FL S0540

Requires secondary metals recyclers to comply with secondhand dealer regulations and prohibits them from acting as secondhand dealers without conforming to applicable requirements.

Eliminates flea market exemptions from secondhand dealer regulations and establishes stricter recordkeeping requirements, including mandatory electronic transmission of transaction records to law enforcement within 10 a.m. of the business day following purchase.

Prohibits cash transactions exceeding $1,000 for regulated metals property and all cash transactions for restricted regulated metals property; requires payments be made by check mailed to seller's street address or by electronic payment.

Restricts secondary metals recyclers from purchasing regulated metals property during certain hours (weekdays before 7 a.m. or after 6 p.m., Saturdays after 1 p.m., or on Sundays) and from sellers under 18 years old, using false names, or appearing under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Establishes state preemption over local regulation of secondary metals recyclers and purchase transactions, except for county and municipal ordinances enacted before March 1, 2012; increases penalties for theft of copper and nonferrous metals from utilities to first-degree felony with treble damages liability.