FL H1173

Establishes a 5-year statute of limitations for civil and criminal actions under the Florida Communications Fraud Act (s. 817.034).

In criminal proceedings, the limitation period does not run while a defendant is continuously absent from Florida or lacks a reasonably ascertainable place of abode or work in the state, but this exception cannot extend the period by more than 1 year.

Reclassifies communications fraud involving a value greater than $50,000 from a 1st degree felony to a 1st degree felony with enhanced sentencing under the Criminal Punishment Code.

Effective date is October 1, 2013.