SB 2318 Summary

• Defines "prosecuting authority" as the Attorney General, any state attorney, or statewide prosecutor for purposes of the Florida RICO Act.

• Creates criminal forfeiture provisions requiring persons convicted of racketeering or unlawful debt collection to forfeit property acquired through violations, property derived from racketeering proceeds, and interests in criminal enterprises to the state.

• Establishes procedures for temporary restraining orders and injunctions to preserve forfeited property, requiring courts to enter forfeiture orders upon conviction and authorizing prosecuting authorities to seize and dispose of forfeited property.

• Provides non-defendants with the right to petition courts within 30 days to claim legal interests in forfeited property by proving by preponderance of evidence they hold superior title or are bona fide purchasers, with hearings conducted without jury.

• Amends money laundering statutes to revise criminal penalties by removing 12-month period requirements and defining "proceeds" as property derived from unlawful activity; imposes $5,000 fines for unauthorized disclosure of forfeiture information and prohibits natural persons from operating as sole proprietorships in money transmission activities.