FL S1566

Amends Florida Statute 918.13 to create enhanced criminal penalties for tampering with or fabricating physical evidence based on the severity of the underlying criminal proceeding.

Establishes a third-degree felony for tampering with or fabricating physical evidence in general criminal trials, proceedings, or investigations.

Increases the penalty to a second-degree felony when the evidence tampering relates to a violent felony offense as defined in section 775.084(1)(b)1.

Increases the penalty to a first-degree felony when the evidence tampering relates to a capital felony or any criminal offense that results in the death of a person.

Updates the Criminal Punishment Code offense severity ranking chart to reflect the new tampering with or fabricating physical evidence offense and becomes effective October 1, 2021.