NEW PROPOSED RACING BILL

The Florida legislature has sent the Governor a new bill concerning racing in the state of Florida. It is anticipated that the Governor will sign the bill and the changes will go into effect July 1, 2019.

Prior to this bill’s passage it was difficult for law enforcement to charge racing in the State of Florida because a law enforcement officer was required to have physically seen the racing occurring.

This bill changes the existing Florida Statute 316.191(2) and allows an officer to warrantlessly arrest and take a person into custody if the officer has probable cause to believe he or she were participating in any form in motor vehicle racing.

This Bill removes the requirement that an officer either witness the offense and arrest immediately, or in fresh pursuit, or secure an arrest warrant. Witness statements, video’s, etc., can now be considered and used in making the arrest decision.