), paragraph (i), or paragraph (k) of subsection (1) is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. Any person who, having been convicted of violating any provision thereof, thereafter violates any provision thereof is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. The provisions of this section do not apply to bingo as provided for in s. 849.0931.
(4) Any person who is convicted of violating any of the provisions of paragraph (h) or paragraph (j) of subsection (1) is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. Any person who, having been convicted of violating any provision thereof, thereafter violates any provision thereof is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
849.091 Chain letters, pyramid clubs, etc., declared a lottery; prohibited; penalties.--
(1) The organization of any chain letter club, pyramid club, or other group organized or brought together under any plan or device whereby fees or dues or anything of material value to be paid or given by members thereof are to be paid or given to any other member thereof, which plan or device includes any provision for the increase in such membership through a chain process of new members securing other new members and thereby advancing themselves in the group to a position where such members in turn receive fees, dues, or things of material value from other members, is hereby declared to be a lottery, and whoever shall participate in any such lottery by becoming a member of, or affiliating with, any such group or organization or who shall solicit any person for membership or affiliation in any such group or organization commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(2) A "pyramid sales scheme," which is any sales or marketing plan or operation whereby a person pays a consideration of any kind, or makes an investment of any kind, in excess of $100 and acquires the opportunity to receive a benefit or thing of value which is not primarily contingent on the volume or quantity of goods, services, or other property sold in bona fide sales to consumers, and which is related to the inducement of additional persons, by himself or herself or others, regardless of number, to participate in the same sales or marketing plan or operation, is hereby declared to be a lottery, and whoever shall participate in any such lottery by becoming a member of or affiliating with, any such group or organization or who shall solicit any person for membership or affiliation in any such group or organization commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. For purposes of this subsection, the term "consideration" and the term "investment" do not include the purchase of goods or services furnished at cost for use in making sales, but not for resale, or time and effort spent in the pursuit of sales or recruiting activities.
849.0915 Referral selling.--
(1) Referral selling, whereby the seller gives or offers a rebate or discount to the buyer as an inducement for a sale in consideration of the buyer's providing the seller with the names of prospective purchasers, is declared to be a lottery if earning the rebate or discount is contingent upon the occurrence of an event subsequent to the time the buyer agrees to buy.
(2) Any person conducting a lottery by referral selling is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(3) In addition to the penalty provided herein, the Attorney General and her or his assistants, the state attorneys and their assistants, and the Division of Consumer Services of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services are authorized to apply to the circuit court within their respective jurisdictions, and such court shall have jurisdiction, upon hearing and for cause shown, to grant a temporary or permanent injunction restraining any person from violating the provisions of this section, whether or not there exists an adequate remedy at law, and such injunction shall issue without bond.
849.092 Motor fuel retail business; certain activities permitted --The provisions of s. 849.09 shall not be construed to prohibit or prevent persons who are licensed to conduct business under s. 206.404, from giving away prizes to persons selected by lot, if such prizes are made on the following conditions:
(1) Such gifts are conducted as advertising and promotional undertakings, in good faith, solely for the purpose of advertising the goods, wares, merchandise and business of such licensee; and
(2) The principal business of such licensee is the business permitted to be licensed under s. 206.404; and
(3) No person to be eligible to receive such gift shall ever be required to:
(a) Pay any tangible consideration to such licensee in the form of money or other property or thing of value, or
(b) Purchase any goods, wares, merchandise or anything of value from such licensee.
(4) The person selected to receive any such gift or prize offered by any such licensee in connection with any such advertising or promotion is notified of his or her selection at his or her last known address. Newspapers, magazines, television and radio stations may, without violating any law, publish and broadcast advertising matter describing such advertising and promotional undertakings of such licensees which may contain instructions pursuant to which persons desiring to become eligible for such gifts or prizes may make their name and address known to such licensee.
(5) All brochures, advertisements, promotional material, and entry blanks promoting such undertakings shall contain a clause stating that residents of Florida are entitled to participate in such undertakings and are eligible to win gifts or prizes.
849.0931 Bingo authorized; conditions for conduct; permitted uses of proceeds; limitations.--
See Florida Charitable Gaming Laws.
849.0935 Charitable, nonprofit organizations; drawings by chance; required disclosures; unlawful acts and practices; penalties.--
See Florida Charitable Gaming Laws.
849.094 Game promotion in connection with sale of consumer products or services.--
(1) As used in this section, the term:
(a) "Game promotion" means, but is not limited to, a contest, game of chance, or gift enterprise, conducted within or throughout the state and other states in connection with the sale of consumer products or services, and in which the elements of chance and prize are present. However, "game promotion" shall not be construed to apply to bingo games conducted pursuant to s. 849.0931.
(b) "Operator" means any person, firm, corporation, or association or agent or employee thereof who promotes, operates, or conducts a game promotion, except any charitable nonprofit organization.
(2) It is unlawful for any operator:
(a) To design, engage in, promote, or conduct such a game promotion, in connection with the promotion or sale of consumer products or services, wherein the winner may be predetermined or the game may be manipulated or rigged so as to:
1. Allocate a winning game or any portion thereof to certain lessees, agents, or franchises; or
2. Allocate a winning game or part thereof to a particular period of the game promotion or to a particular geographic area;
(b) Arbitrarily to remove, disqualify, disallow, or reject any entry;
(c) To fail to award prizes offered;
(d) To print, publish, or circulate literature or advertising material used in connection with such game promotions which is false, deceptive, or misleading; or
(e) To require an entry fee, payment, or proof of purchase as a condition of entering a game promotion.
(3) The operator of a game promotion in which the total announced value of the prizes offered is greater than $5,000 shall file with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services a copy of the rules and regulations of the game promotion and a list of all prizes and prize categories offered at least 7 days before the commencement of the game promotion. Such rules and regulations may not thereafter be changed, modified, or altered. The operator of a game promotion shall conspicuously post the rules and regulations of such game promotion in each and every retail outlet or place where such game promotion may be played or participated in by the public and shall also publish the rules and regulations in all advertising copy used in connection therewith. Radio and television announcements may indicate that the rules and regulations are available at retail outlets or from the operator of the promotion. A nonrefundable filing fee of $100 shall accompany each filing and shall be used to pay the costs incurred in administering and enforcing the provisions of this section.
(4)(a) Every operator of such a game promotion in which the total announced value of the prizes offered is greater than $5,000 shall establish a trust account, in a national or state-chartered financial institution, with a balance sufficient to pay or purchase the total value of all prizes offered. On a form supplied by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, an official of the financial institution holding the trust account shall set forth the dollar amount of the trust account, the identity of the entity or individual establishing the trust account, and the name of the game promotion for which the trust account has been established. Such form shall be filed with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at least 7 days in advance of the commencement of the game promotion. In lieu of establishing such trust account, the operator may obtain a surety bond in an amount equivalent to the total value of all prizes offered; and such bond shall be filed with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at least 7 days in advance of the commencement of the game promotion.
1. The moneys held in the trust account may be withdrawn in order to pay the prizes offered only upon certification to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services of the name of the winner or winners and the amount of the prize or prizes and the value thereof.
2. If the operator of a game promotion has obtained a surety bond in lieu of establishing a trust account, the amount of the surety bond shall equal at all times the total amount of the prizes offered.
(b) The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services may waive the provisions of this subsection for any operator who has conducted game promotions in the state for not less than 5 consecutive years and who has not had any civil, criminal, or administrative action instituted against him or her by the state or an agency of the state for violation of this section within that 5-year period. Such waiver may be revoked upon the commission of a violation of this section by such operator, as determined by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
(5) Every operator of a game promotion in which the total announced value of the prizes offered is greater than $5,000 shall provide the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services with a certified list of the names and addresses of all persons, whether from this state or from another state, who have won prizes which have a value of more than $25, the value of such prizes, and the dates when the prizes were won within 60 days after such winners have been finally determined. The operator shall provide a copy of the list of winners, without charge, to any person who requests it. In lieu of the foregoing, the operator of a game promotion may, at his or her option, publish the same information about the winners in a Florida newspaper of general circulation within 60 days after such winners have been determined and shall provide to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services a certified copy of the publication containing the information about the winners. The operator of a game promotion is not required to notify a winner by mail or by telephone when the winner is already in possession of a game card from which the winner can determine that he or she has won a designated prize. All winning entries shall be held by the operator for a period of 90 days after the close or completion of the game.
(6) The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall keep the certified list of winners for a period of at least 6 months after receipt of the certified list. The department thereafter may dispose of all records and lists.
(7) No operator shall force, directly or indirectly, a lessee, agent, or franchise dealer to purchase or participate in any game promotion. For the purpose of this section, coercion or force shall be presumed in these circumstances in which a course of business extending over a period of 1 year or longer is materially changed coincident with a failure or refusal of a lessee, agent, or franchise dealer to participate in such game promotions. Such force or coercion shall further be presumed when an operator advertises generally that game promotions are available at its lessee dealers or agent dealers.
(8)(a) The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall have the power to promulgate such rules and regulations respecting the operation of game promotions as it may deem advisable.
(b) Whenever the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or the Department of Legal Affairs has reason to believe that a game promotion is being operated in violation of this section, it may bring an action in the circuit court of any judicial circuit in which the game promotion is being operated in the name and on behalf of the people of the state against any operator thereof to enjoin the continued operation of such game promotion anywhere within the state.
(9)(a) Any person, firm, or corporation, or association or agent or employee thereof, who engages in any acts or practices stated in this section to be unlawful, or who violates any of the rules and regulations made pursuant to this section, is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(b) Any person, firm, corporation, association, agent, or employee who violates any provision of this section or any of the rules and regulations made pursuant to this section shall be liable for a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each such violation, which shall accrue to the state and may be recovered in a civil action brought by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or the Department of Legal Affairs.
(10) This section does not apply to actions or transactions regulated by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation or to the activities of nonprofit organizations or to any other organization engaged in any enterprise other than the sale of consumer products or services. Subsections (3), (4), (5), (6), and (7) and paragraph (8)(a) and any of the rules made pursuant thereto do not apply to television or radio broadcasting companies licensed by the Federal Communications Commission.
849.10 Printing lottery tickets, etc., prohibited.--
(1) Except as otherwise provided by law, it is unlawful for any person, in any house, office, shop or building in this state to write, typewrite, print, or publish any lottery ticket or advertisement, circular, bill, poster, pamphlet, list or schedule, announcement or notice, of lottery prizes or drawings or any other matter or thing in any way connected with any lottery drawing, scheme or device, or to set up any type or plate for any such purpose, to be used or distributed in this state, or to be sent out of this state.
(2) Except as otherwise provided by law, it is unlawful for the owner or lessee of any such house, shop or building knowingly to permit the printing, typewriting, writing or publishing therein of any lottery ticket or advertisement, circular, bill, poster, pamphlet, list, schedule, announcement or notice of lottery prizes or drawings, or any other matter or thing in any way connected with any lottery drawing, scheme or device, or knowingly to permit therein the setting up of any type or plate for any such purpose to be used or distributed in this state, or to be sent out of the state.
(3) Nothing in this chapter shall make unlawful the printing or production of any advertisement or any lottery ticket for a lottery conducted in any other state or nation where such lottery is not prohibited by the laws of such state or nation, or the sale of such materials by the manufacturer thereof to any person or entity conducting or participating in the conduct of such a lottery in any other state or nation. This section does not authorize any advertisement within Florida relating to lotteries of any other state or nation, or the sale or resale within Florida of such lottery tickets, chances, or shares to individuals, or any other acts otherwise in violation of any laws of the state.
(4) Any violation of this section shall be a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
849.11 Plays at games of chance by lot.--Whoever sets up, promotes or plays at any game of chance by lot or with dice, cards, numbers, hazards or any other gambling device whatever for, or for the disposal of money or other thing of value or under the pretext of a sale, gift or delivery thereof, or for any right, share or interest therein, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. Editor's Note: Punishment for a second degree misdemeanor is up to 60 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500
849.12 Money and prizes to be forfeited.--All sums of money and every other valuable thing drawn and won as a prize, or as a share of a prize, or as a share, percentage or profit of the principal promoter or operator, in any lottery, and all money, currency or property of any kind to be disposed of, or offered to be disposed of, by chance or device in any scheme or under any pretext by any person, and all sums of money or other thing of value received by any person by reason of her or his being the owner or holder of any ticket or share of a ticket in a lottery, or pretended lottery, or of a share or right in any such schemes of chance or device and all sums of money and other thing of value used in the setting up, conducting or operation of a lottery, and all money or other thing of value at stake, or used or displayed in or in connection with any illegal gambling or any illegal gambling device contrary to the laws of this state, shall be forfeited, and may be recovered by civil proceedings, filed, or by action for money had and received, to be brought by the Department of Legal Affairs or any state attorney, or other prosecuting officer, in the circuit courts in the name and on behalf of the state; the same to be applied when collected as all other penal forfeitures are disposed of.
849.13 Punishment on second conviction.--Whoever, after being convicted of an offense forbidden by law in connection with lotteries, commits the like offense, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
849.14 Unlawful to bet on result of trial or contest of skill, etc.--Whoever stakes, bets or wagers any money or other thing of value upon the result of any trial or contest of skill, speed or power or endurance of human or beast, or whoever receives in any manner whatsoever any money or other thing of value staked, bet or wagered, or offered for the purpose of being staked, bet or wagered, by or for any other person upon any such result, or whoever knowingly becomes the custodian or depositary of any money or other thing of value so staked, bet, or wagered upon any such result, or whoever aids, or assists, or abets in any manner in any of such acts all of which are hereby forbidden, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. Editor's Note: Punishment for a second degree misdemeanor is up to 60 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500
849.141 Bowling tournaments exempted from chapter.--
(1) Nothing contained in this chapter shall be applicable to participation in or the conduct of a bowling tournament conducted at a bowling center which requires the payment of entry fees, from which fees the winner receives a purse or prize.
(2) As used in this section, the term:
(a) "Bowling tournament" means a contest in which participants engage in the sport of bowling, wherein a heavy ball is bowled along a bowling lane in an attempt to knock over bowling pins, 10 in number, set upright at the far end of the lane, according to specified regulations and rules of the American Bowling Congress, the Womens International Bowling Congress, or the Bowling Proprietors Association of America.
(b) "Bowling center" means a place of business having at least 12 bowling lanes on the premises which are operated for the entertainment of the general public for the purpose of engaging in the sport of bowling.
849.15 Manufacture, sale, possession, etc., of coin-operated devices prohibited.
(1) It is unlawful:
(a) To manufacture, own, store, keep, possess, sell, rent, lease, let on shares, lend or give away, transport, or expose for sale or lease, or to offer to sell, rent, lease, let on shares, lend or give away, or permit the operation of, or for any person to permit to be placed, maintained, or used or kept in any room, space, or building owned, leased or occupied by the person or under the person's management or control, any slot machine or device or any part thereof; or
(b) To make or to permit to be made with any person any agreement with reference to any slot machine or device, pursuant to which the user thereof, as a result of any element of chance or other outcome unpredictable to him or her, may become entitled to receive any money, credit, allowance, or thing of value or additional chance or right to use such machine or device, or to receive any check, slug, token or memorandum entitling the holder to receive any money, credit, allowance or thing of value.
(2) Pursuant to section 2 of that chapter of the Congress of the United States entitled "An act to prohibit transportation of gaming devices in interstate and foreign commerce," approved January 2, 1951, being ch. 1194, 64 Stat. 1134, and also designated as 15 U.S.C. ss. 1171-1177, the State of Florida, acting by and through the duly elected and qualified members of its Legislature, does hereby in this section, and in accordance with and in compliance with the provisions of section 2 of such chapter of Congress, declare and proclaim that any county of the State of Florida within which slot machine gaming is authorized pursuant to chapter 551 is exempt from the provisions of section 2 of that chapter of the Congress of the United States entitled "An act to prohibit transportation of gaming devices in interstate and foreign commerce," designated as 15 U.S.C. ss. 1171-1177, approved January 2, 1951. All shipments of gaming devices, including slot machines, into any county of this state within which slot machine gaming is authorized pursuant to chapter 551 and the registering, recording, and labeling of which have been duly performed by the manufacturer or distributor thereof in accordance with sections 3 and 4 of that chapter of the Congress of the United States entitled "An act to prohibit transportation of gaming devices in interstate and foreign commerce," approved January 2, 1951, being ch. 1194, 64 Stat. 1134, and also designated as 15 U.S.C. ss. 1171-1177, shall be deemed legal shipments thereof into any such county provided the destination of such shipments is an eligible facility as defined 1in s. 551.102.
849.16 Machines or devices which come within provisions of law defined.--
(1) Any machine or device is a slot machine or device within the provisions of this chapter if it is one that is adapted for use in such a way that, as a result of the insertion of any piece of money, coin, or other object, such machine or device is caused to operate or may be operated and if the user, by reason of any element of chance or of any other outcome of such operation unpredictable by him or her, may:
(a) Receive or become entitled to receive any piece of money, credit, allowance, or thing of value, or any check, slug, token, or memorandum, whether of value or otherwise, which may be exchanged for any money, credit, allowance, or thing of value or which may be given in trade; or
(b) Secure additional chances or rights to use such machine, apparatus, or device, even though it may, in addition to any element of chance or unpredictable outcome of such operation, also sell, deliver, or present some merchandise, indication of weight, entertainment, or other thing of value.
(2) Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed, interpreted, or applied to the possession of a reverse vending machine. As used in this section, a reverse vending machine is a machine into which empty beverage containers are deposited for recycling and which provides a payment of money, merchandise, vouchers, or other incentives. At a frequency less than upon the deposit of each beverage container, a reverse vending machine may pay out a random incentive bonus greater than that guaranteed payment in the form of money, merchandise, vouchers, or other incentives. The deposit of any empty beverage container into a reverse vending machine does not constitute consideration nor shall a reverse vending machine be deemed to be a slot machine within this section.
849.161 Amusement games or machines; when chapter inapplicable.--
(1)(a)1. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be taken or construed as applicable to an arcade amusement center having amusement games or machines which operate by means of the insertion of a coin and which by application of skill may entitle the person playing or operating the game or machine to receive points or coupons which may be exchanged for merchandise only, excluding cash and alcoholic beverages, provided the cost value of the merchandise or prize awarded in exchange for such points or coupons does not exceed 75 cents on any game played.
2. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be taken or construed as applicable to any retail dealer who operates as a truck stop, as defined in chapter 336 and which operates a minimum of 6 functional diesel fuel pumps, having amusement games or machines which operate by means of the insertion of a coin or other currency and which by application of skill may entitle the person playing or operating the game or machine to receive points or coupons which may be exchanged for merchandise limited to noncash prizes, toys, novelties, and Florida Lottery products, excluding alcoholic beverages, provided the cost value of the merchandise or prize awarded in exchange for such points or coupons does not exceed 75 cents on any game played. This subparagraph applies only to games and machines which are operated for the entertainment of the general public and tourists as bona fide amusement games or machines. This subsection shall not apply, however, to any game or device defined as a gambling device in 324 U.S.C. s. 1171, which requires identification of each device by permanently affixing seriatim numbering and name, trade name, and date of manufacture under s. 1173, and registration with the United States Attorney General, unless excluded from applicability of the chapter under s. 1178. This subsection shall not be construed to authorize video poker games or any other game or machine that may be construed as a gambling device under Florida law.
(b) Nothing in this subsection shall be taken or construed as applicable to a coin-operated game or device designed and manufactured only for bona fide amusement purposes which game or device may by application of skill entitle the player to replay the game or device at no additional cost, if the game or device: can accumulate and react to no more than 15 free replays; can be discharged of accumulated free replays only by reactivating the game or device for one additional play for such accumulated free replay; can make no permanent record, directly or indirectly, of free replays; and is not classified by the United States as a gambling device in 324 U.S.C. s. 1171, which requires identification of each device by permanently affixing seriatim numbering and name, trade name, and date of manufacture under s. 1173, and registration with the United States Attorney General, unless excluded from applicability of the chapter under s. 1178. This subsection shall not be construed to authorize video poker games, or any other game or machine that may be construed as a gambling device under Florida law.
(2) The term "arcade amusement center" as used in this section means a place of business having at least 50 coin-operated amusement games or machines on premises which are operated for the entertainment of the general public and tourists as a bona fide amusement facility.
849.17 Confiscation of machines by arresting officer.--Upon the arrest of any person charged with the violation of any of the provisions of ss. 849.15-849.23 the arresting officer shall take into his or her custody any such machine, apparatus or device, and its contents, and the arresting agency, at the place of seizure, shall make a complete and correct list and inventory of all such things so taken into his or her custody, and deliver to the person from whom such article or articles may have been seized, a true copy of the list of all such articles. The arresting agency shall retain all evidence seized and shall have the same forthcoming at any investigation, prosecution or other proceedings, incident to charges of violation of any of the provisions of ss. 849.15-849.23.
[Statutory provisions governing the seizure and disposition of various gambling devices are set out in [fn2]]
849.231 Gambling devices; manufacture, sale, purchase or possession unlawful.--
(1) Except in instances when the following described implements or apparatus are being held or transported by authorized persons for the purpose of destruction, as hereinafter provided, and except in instances when the following described instruments or apparatus are being held, sold, transported, or manufactured by persons who have registered with the United States Government pursuant to the provisions of Title 15 of the United States Code, ss. 1171 et seq., as amended, so long as the described implements or apparatus are not displayed to the general public, sold for use in Florida, or held or manufactured in contravention of the requirements of 15 U.S.C. ss. 1171 et seq., it shall be unlawful for any person to manufacture, sell, transport, offer for sale, purchase, own, or have in his or her possession any roulette wheel or table, faro layout, crap table or layout, chemin de fer table or layout, chuck-a-luck wheel, bird cage such as used for gambling, bolita balls, chips with house markings, or any other device, implement, apparatus, or paraphernalia ordinarily or commonly used or designed to be used in the operation of gambling houses or establishments, excepting ordinary dice and playing cards.
(2) In addition to any other penalties provided for the violation of this section, any occupational license held by a person found guilty of violating this section shall be suspended for a period not to exceed 5 years.
(3) This section and s. 849.05 do not apply to a vessel of foreign registry or a vessel operated under the authority of a country except the United States, while docked in this state or transiting in the territorial waters of this state.
849.232 Property right in gambling devices; confiscation.--There shall be no right of property in any of the implements or devices enumerated or included in s. 849.231 and upon the seizure of any such implement, device, apparatus or paraphernalia by an authorized enforcement officer the same shall be delivered to and held by the clerk of the court having jurisdiction of such offenses and shall not be released by such clerk until he or she shall be advised by the prosecuting officer of such court that the said implement is no longer required as evidence and thereupon the said clerk shall deliver the said implement to the sheriff of the county who shall immediately cause the destruction of such implement in the presence of the said clerk or his or her authorized deputy.
849.233 Penalty for violation of s. 849.231.--Any person, including any enforcement officer, clerk or prosecuting official who shall violate the provisions of s. 849.231 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
849.235 Possession of certain gambling devices; defense.--
(1) It is a defense to any action or prosecution under ss. 849.15-849.233 for the possession of any gambling device specified therein that the device is an antique slot machine and that it is not being used for gambling. For the purpose of this section, an antique slot machine is one which was manufactured at least 20 years prior to such action or prosecution.
(2) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, upon a successful defense to a prosecution for the possession of a gambling device pursuant to the provisions of this section, the antique slot machine shall be returned to the person from whom it was seized.
849.25 "Bookmaking" defined; penalties; exceptions.--
(1)(a) The term "bookmaking" means the act of taking or receiving, while engaged in the business or profession of gambling, any bet or wager upon the result of any trial or contest of skill, speed, power, or endurance of human, beast, fowl, motor vehicle, or mechanical apparatus or upon the result of any chance, casualty, unknown, or contingent event whatsoever.
(b) The following factors shall be considered in making a determination that a person has engaged in the offense of bookmaking:
1. Taking advantage of betting odds created to produce a profit for the bookmaker or charging a percentage on accepted wagers.
2. Placing all or part of accepted wagers with other bookmakers to reduce the chance of financial loss.
3. Taking or receiving more than five wagers in any single day.
4. Taking or receiving wagers totaling more than $500 in any single day, or more than $1,500 in any single week.
5. Engaging in a common scheme with two or more persons to take or receive wagers.
6. Taking or receiving wagers on both sides on a contest at the identical point spread.
7. Any other factor relevant to establishing that the operating procedures of such person are commercial in nature.
(c) The existence of any two factors listed in paragraph (b) may constitute prima facie evidence of a commercial bookmaking operation.
(2) Any person who engages in bookmaking shall be guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 948.01, any person convicted under the provisions of this subsection shall not have adjudication of guilt suspended, deferred, or withheld.
(3) Any person who has been convicted of bookmaking and thereafter violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 948.01, any person convicted under the provisions of this subsection shall not have adjudication of guilt suspended, deferred, or withheld.
(4) Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 777.04, any person who is guilty of conspiracy to commit bookmaking shall be subject to the penalties imposed by subsections (2) and (3).
(5) This section shall not apply to pari-mutuel wagering in Florida as authorized under chapter 550.
(6) This section shall not apply to any prosecutions filed and pending at the time of the passage hereof, but all such cases shall be disposed of under existing laws at the time of the institution of such prosecutions.
849.26 Gambling contracts declared void; exception.--All promises, agreements, notes, bills, bonds or other contracts, mortgages or other securities, when the whole or part of the consideration if for money or other valuable thing won or lost, laid, staked, betted or wagered in any gambling transaction whatsoever, regardless of its name or nature, whether heretofore prohibited or not, or for the repayment of money lent or advanced at the time of a gambling transaction for the purpose of being laid, betted, staked or wagered, are void and of no effect; provided, that this act shall not apply to wagering on pari-mutuels or any gambling transaction expressly authorized by law.
849.29 Persons against whom suits may be brought to recover on gambling contracts.--The following persons shall be jointly and severally liable for the items which are authorized by this act to be sued for and recovered, and any suit brought under the authorization of this act may be brought against all or any of such persons, to wit: The winner of the money or property lost in the gambling transaction; every person who, having direct or indirect charge, control or management, either exclusively or with others, of the place where the gambling transaction occurs, procures, suffers or permits such place to be used for gambling purposes; whoever promotes, sets up or conducts the gambling transaction in which the loss occurs or has an interest in it as backer, vendor, owner or otherwise; and, as to anything of value other than money, the transferees and assignees, with notice, of the persons hereinabove specified in this section; and the personal representatives of the persons specified in this section.
849.30 Plaintiff entitled to writs of attachment, garnishment and replevin.--In any suit under ss. 849.26-849.34, the plaintiff shall be entitled to writs of attachment and garnishment for the sums of money, exclusive of attorney's fees, sued for the use and benefit of persons other than the state, in the same manner and to the same extent as in an action on contract; and, in any suit under this chapter for the recovery of a thing of value other than money, the plaintiff shall be entitled to a writ of replevin for the recovery of such thing of value, in the manner and to the extent provided by the replevin statutes of the state.
849.31 Loser's testimony not to be used against her or him.--In the event that suit is brought under the authorization of ss. 849.26-849.34 by someone other than the loser of the money or thing of value involved in the suit, such loser shall not be excused from being required to attend and testify or produce any book, paper or other document or evidence in such suit, upon the ground or for the reason that the testimony or evidence required of the loser may tend to convict her or him of a crime or to subject her or him to a penalty or forfeiture, but the loser shall not be prosecuted or subjected to any penalty or forfeiture for or on account of any transaction, matter or thing concerning which she or he may so be required to testify or produce evidence, and no testimony so given or produced shall be received against the loser upon any criminal investigation or prosecution. If the loser of money or thing of value involved in a suit brought under authorization of ss. 849.26-849.34, whether by her or him or by someone else, voluntarily attends or produces evidence in such suit, the loser shall not be prosecuted or subjected to any penalty for or on account of any transaction, matter or thing concerning which she or he may so testify or produce evidence, and no testimony so given or produced shall be received against her or him upon any criminal investigation or prosecution. Also, neither the fact of the bringing of suit under this act by a loser nor any statement or admission in her or his pleadings which is material and relevant to the subject matter of the suit shall be received against the loser upon any criminal investigation or proceeding.
849.32 Notice to state attorney; prosecution of suit.--The summons in any such suit, and copies of all pleadings and notices of all hearings in the suit, and notice of the trial and of application for the entry of final judgment, shall be served on the state attorney, whose duty it shall be to protect the interests of the state and, if the plaintiff fails to diligently prosecute the suit, to bring such failure to the attention of the court. If the plaintiff fails to effectively prosecute any such suit without collusion or deceit and without unnecessary delay, the court shall direct the state attorney to proceed with the action. No such suit shall be dismissed except upon a sworn statement filed by the plaintiff or the state attorney which satisfies the court that the suit should be dismissed.
849.33 Judgment and collection of money; execution.--Any judgment recovered in such a suit shall adjudge separately the amounts recovered for the use of the state, and the plaintiff shall not have execution therefor, and such amounts shall not be paid to the plaintiff, but shall be payable to the state attorney, who shall promptly transmit the sums collected by him or her to the Chief Financial Officer. The state attorney shall diligently seek the collection of such amounts and may cause a separate execution to issue for the collection thereof.
849.34 Loser's judgment; recovery of property; writ of assistance.--If the plaintiff in any such suit seek to recover property lost, and if the plaintiff shall prevail as to any such property, he or she shall take judgment for the property itself and for the value thereof, the judgment as to such property to be satisfied by the recovery of the property or of the value thereof. The plaintiff may, at his or her option, sue out a separate writ of possession for the property and a separate execution for any other moneys and costs adjudged in his or her favor, or the plaintiff may sue out an execution for the value of the property and any other moneys and costs adjudged in his or her favor. If the plaintiff elect to sue out a writ of possession for the property, and if the officer shall return that he or she is unable to find the property, or any of it, the plaintiff may thereupon sue out execution for the value of the property not found. In any proceeding to ascertain the value of the property, the value of each article shall be found so that judgment for such value may be entered.
849.35 Definitions.--In construing ss. 849.36-849.46 and each and every word, phrase, or part thereof, where the context permits:
(1) The singular includes the plural and vice versa.
(2) Gender-specific language includes the other gender and neuter.
(3) The term "vessel" includes every description of watercraft, vessel or contrivance used, or capable of being used, as a means of transportation in or on water, or in or on the water and in the air.
(4) The term "vehicle" includes every description of vehicle, carriage, animal or contrivance used, or capable of being used, as a means of transportation on land, in the air, or on land and in the air.
(5) The term "gambling paraphernalia" includes every description of apparatus, implement, machine, device or contrivance used in, or in connection with, any violation of the lottery, gaming and gambling statutes, and laws of this state, except facilities and equipment furnished by a public utility in the regular course of business, and which remain the property of such utility while so furnished.
(6) The term "lottery ticket" shall include every ticket, token, emblem, card, paper or other evidence of a chance, interest, prize or share in, or in connection with any lottery, game of chance or hazard or other things in violation of the lottery and gambling statutes and laws of this state (including bolita, cuba, bond, New York bond, butter and eggs, night house and other like and similar operations, but not excluding others). The said term shall also include so-called rundown sheets, tally sheets, and all other papers, records, instruments, and things designed for use, either directly or indirectly, in, or in connection with, the violation of the statutes and laws of this state prohibiting lotteries and gambling in this state.
849.36 Seizure and forfeiture of property used in the violation of lottery and gambling statutes.--
(1) Every vessel or vehicle used for, or in connection with, the removal, transportation, storage, deposit, or concealment of any lottery tickets, or used in connection with any lottery or game in violation of the statutes and laws of this state, shall be subject to seizure and forfeiture, as provided by the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act.
(2) All gambling paraphernalia and lottery tickets as herein defined used in connection with a lottery, gambling, unlawful game of chance or hazard, in violation of the statutes and laws of this state, found by an officer in searching a vessel or vehicle used in the violation of the gambling laws shall be safely kept so long as it is necessary for the purpose of being used as evidence in any case, and as soon as may be afterwards, shall be destroyed by order of the court before whom the case is brought or certified to any other court having jurisdiction, either state or federal.
(3) The presence of any lottery ticket in any vessel or vehicle owned or being operated by any person charged with a violation of the gambling laws of the state, shall be prima facie evidence that such vessel or vehicle was or is being used in connection with a violation of the lottery and gambling statutes and laws of this state and as a means of removing, transporting, depositing, or concealing lottery tickets and shall be sufficient evidence for the seizure of such vessel or vehicle.
(4) The presence of lottery tickets in any room or place, including vessels and vehicles, shall be prima facie evidence that such room, place, vessel, or vehicle, and all apparatus, implements, machines, contrivances, or devices therein, (herein referred to as "gambling paraphernalia") capable of being used in connection with a violation of the lottery and gambling statutes and laws of this state and shall be sufficient evidence for the seizure of such gambling paraphernalia.
(5) It shall be the duty of every peace officer in this state finding any vessel, vehicle, or paraphernalia being used in violation of the statutes and laws of this state as aforesaid to seize and take possession of such property for disposition as hereinafter provided. It shall also be the duty of every peace officer finding any such property being so used, in connection with any lawful search made by her or him, to seize and take possession of the same for disposition as hereinafter provided.
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849.18 Disposition of machines upon conviction.--Upon conviction of the person arrested for the violation of any of the provisions of ss. 849.15-849.23, the judge of the court trying the case, after such notice to the person convicted, and any other person whom the judge may be of the opinion is entitled to such notice, and as the judge may deem reasonable, shall issue to the sheriff of the county a written order adjudging and declaring any such machine, apparatus or device forfeited, and directing such sheriff to destroy the same, with the exception of the money. The order of the court shall state the time and place and the manner in which such property shall be destroyed, and the sheriff shall destroy the same in the presence of the clerk of the circuit court of such county.
849.19 Property rights in confiscated machine.--The right of property in and to any machine, apparatus or device as defined in s. 849.16 and to all money and other things of value therein, is declared not to exist in any person, and the same shall be forfeited and such money or other things of value shall be forfeited to the county in which the seizure was made and shall be delivered forthwith to the clerk of the circuit court and shall by her or him be placed in the fine and forfeiture fund of said county.
849.20 Machines and devices declared nuisance; place of operation subject to lien for fine.--Any room, house, building, boat, vehicle, structure or place wherein any machine or device, or any part thereof, the possession, operation or use of which is prohibited by ss. 849.15-849.23, shall be maintained or operated, and each of such machines or devices, is declared to be a common nuisance. If a person has knowledge, or reason to believe, that his or her room, house, building, boat, vehicle, structure or place is occupied or used in violation of the provisions of ss. 849.15-849.23 and by acquiescence or consent suffers the same to be used, such room, house, building, boat, vehicle, structure or place shall be subject to a lien for and may be sold to pay all fines or costs assessed against the person guilty of such nuisance, for such violation, and the several state attorneys shall enforce such lien in the courts of this state having jurisdiction.
849.21 Injunction to restrain violation.--An action to enjoin any nuisance as herein defined may be brought by any person in the courts of equity in this state. If it is made to appear by affidavit or otherwise, to the satisfaction of the court, or judge in vacation, that such nuisance exists, a temporary writ of injunction shall forthwith issue restraining the defendant from conducting or permitting the continuance of such nuisance until the conclusion of the action. Upon application of the complainant in such a proceeding, the court or judge may also enter an order restraining the defendant and all other persons from removing, or in any way interfering with the machines or devices or other things used in connection with the violation of ss. 849.15-849.23 constituting such a nuisance. No bond shall be required in instituting such proceedings.
849.22 Fees of clerk of circuit court and sheriff.--The clerks of the courts and the sheriffs performing duties under the provisions of ss. 849.15-849.23 shall receive the same fees as prescribed by general law for the performance of similar duties, and such fees shall be paid out of the fine and forfeiture fund of the county as costs are paid upon conviction of an insolvent person.
849.23 Penalty for violations of ss. 849.15-849.22.--Whoever shall violate any of the provisions of ss. 849.15-849.22 shall, upon conviction thereof, be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. Any person convicted of violating any provision of ss. 849.15-849.22, a second time shall, upon conviction thereof, be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. Any person violating any provision of ss. 849.15-849.22 after having been twice convicted already shall be deemed a "common offender," and shall be guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.