FL H1393

Amends section 506.19 to authorize owners of field boxes, pallets, crates, and containers used in agricultural production to adopt distinctive marks or brands for ownership identification, with registration with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services providing prima facie evidence of ownership in court proceedings.

Creates section 506.265 establishing requirements for purchases of five or more plastic bulk merchandise containers, including obtaining proof of ownership from the seller, maintaining detailed transaction records for at least 2 years, verifying seller identity with government-issued photo ID, and making noncash payments.

Authorizes state attorneys to inspect purchase records at any time upon reasonable notice to verify compliance with container purchase requirements.

Establishes criminal penalties for violations: first-degree misdemeanor for transactions valued at $10,000 or less, third-degree felony for transactions exceeding $10,000; violators also liable for three times the replacement value of stolen containers plus attorney fees.

Exempts waste management facility operators and tax-exempt entities under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) from the requirements; effective October 1, 2013.