Florida lawmakers have broadened the state\u2019s public nuisance statute, adding gambling houses to the list of properties that can be declared public nuisances \u2014 and eliminating a previous cap on total fines that could be imposed.<\/p>\n
Senate Bill 168 takes effect July 1.<\/p>\n
What the law covers<\/p>\n
Under the updated law, a property used on more than two occasions within a 12-month period as the site of a violation related to keeping a gambling house can now be declared a public nuisance. The property then becomes subject to abatement procedures under state law.<\/p>\n
The bill adds gambling houses to an existing list of nuisance-eligible properties that already includes locations tied to prostitution, unlawful drug sales or manufacturing, criminal gang activity, dealing in stolen property, unlicensed alcohol sales, and violent crimes such as murder, attempted felony murder, and aggravated assault or battery with a deadly weapon.<\/p>\n
Fines and fees <\/p>\n
The legislation also revises how counties and municipalities can structure financial penalties for public nuisances.<\/p>\n
Local governments may impose fines up to $250 per day. If the nuisance activity is not resolved within one year, fines can increase to $500 per day.<\/p>\n
Notably, the bill removes a previous $15,000 total cap on fines that could be imposed under local ordinance authority \u2014 a significant change for property owners with long-running nuisance violations.<\/p>\n
It also gives nuisance abatement boards the authority to retain jurisdiction, award attorney fees, and enforce foreclosures on property liens for unabated nuisance activities<\/p>\n
Definition of Public Nuisance<\/p>\n